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SOMALIA  ROOM

Welcome to all our Veterans who served in Somalia in
"Operation Restore Hope"

Introduction:   It was brought to my attention the other night that our Somalia Veterans have been left in the wings..  Most "talk" is regarding Nam or Gulf Vets.. For this I apologize and have now added this room to the VetCenter..  In the near future rooms for Grenada and Panama will also be added..   But PLEASE we need to hear from those that where there..

This Somalian Room has been opened due to a Somalia Vet looking for a place to share and exchange with those that served in this Operation...  I want to personally thank Bud for bringing this to my attention...  His letter brought back memories of 6 years ago, when I was in that very same situation... Most of the talk and sites to visit dealt with Vietnam Vets and I couldn't find anything or sites having to do with Gulf Veterans..   Sooooo we must remember to include all and that there should be a place for all to come and share and exchange.. And as I have said many times before, it is only the time and place that changes.. the rest remains pretty well much the same...  Below is Bud's letter to me, that prompted the new room being added to VetCenter..

 DStormMom

-----Original Message-----

In a message dated 97-09-13 05:43:56 EDT, you write:

<< Subj: Somalia vets?

Date: 97-09-13 05:43:56 EDT
From: Kinimaka@classic.msn.com
To: vetcenter@aol.com

Is there an area where Somalia vets can go and release some steam and frustrations with other vets who went through hell or have you had any other requests from Somalia vets about this as everything seems geared around  the"Gulf" and Vietnam? I have a lot of questions and memories, some good but most bad! Need an outlet, living overseas and still recovering from that  "shh-fight" Feel a bit of an outcast, looking for some fellow comrades that know what I'm talking about. Is there something for us out there?

Thanks,

Somalia vet, US Army    >>

Somalia Vets can submit their stories and/or comments here

 

NOTE TO SOMALIA Vets Visiting: 

I am working on trying to get an Automated Message Board for this room
due to the many Somalia Vets who stop in here to chat.
My apologize for not getting some of your messages posted sooner.

DStormMom

We now have an   “automated”  Discussion Board .. :)


Head on over to the VetCenter's Rec Hall and hit the Message Board Area.
There you will find one titled: Somalia Vets. It's a Community Group and run by MSN.
I don't make the rules there and I do have to abide by their Code of Conduct Rules.
Otherwise, I may not be allowed to remain within the Community Groups.
However, you can post messages, start discussions, and if you like,
can even post photos to your Photo Album to share with other Somalia Vets.
I still have some kinks to work out in setting up the various features so please bear with me.
I will open up the Chat section where different era vets can have their own Chat sessions.
Cool huh?  I'm excited about this so I hope it this all works out.
Updates, and news articles will be posted here on site.
I opened the Community Group for Vets to be able to socialize
and interact with one another. See you over at the Rec Hall guys!

DStormMom

NOTE:
Since this is a place for exchanging and letting loose with pent up emotions.. Some may find parts of conversations offensive. I tell you this ahead of time, so if this applies to you, you may move on to another room or a differant part of the room. When releasing pent up feelings and emotions, one sometimes cannot curtail language or descriptions.. The idea is to release it.. that is the healing part.  I will here and there edit if really needed,
but would rather the conversations flow ... so for others, I ask that you keep this in mind.. Sometimes there is no other way for soldiers to express these events other than in soldier lingo... There is no pretty way to describe war, or sweet and pretty emotions.. Which is why most combat vets try to bury it all... How can one sit down and have a conversation about ugliness.. You can't..  There is no way to tell it gently, there are no pretty words to describe it.. So for all intent and purposes, VetCenter allows certain areas open for that purpose..  To let it out.. to get rid of some of that ugliness....  With that all said, I'd like
to  WELCOME  Cpl Barker ,  to VetCenter and hope that more Somalian Vets will be
stopping by to visit...          DStormMom

                                                        Lariam Articles

                                                                 09/29/02              Once a Soldier, Now a Statistic                                                                  08/24/02              Wife: Army Was Warned About Drug 
                                                                 08/23/02              Army To Probe Health Issues in Slay
                                                                 08/23/02              Health Experts to Probe Fort Bragg 
                                                                 08/23/02              Army denies link between Lariam, killings
                                                                 08/17/02              Third Bragg soldier took malaria drug
                                                                 08/11/02              Drug Comes Under Fire   
                                                                 Anti-malaria pill's role in Army spousal violence questioned 
                                                                 08/06/02              Lariam and Ft Bragg?

         SOMALIA VETS  UPDATE

           Lariam's Legacy - 03/2002


IMPORTANT ALERT  ~  PLEASE READ!!

