War is a Drug, Part Three: Shadadi bound.

Remains of a church in Tel Nasr, bombed by Daesh. (Photo by Freeman Stevenson)

Daesh destroys all facial features of religious iconography. (Photo by Jordan MacTaggart)

     After training, I found myself in a tabor (Tabor Shaheed Berxwadan) with four other guys: Jordan Mactaggart (Shaheed Ciwan Firat), Gerdun (Last name unknown, but Freeman Stevenson...), Shervan Kanada (Alex, from Canada) and Kamal Karacho (From Georgia. Inbred Georgia, not Balkan Georgia...). Based out of Tel Tamr, (Tel Nasr at first--a Christian enclave utterly destroyed by Daesh.) we did what military units do. Waited. And waited for the operation that was to come ten days later, or twenty days later, depending on who you asked. One day, a massive convoy rolled past us headed South to Shadadi. As a group, we requested to be transferred to this operation. Our commander eventually relented--he didn't want to lose his good westerners, as we were all pretty competent. We were driven to the front the next day.

Far North and Deep South, Shadadi bound.... (Photo by Jordan MacTaggart)

     During this trip, I was insanely sick--I don't know what my fever was, but I was delirious. I have a half hazy memory of winding through dusty roads and ancient fortresses...

I don't know who built it, but it was a definite "Patton" moment. (Photo by Jordan MacTaggart)

     After some shuffling around, we were dropped off with Tabor Sippon--not our Tabor of destination, just a group we could stay with until we reached our Commander. We occupied a small village that had been recently been taken, and settled in. It was here that for the first time in  my life I received Katusha rocket fire. It was actually aimed at a ridge above us, but I remember distinctly the "woowoowoowoo" sound they made as the rockets passed over our heads. I'd like to say I was more excited, but my fever sent me for a nap right after.

     After a cold February nights outdoor sleep, we carried on. We were shuffled about, dropped off--totally abandoned, really--at a staging area, and were eventually picked up by our Tabor of destination, led by the legendary Commander Simko. 

Simko and Shaheed Ciwan. Even with a baby goat, this guy commands respect...

     Finally attached to our Tabor, we awaited the advance into the city...