Promotion Abroad

It was a hot evening (102 F) as the sun sunk below the horizon over western Mosul. The high of the day was 112F. All day the dust could be seen layering out over the flight line. And the sound of a few dozen soldiers working in the heat of the day to clean up the veranda we call, “the eagles nest” overlooking the flight line could be heard through the squeltering heat. As the sun relinquished its grip on the parched earth, people started to ascend the uneven staircase to the eagles nest. Smiles and handshakes were exchanged and people posed for pictures as the sun in its last effort to be the center of attention displayed an amazing sunset.



The casual veranda was transformed to a regal hall as the flags were posted and a small table with a black tablecloth became a display stand for the framed documents promoting four officers to the rank of major. The sun cooperated by providing a beautiful back drop and allowing the temperature to drop a few precious degrees.





We all socialized, telling stories of the day’s events and joking about our enthusiasm for the climate. Sweat dripped down our backs as we all waited for the guest of honor, the commanding officer for the coalition troops of northern Iraq’s Ninewa Province.

Upon his arrival we moved to where the ceremony would take place, the courtyard of the Flag. After a few remarks to the group, he addressed each of us individually talking about our families and our pathways that brought us to this point. He also spoke of the significance of this type of promotion, a battle field promotion. He challenged us to remember those of the past that were promoted to the rank of major in previous battles and the challenges that they faced; and for us to execute our duties with the same conviction that they did.


After those remarks the Executive Officer for the CSH boomed out the “call to orders” for each of us being promoting. We were then “pinned” (velcro’d) with the gold oak leaf and our patrol caps with our new rank were placed on our heads.




We said a few words of thanks and then all headed over to the local café for snacks and drinks (non-alcoholic of course :)



All in all it was a fun time and a memory that none of us will forget.
Sincerely,
MAJ Eric