** CALLING ALL SOMALIA VETS **

AND

"IN SOMALIA WITH THE CIA"  

Note:  Previous posts have been moved to Page 1

Subj: Somalia and back
Date: 2/4/2003
From: WintersTS@schofield.army.mil
To: VetCenter@aol.com

Well hello all out there this SSG Preston US ARMY now. I was in THE MARINE CORPS during Somalia I was in
3rd Bn 9th Marines India Co. When we landed right after the seal and the Force Recon did there thing it was interesting.
The stench and the heat wow unreal. I can remember walking around inside our perimeter looking out at this vast ocean
by the airport, and wandering to my self why in God's name are we here! They say we're here because these people are starving, but you know they didn't eat fish!!! But when the Russians we're there they ate because they had a cannery that would can the fish for them. I can remember going out on patrols and wandering if I will ever see my beautiful wife ever
again! We heard firing all the time saws being taken from Marines so we tied every thing down too us. And hearing the saw being fired was a scary thing knowing that we could be killed by our own weapon. I can remember on patrol one night my Marines mounted on hummers driving the air strip and hearing clanking in a hanger, it was an old Russian Hanger so we knew there was something in there. But not knowing exactly what it could be, we got down and went in to a def. shocker 2 what looked like brand new Russian Migs, with enough ammo. to fight a small war. Well we chased and scared them off luckily because they were wrenching on them getting there machine guns 30mm I believe. One of the guns was already gone, the others were loosened and about 15-20 crates of ammo opened and gone. Needless to say we never found them or the
guns ever again, talk about fear and knowing what those guns could do or have done to us or the Somali an people.

I have a few more stories of my experiences in Somalia I was wandering if the Corps or if anyone would do this and
I'm glad and finally able to get this off my chest. Another night on patrol we saw about 4-5 Somalians run across the
road with AK-47's with a lot of ammo, we just reacted and did our jobs not really knowing what was next. That was a
first for a lot of us we were walking this night on patrol, we just did what we were taught got down and reacted to the situation. When we moved up they were gone going into the dark scary feeling knowing one of my Marines could die
or even I could, but don't have time to think just react.

We moved to Baidoa and set a camp this is the first time we finally got to get a shower after about 20-30 days and
they had a px for us wow! I was over there for the National Champion Ship Miami and Alabama. Found out 2 months
later Miami lost. That sucked! Now we had been there for about 2 weeks and my Marines were relaxing as much as
possible in the rear just coming off the gate we set up. We called Marine Barracks Baidoa! When we were in the
compound we always heard explosions and gunfire, but we never let the Somalians get to close, well I was standing in
the middle and we heard an explosion not thinking of anything I saw about 2 feet away from me something skipping thought
it was a bug or rocks someone was throwing. God spared my life this day. I' m a Sniper in the US ARMY I would not have missed from 300 meters. Yes it was a sniper on top of a hospital I saw him we reacted and went after him myself and 3 Marines. When we reached the hospital they were screaming saying you can't come in here with your guns. We pushed
them aside and went in he was gone, there was a child laying on the table with his arm blown off. I told the Doctor to ask
him what had happened he said they made him blow up a mine. We found out later that it set off a chain reaction of snipers around the whole camp of about a mile!

I didn't know this at the time but yes my God had saved and spared my life. I know this now and I wish I would have
realized this many years ago, but I did not and threw me running and hiding from God it now has cost me so much! A beautiful wife and 4 beautiful children, plus maybe my career! I've served my country now for almost 14 years between
what the Corps taught me and the Army, wow where is this military going. I know this America we need to get on our
knees and Pray and seek GOD'S graces on America and quit turning our backs on his greatness and splendor we were founded on his word 52 of the 55 Founding Fathers were active in there church and where are we now! Turning to soothsayers, psychics, porn, adultry, alcohol, drugs, suicide, murder, rape you name it yes we're living a modern Sodom
and Gomorra! Let's be real people and ask GOD to be merciful on our future and our great nation and to pray for our leaders. Well I'm going to go for now I'll speak some more maybe later but I feel all my Brothers and sisters of Somalia!
Be strong and I'm praying for all of ya'll who have served and plan to serve in the future!

Thank you and SEMPER FI SSG PRESTON US ARMY!

TO THE ONES I LOVE MOST OF ALL 1ST AND FOR MOST MY GOD AND SAVIOR JESUS CHRIST AND
TO MY BEAUTIFUL WIFE AND 4 BEAUTIFUL CHILDREN YOU GUYS ARE ALL MY ANGELS SENT TO
ME FROM GOD I LOVE YA'LL!!!

AND TO MY BROTHER MAN YOU ARE MY INSPIRATION KEEP PRAYING FOR ME!

