[EX-Gold Falcon]

I've been looking forward to posting here for awhile, and now I have the perfect opportunity!

Ahh, the Sandbox. I've no doubt you've received all the standard briefings concerning your new AO. Security/OpSec/Hygiene/Commo/Packing List/Political/Legal/Etc. Nonetheless, have they told you about the local wildlife?

Sand fleas and Ticks are a given, Spiders of all sizes. Most are not lethal, yet if bitten do yourself a favor and head to the Aid Station. Most bites will leave a nice scar; trust me I know!

Next my personal none-favorite indigenous creature - Cobras. BIG, MEAN and HIGHLY AGGRESSIVE!!! If bitten, your chances of survival are highly dependant upon factors you'd rather not depend upon.

It would be to your advantage to deal with Cobras in the same manner as an opponent armed with a knife. If they are within 21 ft; shoot it. Cobras are aggressive enough to actually pursue a perceived threat. Moreover, within 21 ft the buggers are FAST! A modified "reaction to contact" should be applied; Move, Shoot & Communicate.

This is all based upon CLOSE personal experience. Damn I Hate Cobras….

Avoid swimming in the Persian Gulf as well. Let's see, Sea Snakes (even more poisonous then Cobras though less aggressive) highly toxic Jellyfish, and packs of Hammerhead Sharks.

Hmm, that should just about cover this week's episode of Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdom- The Arabian Experience. Oh wait, Camels are filthy nasty creatures as well, but at least they won't try to kill you; most of the time....

Although we've never meet, good luck and may the Father grant you a safe return to CONUS.

T.

August 2nd, 1990 Iraqi Forces by direct of Saddam Hussein, illegally invaded Kuwati. On August 8th the 82nd Abn's DRF-1 unit Taskforce Gold Falcon arrived in Saudi Arabia.

For 12 days a mere 800 Paratroopers defined the "Line In The Sand'. Or as we came to call ourselves, "The Speed-Bumps".