Hill 1

Jerome Hill
Ms. Boyd
English 111
29 May 2014

The Sandbox Revelations
I. Reinforced childhood values.
A. Remembering where I come from
B. Putting other peoples needs first
C. Create meaningful friendships
D. Respecting differences between people
II. Preparing for combat.
A. Accepting the unknown
B. Boldly facing new challenges
C. Embarking the oncoming days positively
D. Conquering fear
III. Combat environment
A. Culture shock
B. Staring at death
C. Struggles of a new generation
D. Embracing change
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IV. What selflessness reveals
A. Life is more than living it
B. Experience broadened my principles




















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The Sandbox Revelations
Have you ever wondered why situations ever happen to you to begin with? Is there
supposed to be a hidden lesson where we are to learn from the situation? I believe so, whether
good or bad life is the longest lesson in which we are always the student. I was faced with one of
the most challenging, but yet meaningful life changing event to this date. The year was 2004; late
October, I had just arrived to my new unit (A Co. 26 FSB) after spending the previous year in
Korea. Upon my arrival to Ft. Stewart, GA; I already felt like something was going to happen.
As I walked into the S-1 office (personnel office for a Battalion or Brigade sized unit) my
company First Sergeant asked me a question that I would never forget for as long as I can
remember. Are you ready Hill? I already knew what she meant by the question, but I did not
know how to answer her. I have participated in numerous war-like training exercises where I had
excelled. I knew that this would be the ultimate test for me; knowing that everything I believed
in as well as my life was at stake, so I smiled and replied Ready to rock and roll First Sergeant.
That is when she handed me my orders to go to Baghdad, Iraq.
I knew that one day I would eventually engage in combat and now that I had become
faced with reality this was the moment to prepare my mind for war. Preparing myself for combat
was just as stressful as engaging in actual conflict. There was a great deal of last minute business
to take care of such as writing my will, ensure that my medical records were updated, and taking
care of personal finances. Most importantly, I had to physically and mentally train myself so that
I could be well prepared for what was ahead. I can still remember putting on all my gear (50lb.
rucksack, 30lb bullet proof armor) walking 5 miles, running 1 miles. All of this preparation
reminded me of the time when I was readying myself to take on the 12 year old neighborhood
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bully at the age of 7. Though I was unsuccessful at first; just the thought of prepping is what was
embedded in my brain.
Upon my arrival to Saudi Arabia I could not forecast what the next year would look like
for me. Usually I would set a few goals for myself to accomplish to keep me motivated during
the year. Knowing that my life expectancy in a combat zone would be short I did not even bother
to do so. I have learned to treat every new day as if it were my last day; not knowing whether or
not I would live to see the next day was still a mystery to me. As I was allowed to see the
dawning of a new day I embraced the new day with a positive outlook no matter how my current
situation looked. The time had come for me to join my unit at Camp Rustamiyah in Baghdad,
Iraq. While I was riding the bus headed towards BIAP (Baghdad International Airport) I began to
overcome my fear of the unknown and began to focus on my mission; which is to server others.
Confident in all the training I have ever had I was boldly ready to face the challenge that was
placed before my path in my lifes journey.
The time was a few minutes past midnight, the sky was pitch dark; all I could see were
the moon and the stars. This reminded me how peaceful the night sky really is, but beneath the
Blackhawk I was flying in was a totally different situation. The Blackhawk came under attack; I
could feel the sudden jerk of the helicopter as it maneuvered through the bullets that were flying
by. I also witnessed the gunner return gunfire back at whoever was trying to shoot us down.
During that heated moment a sudden surge of adrenaline rushed through my veins while
mentally telling myself Its time to rock and roll. After a few minutes we were able to finally
land safely; I reported in to my unit and headed to bed. Tomorrow is when the experience really
begins.
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I was given my first mission, which was to go out with the security platoon and provide
security escorts for the military vehicles that had to go out on the road during the day. As I was
riding down the highway, surrounded by sand like buildings the streets were crowded with
people. I looked off to my left and saw a female citizen stare at me. The stare alone sent a cold
shiver down my spine and as I looked around to gather my thoughts I received the same looks
from everyone who was out in the crowded streets. Surely enough I thought I was staring at
death itself through the eyes; the hatred I felt from the stares helped me realize the Iraqi peoples
situation. I became sympathetic towards them asking myself two questions; What if my country
was being invaded? How would I feel if my daily life was controlled by someone telling me
what I had to do? I know for a fact that I would have reacted the same exact was just as they
have done so towards me. I believe that some of the locals understood what the militarys
purpose was for being in their country. This was all part of a new generations struggles and the
fear of embracing that change. I have learned first-hand from being both a solider and a civilian,
once someone is used to a certain level of comfort disrupting this level of normalcy could either
leave to a positive or a negative effect.
Being over in the sandbox (desert) for a year has taught me a great deal about being
appreciative as well as reinforcing the standards that I was taught as a child. In my lessons I
learned that life is a precious gift and it should not be taken for granted. Life should be lived
instead of life living you. The entire situation I have experienced in Iraq has further broadened
my horizons as a person. From a child striving to make it in this world to a soldier seeing the
world first-hand and learning what the world has to offer me. This experience impacted my life
greatly and I am appreciative for the experience.

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