A MasterCard Moment

5 May 2004 0928 hours

The Outlaws had a "little taste of home" last night. Through a little resourceful thinking and bold action, we had a BBQ. It was a peaceful scene in the evening hours. The temperature dropped to reasonable 90 degrees. It hit a high of 114 degrees during the late afternoon hours; the "cool" evening air without the sun searing our skin was welcome.

I brought some party lights and a Weber grill from Germany. Monika mailed us forty pounds of charcoal that created the perfect bed of coals. We enjoyed steaks and hamburgers with a side of assorted potato chips. The Jack Daniels flavored BBQ sauce glazed the meat and gave it a smoky flavor. It was the first time since we assumed this mission that every junior soldier in the platoon was outside of their hooches together. We were throwing frisbees and footballs with chem-lites attached. It was good to see smiles on so many soldiers faces. I am talking about real pleasure; not some form of conjured up emotion under false pretense.

The cameras were out and in full use. Special times like that make this deployment pass just a little bit easier. MasterCard could produce a great advertisement from the scene. Grill, tools, and charcoal... cost $75. Party lights, assorted toys, and bug zapper... cost $50. Steaks, hamburgers, and condiments... cost $60. Unforgettable moments conducting a BBQ with United States Soldiers in Iraq... priceless.

I am no longer an Outlaw. I am being transferred back to Bravo Company, The Bushmasters. Only God knows what lies ahead for me. My mother taught me a wonderful anecdote when I was a child. When life hands you lemons, make lemonade. That rings true to this day. The Outlaws are strong soldiers capable of performing heroic tasks when called to duty. I am proud to have served with the soldiers of the Outlaw Platoon.

Philip Jarvis
SSG, U.S.Army
Master Gunner

Postscript: While I was writing this post I got E-mail from my Mom. She wrote this at the end of her message. "Love you very much. Please stay safe and keep making that delicious brand of lemonade only you can make out of those ol' lemons. Mom."

Thanks, Mom.