SSG WINTERS, THOMAS, S.
S-3 SCHOOLS NCO
2/5 INF. BN.
655-8040/0368

Subj: 8 Aug (sarge1)
Date: 1/31/2003
From: shilo53@hotmail.com
To: VetCenter@aol.com

I recall the 8th of August very Sarge. I was in the 10th FSB across the street form the 300th. I  remember the convoy
leaving and not returning, the chaos of the other hummers loading and racing out of the compound, the explosion and the smoke. That day and so many others are constantly in my thoughts. It's sad that the only people that know of or even remember Somalia are those that were there.

Subj: Somalia Vet again
Date: 1/16/2003
From: bobjrb1@netscape.net
To: VetCenter@aol.com

Since my last post nobody has posted. We need each other! Keep posting guys and gals. Since my last post only one person responded. He turned out to be a fraud. Anyone who wants to talk my e-mail is bobdavis.jr@verizon.net!!!!

KINGBOB

Date: 10/12/02 9:27:29 PM Eastern Daylight Time
From: digger@nqks.com
To: VetCenter@aol.com

i was and always will be forever thankful that to every somolia vet who doesn't forget and carries the lives of others in
there memories, i was and am "the sandman" if you saw my truck in somolia you knew it from the name sandman on the
front. and the skull face i wore around mog. i was assianged to mog delivering supply..kissmayo jilib, marka..ect. a soldier
from 10th mountain flippped a truck on his way from baladogle to baydoa, i tried to save his life "45 minutes of hell i live
with in my dreams" he was 19 and from califonia.. his name was david as i recall, brothers i tried he had a little child at
home as i did. but his injurys were too great..if you knew him please let me know his name. i have atones in my mind i
must admend to.

...SGT sandman.

Subj: 24th meu
Date: 10/9/02
From: BRCHENAULT@SMURFIT.COM
To: vetcenter@aol.com

any one serve in mog. With 2nd LAR- light armored recon light armored vehicles - hill 22

[Chenault, Brandon R.] operation restore hope & continue hope

Subj: SOMOLIA
Date: 9/27/02 10:22:42 AM Eastern Daylight Time
From: Steve Johnson
To: VetCenter@aol.com

I served in Somolia in Feb-April 1993. My unit was the 514th Ambulance Co. I am trying find exactly what awards we recieved for serving there. I want to thank you for this Web site, so I can share my experience I received while in Somolia " Operation Restore Hope." I write soon to my fellow VETS. Oh, so I write to this email address, or is there another one, to communicate with the other VETS?

THANKS AND GOD BLESS YOU ALL!

Subj: mog vet in need of fello vets!
Date: 9/19/02 12:42:42 AM Eastern Daylight Time
From: bobdavis.jr@verizon.net (Bob Davis)
To: VetCenter@aol.com

Today is the 19th of September 2002,
Tomorrow I have an appointment with the Va for my PTSD claim. I've been struggling allot with that hell. Even more so since BHD came out. Some times I think I'm going crazy, almost insane. you won't believe this or maybe you will, but allot of times I wish I was still in the mog. For as much of a scary hell hole it was at least you knew where you stood. That is the plainest that I can explain it. I'm also a gulf vet w/the syndrome. I know my mog brothers are tired of hearing about that, but truth is I'm so tired of fighting the VA battle, with no avail, they say I'm crazy that it is all in my head. Tomorrow I have to see the VA shrink again so he can make his formal presentation to the med board. I'm just so tired of it all. If it weren't for my wife and my 3 and a half year old daughter I'd check out for good. I'm tired of fighting the fight. Especially when they try to tell me here is no fight. I'm tired of the VA doctors with the big red dot on their forehead telling me that there is nothing wrong with me. I could keep writing for days about it. I'm sure y'all already heard the same story. I'm Proud, and scared to death. Thanks bro's for letting me ramble. If you want to talk my e-mail is bobdavis.jr@verizon.com. It helps allot to have an ear to chew on! If you need and ear you know where to reach me. Thanks again.
Bob Davis
ex US.Army

Subj: Restre Hope
Date: 9/14/02 9:56:42 PM Eastern Daylight Time
From: bobdavis.jr@verizon.net (Bob Davis)
To: VetCenter@aol.com

