A MEAL TO REMEMBER

We’ve all had some great meals; ones we remember for years. The Admiral’s Mess on board an aircraft carrier was one of my favorites. Perhaps yours involves a special restaurant or maybe a traditional family meal, however, we also remember those meals that were special because of their lack of appeal. The following story, related by a returning military member after serving for six months in Iraq illustrates this point.

“We were invited to a meal with the Iraqi military as a gesture of good will. Since we were in a combat zone, my men and I did not expect anything fancy but we were not prepared for the disgusting circumstances of this singular event and hope to never repeat it.

As we entered the dismal room, we saw long, filthy picnic tables, placed end to end to accommodate many people. Flies and maggots crowded the room, along with the smell of rotting food. We had to push garbage and refuse aside, just to have a place to sit down. The table top was covered with so much matter and debris, that it looked more like a garbage dump than an eating table.

All at once, a cook came by with a large bowl and a big spoon and began to plop a rice and bean food directly onto the table in front of each person. He brought no plates, no glasses, and no eating utensils. As the goo was placed in front of each Iraqi, they would put their filthy hands into the gruel and shove it in their mouths. Their bowels must have long since been accustomed to such drivel or they could have not endured it.

My team included experienced, battle-seasoned veterans, but even they were sickened by the sight. Water was poured into a large bowl and when those eating got thirsty, they just passed the bowl around, drinking from the same container. Such are the customs of the country we are assisting in this war. We tried to be polite and excused ourselves.

The Iraqi’s treated their wives as if they were trash and were only good for child bearing and nothing else. Little girls were told to stay with their mothers while little boys were taught to carry toy guns and hate their enemies. The Iraqi men were blatantly homosexual and made obvious gestures to one another. It was one of the most degrading encounters I have ever witnessed.

It is sad for me to report that that I have little, if any respect for their country or their people. I am immensely grateful to be home at last. The average American has no idea of how blessed we are to live in the land of the free.”