June

Original post date:
Sunday, July 01, 2007

Well a lot has happened since the last time I wrote a blog. We had an IDF attack about a little over a week ago that basically shook two of the airman up better bad. I was one of the first responders to it. I was getting the cordon and securing the scene when we heard the whistle of more IDF's coming in to our location. They started to hit all around us. The two airman live pretty close to where this happened. I guess when it hits this close to home, you start to realize the severity of the situation. Being here and dealing with these situations affects me, but these two airman need to realize that they have a job to do and sometimes that job puts them in harms way. I am worried that if I am posted with them, they might be more of a burden than a help.

I offended one the of interpreters. I was only joking with her. She wanted to smoke and we needed to get get back to work. I said I was losing control of my "terp" (is what our nick name is for the interpreters). I only said it a couple of times and I really didn't mean anything by it. When I was dropping her off, she exploded and basically said I didn't control her and she never wanted to talk to me again. Personally, I feel that what I said wasn't half as bad as what other people say in front of the interpreters and I think she over reacted. Now, she basically ignores me and I do the same. When I am posted with her, I only talk about business and what tasks are at hand. I considered her as a friend and this situation bothers me. However, I have bigger things to worry about here and I need to keep my focus on my job.

June was one of the busiest months here and it taken a toll on my coworkers. Even the interpreters stopped calling this the "Green Zone," because with over 20 people dead and many more wounded, this is hardly safe place anymore.

Luckily we only have about two more months before we leave. Two more months of escort violations, weapons seizures, rockets, injuries, and deaths. Two more months of dealing with some of these people.