Aloha,
Boy is sure is getting hot. I see from the weather channel that Hawaii has had some hot weather also. We have been averaging temperatures in the 120. It’s hot just being out there, but let me say this, it is even hotter when you have all your IBA (Individual Body Armor) ACH(Advance Combat Helmet) and carrying your weapon. I had to go to one of the ECP(Entry Control Point) to escort some local Nationals onto the post for some work at one of our office. I just got there and was standing in the shade and I could feel the perspiration rolling down my back, my legs, and my arms. I had to constantly wipe the perspiration off of my face so it wouldn’t get in my eyes. I could feel the heat from the blacktop coming through the bottom of my boots. I could not believe how hot it was and it was only 9:30 am. I was glad to get my nationals and get back to our office and take all that equipment off and cool down. I took my DCU (Dessert Combat Uniform) top off and my brown T shirt was just soaked. My top was all wet on the back and the front. I was out there no more than 45 minute to an hour and I was soaked like someone had thrown a bucket of water on me.
I am truly fortunate that I am not one of those guards who work out there at the ECP’s day in and day. I can only imagine what it is like being out there in the hot sun for a whole shift. Those guards not only tolerate the heat of the sun but are task of making sure none of the nationals bring in any explosives or contraband onto the base. They ensure the safety of rest of the base by doing their jobs, even in the hot weather. Those soldiers deserve a lot of respect. The one thing I observed while out there was that they were doing their jobs and not one of them were complaining about how uncomfortable it was. They take in stride with smiles on their faces. These are the men and women of the 29th BCT doing what they were sent here to do.
If you hear of anyone complaining about not having the cool trade winds blowing to cool you, remind them that there are soldiers who are enduring hotter climate and not even giving it a second thought.
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