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Once again, we were split into four groups so we could see as many soldiers as possible. My group was up early, and headed to chow. After chow, our first stop was visiting the 325 Combat Support Hospital (CASH).

As soon as we arrived, there was a helicopter that had landed and was bringing in a hurt Iraqi soldier. You might find it strange that our military doctors are helping the enemy, but you see, it is important to help all human beings in this war. One of the the U.S. soldiers was telling us that when an Iraqi soldier first comes in, he is very distraught that he has been captured, but after he sees how good our soldiers treat him, his view about Americans start to change. I think this is vital and very important in winning this war, because the Iraqi enemy has been brainwashed to believe Americans are evil when clearly we are not!!

After the wounded soldier was taken in, we were given a tour of the hospital. I was really excited to see it because when I was in college, I actually thought about going to medical school. I ended up choosing media arts, but I still love medicine. They first showed us the room where all patients are brought in for diagnosis. It is just a room with beds lined up all against the wall. From there, we visited the pharmacy, which is in a small room with really tight quarters. There is medicine lined up in every nook and cranny!! Space is definitely an issue here. Next we went to the X-ray area.

Basically, it is in a hallway with an X-ray machine to the side. What was really funny, was that the technician wanted to get an X-ray of one of us and the guys volunteered me! I actually took advantage of this offer and had him X-ray my knee to see how it was healing. I’m glad to inform all of you, that the X-rays looked good and my knee is healing well. LOL!

After we left the X-ray area, we visited the surgery room. We actually weren’t allowed inside because they need to keep it sterile, but we looked at it through the window. It was very tiny, but I was really impressed with how they go to all lengths to keep the dust out. Not an easy task in this country. We then did an autograph signing for all the medical staff, and it was great meeting all of them!!

Once we left the hospital, we went to visit the 131 Armored Cavaliers. These are the soldiers that go out in the big tanks. When I saw their armored gear, I asked if I could put it on, and OMG, I wasn’t prepared for what happened. The entire ensemble weighs more than 75 pounds!!!!! I couldn’t believe how heavy it was. I then proceeded to get into the tank with the gear on and had to be helped inside.

I could hardly move! They have to wear this at all times during their 18-hour shifts!!!! It doesn’t matter if you are man or woman, you have to have it on! Wow, now that’s tough!!

OK, time to say goodbye to the Cavaliers and hello to the 3rd Battalion/1st Aviation Regiment. These are the soldiers that go out in all types of helicopters including the Black Hawk. Here, the soldiers dressed me in their flying gear – and I was happy to say it didn’t weigh as much as the other gear.

They took us on a tour of two different helicopters and Kennedy, Hardcore and I even climbed to the top of the Black Hawk! It was really great just hanging out with all of them!!

After we left them, we were suppose to have a small break before meeting the major general, but we decided to have an impromptu visit with the soldiers at the main gate to the base. When we arrived, we were amazed to see that a convoy was heading out of the main gate and leaving with supplies for the other bases. It really hit me then that I was in Iraq in the middle of a war, and that these troops were going out not knowing if they would safely make it back to base.

There were four soldiers manning the gate and their mouths dropped open when they saw us. They had heard that we were on the base but they couldn’t believe we had taken time out to come visit them personally. Actually, I was the one amazed. Amazed at how brave these troops are and their commitment to the mission. It really was a very special visit.

After we left there, we joined all the other groups and went to Task Force Iron and visited Maj. Gen. Mark Hertling. He was great! Hertling was so full of energy and made us all feel so very special!! He presented us each with a Certificate of Excellence and a very special military coin. It really was a touching moment.

After we left the major general, we all went back to the barracks and shared stories of our day’s events. Unfortunately, due to the weather, group three had to spend the night at the base they were visiting, which was about an hour away from us. Mickie James was in that group, so I was sad that she wouldn’t be able to spend the night with Maria and I. I’m told they will join us tomorrow at the show.

It was a very tiring, but extremely fulfilling day!! Time to get some rest before the show!!

Day 1
Day 2

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