I served the mog. I was at the port of Mogadishu.(the old port)\I have been looking for others that served and feel like they are going insane! I'm also a gulf vet, and the VA. has been giving me the run around for four years. On the 19th of this month I go for my P.T.S.D. board. I know there are allot of us out their. But I feel so alone in this fight. I 'vet seen and did allot of heart renching things in the mog. It is getting to where I can't control myself anymore. I could drop a pencil and get so angry that I've put my self through walls. Over a pencil! I know it is not right. It can't be! If you served in Mogadishu and need to talk please e-mail me or call me. Do not abuse me, I don't know where else I can go. My e-mail is (bobdavis.jr@verizon.net) My Cell # is (1-856-577-1962) I am desperate, and again only contact me if you are sincere. I don't know who to turn to.

forever a vet friend
Former SPC. Davis
U.S. Army\

Subj:
Date: 9/4/02 6:20:13 PM Eastern Daylight Time
From: cmgaffney@hotmail.com (c g)
To: VetCenter@aol.com

I did 2 rotations in somalia dec.92-march 93 with E 2-87 inf. and july 93 - nov. 93 with 2-14 inf. 10th mnt. We hit about every city from Mog, wan-lawayne (sp), baledoggle, baidowa, kismayo, and lots of other little places i cant' remember. yes remember getting sick every time i took the malaria pills. that whole place seems so unreal to me now, it was so real
and tangible then, now it is hard for me to believe let alone expect a civilian to undestand. it was like another planet i watched in a movie..........we did have some fun on the coast hunting wild boar, and just playing with all our "toys" without the strict range rules on a u.s post. i was 19-20 years old then and was so impressionable. i see now that i am 29 and married that it must have been 1000 x's harder for the older guys with families. being young and single was the only way now i could see doing it. i have alot more respect for those guys now. after the 9 mo's in somalia life was changed for me in so many ways, ways i can't put in words but i am sure some of you know what i mean. more later ....

fellow Som. Vet C. Gaffney
Fort Drum 2-14 inf

Subj: Somalia
Date: 8/14/02 12:51:06 AM Eastern Daylight Time
From: ayett1228@msn.com (Anthony Yett)
To: VetCenter@aol.com

It is good to hear others saying and feeling ting that I have felt. I served in Somalia from Dec 92 to Apr 93. I know that's not a long time. I can still getting off the plane and met a Army Sgt. The first greeting we got was shit in the buildings , and bunk up in the open airport hanger. The smells and sight of that place still sticks with a man. I am not complaining , but it would be nice to get some credit. I came 4 inch from a sniper bullet while stationed at MOG. My platoon pulled guard duty on the flight
line, and convoy duty. I have never seen so many RPG , and ask. They still have the balls to say it was a humane operation. People who were there know better. My platoon was later moved to the Russian air base. I was a Marine engineer (LCPL) .
I have pictures of that place if anyone want to see them. I am glad I served with my platoon and others I thank god for the majority of us that got out in one piece. I pray for the ones that didn't. Let us never forget.

Ending thought This site was a great Idea I now have a place to let things out.

Anthony Yett

Subj: Hell on Earth
Date: 4/17/02
From: lonijake@rcabletv.com

My name is Nick Merritt I was in Somolia stationed at the University Compound I was with the 10th MTN Division
2/14th Infantry and I was there for Oct 3rd and 4th. I was a Spec. and was a Team Leader for Charlie Company 3rd Platoon our mission was not one of peace keeping, but as a quick reaction force if any US or allied troops needed help.
My Platoon was the first Platoon out the door on October 3rd. our mission to extract Rangers from downton Mogidisho
who were under heavy fire. They packed about 25 men on the back of 5-ton trucks this was not very fun when on the
way to the Rangers our convoy drove through a double sided ambush. After regrouping we retrogrograted back to the airport where we were re-issued ammo and a new plan was formulated. When we finally got our new plan formulated
two BlackHawk helicopters were shot down. My platton was given the mission to rescue and recover Mike Durantee's downed helicopter. By the time we arrived Durrante had already been captured and all there was left for us to do was to destroy sensitave equipment. I wonder all the time if we had only been there 10 minutes earlier we could have saved
Durrante alot of pain and suffering. My family especially my Dad who is a Vietnam Veteran believes I have PTSD, but sometimes I just believe that we were all betrayed by buracrats in Washington DC who did not know just how bad it
was in Hell.

I would like to here from some old friends that were there with me.

Spec. Merritt
US Army
2/14th Inf.

Subj: One Marine's Viewpoint
Date: 4/8/02
From: rojagert@yahoo.com (g r)
To: vetcenter@aol.com

Hello to all the Somalia Vets. I came upon this sight awhile back but couldn't really think of what to post. I guess I have fuzzy memories of my brief time in SOM. Hell.. I don't know if I can even really consider myself a "Vet" of Somalia. I was there for
the month of March in 1994 (but what a month)...yep..the pullout of all US forces. I was with 3/6 India Company with the 24th MEU. We were posted at the Airport.

