Charlie opens 'Cobra Cabana'

Photo By Master Sgt. Kap Kim | Spc. James Booth, Co. A, 1st Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, from Warren, Texas, is about to catch a case of water during a supply drop to their new combat outpost in Baghdad March 9.  

BAGHDAD, IRAQ

03.12.2007

Story by Sgt. 1st Class Kap Kim 

2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division Public Affairs

By Sgt. 1st Class Kap Kim
2nd BCT, 1st Cav. Div. Public Affairs

BAGHDAD – The last few weeks have been extremely "hectic" for Mustang Soldiers. The new security plan has sent them looking for a new place to live and building up the security measures to keep themselves safe.

For members of the Company C, 1st Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, who used to live in Forward Operating Base Rustamiyah, the order to move out into the Baghdad populace left them asking one question.

"We were like, 'Why?'" said Staff Sgt. Keith McDonald, a dismounted squad leader from Fort Worth, Texas assigned to Co. A now attached to Co. C. "In the beginning, we were uncertain what our mission would be."

When they first started the move, the Soldiers slept out of their vehicles in a palm grove and pulled their own security, according to Capt. Joseph Rosen, Co. C commander. "It was a difficult sell to the Soldiers, where, on the FOB, they are relatively safe -- to come out here, where they always have to keep their guard up," said Rosen who hails from Fort Polk, La.

Rosen said they knew the palm groves would be a temporary camp since the area would not be safe. So, they started scouting out places to live. They eventually found a building nestled within an industrial area of Rustamiyah, a section of Baghdad southeast of Sadr City.

According to the local residence, the militia once inhabited the former snack packaging plant. During their occupation, many of the local business owners were forced out of their businesses and homes.

"These guys here were wealthy, so they were targeted [by the militia]," Rosen said.

When the militia made their recent mass exodus, they left the building in flames.

"Some parts of the building were still on fire," said Pfc. Arthuro Huerta, of Dinuba, Calif.

During their move into their new combat outpost known as "Cobra Base," the Soldiers worked tirelessly to set up security measures.

"There's been no down time," said Rosen. "Until we bring up the security won't be a lot either ... and we still go on patrols.'

"Everyday, we are thinking, 'if I was an insurgent, how would I attack?'" Rosen continued.

They knew it would be tough, but they kept working.

"I like it now, but it took a lot of work in getting this ready," said McDonald.

They are without many of the amenities their brethren at nearby bases enjoy, but they continue to make improvements to what they now call the "Cobra Cabana."

Through their sacrifices, the men said they understand and appreciate what the intent was.

"To me, it seems like the people here want to help out," said Spc. Joshua Vickroy, of Augusta, Ga. "These guys will help out. They give us info and ask us if we need help. Overall, we get good feelings from them."

According to Capt. Evans Hanson, 1-8 Cav's Fire Support officer, being a part of the community was very important to the overall mission of securing their part of Baghdad.

"These guys are working miracles to get their areas set up," Hanson said. "We've said we are a part of the community, but you can't get a walk-in tip into [FOB] Rustamiyah. Out there, we are a part of the community because they work in the community."

As their support company continually brings in supplies and cement barriers, the local children swarm to the Soldiers chanting, "mista, mista," and asking for chocolate. As Vickroy watches the children play near their tanks, he said by his unit being there, he hopes the children have what he had growing up.

"I just want them to have the same things I had when I was growing up – the hopes and dreams I had – just to have the opportunity to shoot for my dreams," he said.

For McDonald, being able to live and work so closely to the community they will help protect is paramount to his mission. Another thing the Soldiers said they want is for many of the residents who where forced to leave their homes and businesses to eventually come back to their normal lives.

"I want them to know that we are not going to leave them high and dry, and that we are here to stay. We want them to feel safe. We want them to get their economy up; we want them to make money, so they can help themselves," he said. "We are always out here; we are always in sector. Maybe when they see that, they will know we are here to help them, and I think that's a big deal."

• Date Taken: 03.12.2007
• Date Posted: 03.12.2007 09:03
• Story ID: 9381
• Location: BAGHDAD, IQ