Desert Chronicles: Guard Duty and Solitude Amidst the Euphrates

By Eugenio Saenz Jr. Nov 11, 2023

In the barren stretches of Iraq during the intense Desert Storm/Shield of 1990-91, my fellow soldiers and I took turns on six hour guard duty shifts at a post nestled in the fall months, close to the Euphrates River. This post wasn’t a sophisticated fortress; it was a practical creation made from sandbags we filled and sturdy 2×4 wood.

Underneath the surface of our makeshift shelter, we dug a foxhole, a sort of underground storage space where we stashed our essentials. Ammo cans, Meals Ready-to-Eat (MREs), and a five-gallon water can were the backbone of our survival toolkit, a straightforward setup for our daily challenges.

Our routine was a simple but crucial one. We walked the perimeter of the entire base with our M16A1 rifle and chemical masks strapped to our hip, shielded by a substantial berm. It was a repetitive yet vital dance in the vast unknown of our surroundings.

The tranquility of the desert was regularly shattered by the thunderous roar of low-flying jets. These aircraft, heralding their presence with a booming echo, raced across the sky on their way to unleash havoc upon Iraqi positions—a stark reminder of the volatile reality surrounding us.

Our isolation was occasionally disrupted by the passing figures of nomads and their herds, their mysterious journeys intersecting with our military outpost. Amidst this arid landscape, a lone camel, driven by hunger, added a touch of untamed beauty to the scene. In that expansive desert, where the boundary between duty and the wild blurred, we stood witness to a profound chapter in history.

Call To Duty

By Eugenio Saenz Jr. Nov 11, 2023

In the summer of 1967, a mail carrier rapped on the door of my parents’ home. Handing my mother a mail notification card, he informed her that a package awaited her retrieval at the post office. Perplexed, she dismissed it as a mistake, having made no recent orders. Nonchalantly, she tucked the card beneath a cloth on the TV and let it slip from her mind.

Fast forward three weeks, and the persistent postman returned, questioning why the package remained unclaimed. Mom reiterated her lack of orders, to which he suggested a quick visit to the post office. With a hint of reluctance, she complied.

Handing over the notification card to the postal clerk, Mom received an envelope in return. An official missive from the Army, it heightened her anxiety. Hesitant, she asked the clerk to open it on her behalf. Though initially hesitant, the clerk, with permission granted, unfolded the contents. A solemn revelation followed: “Your husband has five days to report to duty.”

Mom shared the news with Dad, and the letter disclosed his imminent deployment to Fort Meade, Maryland. Puzzled, Dad inquired, “Where’s Fort Meade? A town or a state?” Faced with a narrow five-day window, we relocated to my grandparents’ home.

A convoy comprising my grandparents, Janie, Martha, Mom, and myself escorted Dad to San Antonio, where he caught a flight to Maryland. Upon arrival, he underwent processing and commenced training on tactical truck navigation through jungles and creek beds, along with convoy operations in hostile environments.

Dispatched to Vietnam, Dad landed between Cambodia and the South China Sea, assigned to the 1st Corps, 1st Logistical Command in Phu’bai. Thus began his journey in the heart of duty and uncertainty.

Excerpt from my upcoming book Deployed.

Alice Texas soldiers preparing to come home. From left, Rolando V. Trevino, Eugenio Saenz, Edwardo Hawkins, Joe Zambrano, unknown.

Dad and me.

SPC Eugenio Saenz.

What Being a Leader Means: A Simple Guide to Making a Difference

By SGT Eugenio Saenz Jr. , US Army, Retired

Leadership isn’t just about being in charge or being; it’s about helping others and making the world better. Here’s a straightforward look at what it means to be a leader.

Understanding Leadership

Being a leader means showing others the way forward. It’s not about having power; it’s about guiding people to be their best. Imagine being someone who knows the path, walks it, and helps others along the way.

Caring and Understanding

“Leadership is not about being in control. It’s about making those you lead feel heard and supported.” – Kathy Calvin

Good leaders care about others. They understand people’s problems and help them. Think of it like reaching back to help someone up after you’ve climbed a difficult hill. It’s about being kind and supportive.

Being Brave and Strong

“A good leader takes a little more than his share of the blame, a little less than his share of the credit.” – Arnold H. Glasow

Leaders are brave. They face tough situations and keep going, even when they’re scared. It’s not about not feeling fear; it’s about overcoming it. Remember, everyone feels scared sometimes, but leaders find the courage to keep moving forward.

Having a Vision and Being Creative

“A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way.” – John C. Maxwell

Leaders have big dreams for the future. They imagine a better world and work hard to make it happen. Being a leader is also about being creative and coming up with new ideas. It’s like being the person who thinks of cool games to play with friends.

Including Everyone

“If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more, and become more, you are a leader.” – John Quincy Adams

A good leader includes everyone, no matter how different they are. It’s like welcoming everyone to play in your game, no matter their background. People are different, and leaders celebrate those differences. They know that everyone’s unique perspective can make the group stronger.

A Leader

“Leadership is not about being in charge. It is about taking care of those in your charge.” – Simon Sinek

Being a leader means helping others, understanding their feelings, being brave, having big dreams, and including everyone. It’s not about being bossy; it’s about being a good friend and making the world a little better for everyone. Embrace leadership with compassion and inspire positive change in the world.

Learn From Others

Fortunately, you are not alone in facing life’s challenges. Others have walked similar paths before you, providing a wealth of experience to learn from. This offers you the opportunity to succeed where others may have faltered and explore new avenues of experience to both fail and pass on. ~ Sgtsaenz.com

Be Honest Be A Leader