Well...I am sitting here looking at some old pics and my ribbon bar, trying to remeber what the hell they all mean and what I was awarded them for. Its funny how that kind of stuff can elude me after less than a decade. But I guess I never really wanted to remember.

I will admit I have some bitterness toward the whole ordeal, not really towrds the Corps, but towards the politicians and all the political BS that was going on at the time.. the whole Political Correctness. I don't know how much PC the other vets here felt was swimming around, but we sure felt it. I guess it was maybe becuase it was the very end of the whole mess for US troops and we were pulling out. I'm not sure. But it was really ridiculous to us. I guess what bothers me so bad is the ROE's (Rules of Engagment) that we were given. We were told constantly about how we weren't suppose to engage anyone, dont shoot back if fired upon unless ABSOLUTELY necessary...wtf does that mean?

I guess getting shot at doesn't count as "absolutely necessary." I remeber the sea lawyer on board our ship (the USS Inchon) telling us before we went in about all this crap. We were really in disbelief. The whole thing reaked of PCness. I don't
know, maybe I am overreacting about all this. Maybe other vets got the same thing. But we were bombarded with this stuff constantly. Do not get me wrong, I realize that they had to give us some restrictions as this wasn't suppose to be a free fire zone, but what it all came down to is that they didn't want us shooting our weapons...period. I guess since the political air over the whole Somalia Campaign got so bad, the government didnt want anymore bad press over the issue.

And like the sea lawyer and so many officers said, this is a "Humanitarian Operation." Ya..right. Well, we got in at the beginning of March after 1month off the coast standing by for TRAP missions, etc..I thought I would just list a few things that stand out in my mind as I briefly revisit them. Maybe some of you can relate to them as well.

-How curious it was at first seeing those tracers pierce the night sky, coming at us and then hearing the rifle report after the tracer already went by.

-Post 1, the stupid Hogan's Heroes like tall guard tower at the airport. Sitting up there with hardly any cover and feeling like some stupid roosting pigeon waiting to be shot.

-The Pakistanis (or was it Egyptians) in front of the airport that were always sleeping on post...one idiot also had an AD (accidental discharge) one night right in front of us -The sound of incoming small arms fire that sounds like a childhood cap gun.

-The sound of rounds hiting the metal of our bunkers..like hammers banging on the outside.

-The sound of sand trickling from a freshly bullet pierced sandbag.

-That Goddamn stink!!!

-The dirty sand blowing all over the damn place

-The small pickups with 50 people jammed on them

-The 6th like sense of feeling a bullet piercing the air next to your body

-The adrenelin rush...how much more potent your senses become..the saliva overflowing briefly, then becoming dry.

-Ducking everytime a hut door slams in the wind...(after a firefight and alot of incoming) This lasted with me for quite some time after Somalia, from balloon pops, etc..The same for any of you?

-Incoming mortar rounds...enough said.

-Unquenchable thirst (postbattle)

-Warm Parmalat

-Ricchochet screams

-Kids wiping there ass in the sand like a dog

-Kids with swolen bellies

-Kids begging for food

-Kids throwing hand grenades

-Sight of an RPG...enough said.

-Corpses

-Dead camels

-Wall Mart

-Red Roof Inn

-Flares at night

-Rage

-How SLOW it seemed I was moving thru the deep sand while under fire and
in the open

-"Get Down!"

-"Incoming!"

-"Where the f**k is that coming from!?"

-Bullets skipping in the sand

-Porta-Potties with bullet holes

-The ka-chink sound of SAW belts around my neck as I ran...

-"Pack your gear...where pulling out."

-...and many others I am sure we all have.

I hope many of you are able to relate and maybe these short memory listings will rekindle some cobweb encrusted memories of your own. The last few things I want to mention is how much it pissed me off that we werent recognized for a
Combat Action Ribbon (Equivalent to Army CIB I think). Dont get me wrong, I could care less about a ribbon. I dont have mine on display or anything like that. Its the concept. We drew combat pay, but werent considered to be in a combat zone.
We got the humanitarian ribbon or UN or some dumb crap like that. Alot of guys (I know you all have seen them too) did some pretty "heroic" deeds in Somalia. Crossing open territory under heavy fire was not ordered.. but many of us did it anyway.. not for a damn ribbon, but to join our BROTHERS already up on the line and to lend them our support and to watch out for each other. And to protect those behind us. But it was the fact that we weren't awarded it for political reasons... the fact that why we did our job, as ridiculous as it was, without question and politics overshadowed it. But I guess that is so often times the case. But the real insult is the other Marines who server in the GULF, the ones who were in admin who never stepped of the boat into Iraq, etc.. they had Combat Action Ribbons. Just because they crossed some imaginary line on a f**cking map. And finally, in Somalia, while we were taking fire constantly, fully rating our $150.00 (or whatever it was) monthly combat pay, the admin Marines (back on ship) where put on the helicopters during resupply flights. When the copter landed, the admin Marines would jump out with 1 case of water each, drop it in a pile and get back on and go back to ship. They would rotate it around so all the admin types would get a chance to "step foot" on Somalian soil. Well, by doing this, they rated their combat pay. Now, that just topped it all for us line Marines. So you see, its not about the ribbon, but about recognition for what you did and endured and what was different about you from the others who didn't do it. But that we didnt get. But, life went on and as I think about a bit longer, I really don't give a damn anymore. I was just glad that I was there with my fellow Marines doing "that thing that we did."

