Page 56 - 100 Hours to Destiny

THANKSGIVING FEAST IN FEBRUARY

2/23/1991 @ 1600 hours

I had my M16A2 service rifle slung over my shoulder as I came into
the Captain’s area. Marcus Mitchell, the Captain’s driver, was moving hastily
about constructing make-shift tables out of MRE boxes and shipping pallets.
“Come on Witcher, give me a hand. Looks like we’re going to get hot chow. I
want you to help me dish it up to the company. Let’s get a couple of the
others and form a serving line.”
“Roger that brother, I’m in. I’m going to set my M16A2 in your
driver’s hatch. Don’t let me forget it – ha ha….”
“I know you’re getting old Witcher, but don’t forget your weapon…
Captain will have your ass.”
“Delta Company this is Delta 7, we have chow trucks arriving from
the south, these are friendlies; Marines on watch in gun turrets check your
fire, I say again hold fire.” As the trucks rumbled into Delta Companies HQ
area it was extremely loud. Marines on board the chow truck scrambled to
divvy up our portions, along with serving ware, paper plates and canisters of
drinks. This day, it would be a turkey and dressing feast, so typical to
invading forces in the past. I rolled my eyes back in my head, just in
reiteration, that indeed just another realization that the hours were clicking
off.
The CO broke over the net, “Alright Delta, make your way to the
chow hall.” Simultaneously the chow trucks made their departure… to make
their way to parts unknown somewhere in the Saudi desert, to serve other
units of Marines. And thus, 161 Marines and Navy Corpsmen with their
personal weapons, Kevlar helmets, flak jackets, gas masks, and deuce gear
began the slow methodical movement to come and get what would prove to
be the very last tray rat dinner until after the Invasion was complete. As the
Marines came in one by one the senior Marines in rank would stand aside
and wait, allowing subordinate Marines first access to the freshly opened
containers of hot food. Regiment had gone above and beyond on this meal,
hot turkey and dressing with gravy, green beans, mashed potatoes, hot
buttered carrots, fresh peas, and hot yeast rolls. Then there were several
desserts along with condiments to include cranberry sauce…. Thanksgiving in
February…. Finally, the Captain had to step in and re-warn everyone to not
overindulge. “Stay lean Marines, enjoy your chow, but stay lean. You’ll be
glad you did this evening.” The serving line took the hint and began to refrain
from over-filling plates. The Marines of Delta Company kept coming and we