Thanks all for reading and I will be checking back to read what others have to say in their posts.

Fantastic site by the way...and thanks..for providing me an outlet of some long-lost thoughts.


CPL R. Gilbert
3/6 India Company
2nd MARDIV

rojagert@yahoo.com

Subj: Hi friends
Date: 3/5/2002
From: tasmsla@montana.com (tasmsla)
To: VetCenter@aol.com

I got there early Oct. '93 with the 24 ID. Left in March on that beautiful C-130 flight to Mombassa. That was the only military flight I ever liked. Do you guys remember that goofy radio DJ. I remember one day he was giving the weather forecast "It is hotter than two rats having sex in a wool sock today. Tommorrow the same, Tuesday the same, Wednesday the same, Thursday monsoon, and Friday is another wool sock day!!". He cracked me up quite a bit. It was good to have that guy there.

I was on a Convoy Security Squad and saw a lot of the Mog. It still amazes me how much of a shit hole that place was. I can't even picture how bad it is now 10 years later.

It pisses me off that until now nobody give ORH any thought and if you tell someone you were there, the next time they see you the want to know about your experience in Kuwait!! What is that all about?

This is a good site I'm glad its here.

Subj: Uncle Tom
Date: 2/27/2002
From: DustyM50
To: VetCenter

My uncle, Cpl. Tom Key, was a marine in Somalia, stationed in mogadishu. If anyone was with his group or knew him please e-mail me and I will get in touch with him. Thanx.
My e-mail is DustyM50@aol.com and my aol screen name is dustym50.

Subj: somolia vet
Date: 2/19/2002
From: Travisgreene25
To: VetCenter

i was stationed at the university compound in mogadishu. was there ever any awards given
for being in that hell hole? i'm interested in hearing if anyone is suffering from ptsd.

travisgreene25@aol.com

Subj: Atherton, PFC (I Think)
Date: 2/13/2002
From: mjanu001@earmyu.com (Marc B Janusz)
To: VetCenter@aol.com

Hey, SGT (then) Janusz here. Recieved you and Sgt Mckinney when you entered the Embassy Compound. Sgt McKinney was gut shot, 3 rounds hit but only one went in. It took part of his pistol belt in with it. Man, your note brought it all back. Italked to the guy thet did the Surgery on McKinney in  1997 at Ft Knox. On Friday, 7 or 8 Feb 2002 I talked to a gal that was working at 42nd Evac. From what I remember, you were worse off than McKinney. Good to see you here leaving a note. I hope all is well with you and I check back here once in a while.
Write back. Marc (also check out  yahoo "Somalia veterans" club)

Subj: Somalia, our efforts to save the earth
Date: 1/27/2002
From: mjanu001@earmyu.com (Marc B Janusz)
To: VetCenter@aol.com

I was there. 11 April to 24 August 1993. What do I remember? At first it really sucked. The toilets were outhouses or the proverbial "tube". Being a Tanker, I was not familiar with the fact that the female soldiers would just walk by and say Hi while you relieved yourself. Times got better and we actually ended up with a ice cream machine in our chow hall. My job was
to drive throughout the great Mogadishu area with the command group. Did about 3000 miles
in the time I was there. i complained with everyone else about our sub-standard living conditions, the hot weather, the boss that had us filling sand bags.... until we started taking casualties. Only one or two a week, then a few more, then my friends. As my job was to drive a senior officer around, I was at the hospital every time wounded came in during my tour. I helped carry my buddy into the ER after being hit four times in the arms, that was a sad day. He still fired over
60 rounds out of his rifle, wounded and all. We found an uneplode RPG under his seat in the
Sward Base (a small miracle). It was worse the next morning when I went to visit him and
found that the guy sitting next to him in the HUMMWV (19 years old) that got shrapnel in his eyes was probably going to be blind for the rest of his life - WHY !!!! My buddy got medically retired, with a promotion, because he would never have full use of his hands again. Our mission went from saving them to saving ourselves. Life is a very limited thing, trust me - one second you are alive, the next your not. I am still serving and ready to go on the next mission. War is a hideous thing but I can't explain the intensity of living in a place called Somalia. Every minute is good if your alive and in one piece. Its about the people you are with, no time to worry about the others as you may not see them again. I am thankful that I had the opportunity to go to Somalia and will never give that back. To all vets that served there, we are a family yet total strangers.
I will stand proud next to you all until I can stand no more. I WILL NEVER FORGET !!!

Subj: June 27, 1993
Date: 1/22/2002
From: clay.t.atherton@lmco.com

My name is clay Atherton and I, and another soldier (Sgt. McKinney) was wounded 6/27/93 will clearing debris from 21 October. I am writing to find out if anyone out there was part of the different groups that helped save my life. I was hurt pretty bad and I really believed I was through. I talked with the doctor who performed the surgery, but only for a short time. I think about what happened every day and I am thankful that I am here today.

If you did help me that day or were part of the payback that followed, I just want to thank you.

Sincerely,

Clay Atherton

Subj: Somalia Times
Date: 12/4/2001
From: kevin.smira@ms.ngb.army.mil
To: VetCenter@aol.com

I was in Mog from Oct 93-Feb 94. I'll never forget any of it. I came over with the 24th ID from FT Stewart (C CO 3/15th INF) in response to Oct 3-4. Thank God I was not there for the events that took place those two days. I was "stationed" at Sword, Hunter, and finally Victory Base. 24th ID came in and had their engineers build that base on top of an old Russian Missle Factory. I would have rather stayed at Sword Base myself. Most of the time over there, we were the security force. We had many sleepless nights on the MSR pulling guard. I'll never forget what the hotel looked like on the corner of CP 31. The place was a s***-hole, and if I never go back, it'll be too soon. Anyway, I have no lasting effects from being over there,
certainly no PTSD, though we rarely even saw weapons. We were just a few weeks late for
that. No displeasement in my voice however.

SGT Kevin L. Smira
PSD Records Custodian
kevin.smira@ms.ngb.army.mil
(601) 313-6132 office
(601) 313-6172 fax

Subj: Somalia Vet
Date: 12/3/2001
From: rpmempire
To: VetCenter

I was in that shit hole for 6 months. We lived in Victory Base most of the time until we moved to the Port about the last couple of months. I was with 3rd of the 15th infantry mechanized. I remember one evening while on radio watch a call came in from our Army Sniper at the front gate at the port. He called in asking for the CO. I went and woke him up from his nap. He reported shots fired towards front gate from a skinny. Permission to engage. CO gave the order to engage first chance that the Sniper had. Sniper ended up getting a total of 5 confirmed kills. It was the worst country I had ever been in my life. I saw cows eating MRE boxes like they were bails of hay. Talking about a bad smell yum yum. Lets talk about the Boat House. Remember the flies? I remember shiting in my pants from dysentery. It could have been worse. I just want to tell all who served to stay proud for serving this great country of ours. And for those who gave their life may you rest in peace. If any soldier served with me e-mail me would like hear from you. SSG.JUAN C CALDERON/ US ARMY COUNTER DRUG- SAN DIEGO CA
MAY GOD BLESS SOMALIA VETS.

Subj: Somalia Room
Date: 10/12/01
From: Douglas.Borden@fema.gov
To: VetCenter@aol.com


Cpl. Barker 1/7,

I was attached from 7th Engineers to 1rst CEB there at the stadium, we were sitting around that night and heard the shot that we later learned was your Marine taking his life. If any good came of that incident, I and others decided more resalutely that Somalia was no place to leave your ghost, we would make it out and home no matter what the cost. The "skines" weren't gonna drive us batty, (My EX is another story)

I remember about that time frame (about Feb-the Riots) getting woken up one night/ morning because the Somaliis lit up our compound with small arms fire. Rolling out of my cot dragging my rifle and the mosquito netting down with me trying to get back deeper into cover. I also not being able to return fire for fear of hitting the 1/7 Marines watching over us, Thank you.

Sgt. Borden-USMC

Thanks for this forum DSM!!

Subj: Somalia Vet
Date: 9/2/01
From: taylor976@peoplepc.com (Harry Taylor jr)
To: VetCenter@aol.com

From Jan 26 to April 05 1994 I was in Somalia UNSOM operation Continue Hope they called it. I was with the 24TH MEU SOC - BLT 3/6 Weapons Co. 81's Plt. I got out of the Marine Corps after this late 1994 came back in in 1999 now here at 3/5 Camp Pendleton CA. If anyone can help me to know if I rate a Combat Action Ribbon for this operation it will be greatly appreciated. Please e-mail me directly if you have any info or were there and need to get in touch with a fellow vet . thanks brothers

Semper Fi;

Sgt. Taylor HG

Subj: Somalia
Date: 8/2/2001
From: gunnymo@austin.rr.com (David Morris)
To: VetCenter@aol.com

Holy cow!

Cpl. Barker! :) It's good to see another 1/7 Somalia vet. I haven't read through all of these yet but just had to reply when I saw the Magnificent 7th mention. I was in Bravo Company, 1st Platoon (or 1st Cartoon, if you remember).
SSgt. Dragooo...hehe remember him?

Actually, we arrived on 11 Dec 1992. I had it written down in the journal I kept while over there. Just to do a little site pimpage, I and some other vets have started a website called SomaliaVeterans.net. Help us spread the word.

Good to see vets getting together on this subject. We won't be forgotten!

Lcpl. David "Mo" Morris
Bravo, 1/7, 1st Platoon
USMC 89-93

Operation Restore Hope and Task Force Ranger, Somalia, Africa 1992-93
Remember The Fallen and Never Forget Their Sacrifice!
www.somaliaveterans.net
http://gunnymo.s5.com

GunnyMo

Why would Jesus come back now? People are putting up crosses everywhere!

Mosephus Scroungetale

Subj: somalia
Date: 7/5/2001
From: sarge1@netzero.net (sarge1)
To: VetCenter@aol.com

I was in the 300th MP CO attached to TF 1-22 from april 93-august 93. we were only in country for 41/2-5 months,
but we had some trying times. some of the things that i think i will never forget was the morning of 8 aug 93. our replacement unit 977 MP CO had arrived the day before. we had sent them out on recon patrols through the city with some of our people to show them the key areas to be concerned with. anyway on the 8th, i saw a plume of smoke downtown from the university compound. i had heard the explosion, and assumed that eod was taking care of business. when i walked into our toc, it was total insanity. anyway, what had happened was that we had lost a truck to a cmd detonated mine while enroute to the airport. the end result was 4 dead mp's. the one that i knew was RONALD RICHERSON, SGT, USA. Also lost were 3 MP's from 977th. to this day, i still don't understand what the hell we were doing there. if anyone out there thinks of it the 8th of aug.,
say a prayer for the families of these men who made the ultimate sacrifice not for god and country, but for the guy to their right and left. i will as i have every anniversary of that day.

God Bless.

Subj: Somolia Vet
Date: 5/19/2001
From: Scottfbailey
To: VetCenter

I served in Somalia from Dec 92 - Jun 93 as a Tactical Radio Operator for the Air Force,
anyone out there?

Scott  
Email: Scottfbailey@aol.com

Subj: somalia
Date: 2/25/2001
From: crose@semo.net (carolyn rose)
To: VetCenter@aol.com

hello,

good to see a site for us, I was a 91cc20 (LPN) serving with the 42nd field hospital from april 93- late august 93. would love to talk to any vets from there. it does help to talk. seems like no one else can quite understand

carolyn

Subj: operation restore hope
Date: 2/1/2001
From: gcha123@hotmail.com (charles grove)
To: VetCenter@aol.com

hello vet

i was with the 10th Mtn Div in mogadishu from 22 july 93 to 1 march 94.( our rotation never happened). besides the marines i was one of the last army personel that left that hell hole to it's residents. i tried to forget all about this worthless experience but whenever i go to a vet center and you mention that you're a somalia vet they just look at you with the expression of "so what". anyone who had served in that country knows that we experienced combat conditions daily. forget the humanitarian concept, that ended shortly after the clans didn't get their free handouts. so much for my concept. what i'm really looking for is someone who was stationed on the american embassy for the above mentioned period and observed the constant burning of medical waste from our american army hospital set up there. i originally claimed smoke inhalation from somalia when i retired but was denied because there was no residual damage evident. well the va center got their wish and i was recently evaluated with lung disease. my case is now reopened, now i need to satisfy the governments wants by filing proof that that medical waste was actually being burnt. so if anyone out there can give me a hand please forward any evidence that can be used, ie, pictures, letters etc.

thank you,
msg.sgt retired charles grove

Articles and some of the Units that where involved in  "Operation Restore Hope"

Web sites:

Map of Somalia - provided by CIA

3rd Battalion, 9th Marines, Company L - A US Marine's personal home page

Task Force Ranger History - From Nightstalkers.com

Operation Restore Hope  - Through the eyes of a Reporter  

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