34861http://fullcourtpress.kingsconnect.com/archives/3486Hello+Kings+fans%212009-09-09+22%3A31%3A34kingsconnect

Hello Kings fans!

We are officially in Kuwait!

We landed around 8 pm (10 am your time) and were instantly engulfed in extreme heat. We were instructed to cover our entire body from the neck down, so that we would not offend any locals. After about an hour drive, we arrived at Camp Arifjan. We were assigned our own personal barracks and quickly got settled in and headed to bed.

The following morning we started early with our first REAL meal in the last 28 hours. We met up shortly after to go over our agenda for the day. Our first stop was on base, where we were briefed by the Post Commander on-site. He was able to inform us about history between the military camps and Kuwait. We were then awarded with a “Challenge Coin” and personalized plaque, which was a symbol of their gratitude and appreciation for our support.

Following our meeting with the commander, they gave us a tour of the hospital on-site where we took about 100 pictures with employees and patients. Everyone was so welcoming and happy to see us! We still managed to walk away with more gifts some including US Navy hats and girl scout cookies.

 
Our next stop was off-base and about an hour-and-a-half away. On the drive up, we were instructed to not drink, eat or chew gum while in the vehicle or off-base. This year Kuwaitis from August 22-September 19, fast between sun up and sun down for their religious practices (Ramadan). By the time we arrived at our next destination, Camp Buehring, we were immediately greeted by the Post Commander and CSM. We were educated on the history of Camp Buehring, it being the second largest camp and an “enduring camp.” There are many, if not all, soldiers that pass through the camp anywhere from two to six weeks for training. At this camp we were able to participate in training that included CLS (combat life saver training), MRAP (roll over training) and weapons familiarization fire training. The CLS training was very interesting! They use rubber-like dummies that bleed, breathe and even blink. This puts the soldiers in real combat scenarios. Our next training was the MRAP where we were loaded into a mine resistant HUMVEE that turns upside down so that the soldiers can practice getting out of the vehicle if needed after an accident. We, of course, went at a very slow pace, yet still found this challenging. Weapons familiarization training was the most fun. We were able to shoot simulation guns at video screens that portrayed a battle scenario. Candace got five shots in the second round, shooting with an M-16 and an M-4, while Carly and Ari made a few more with M2-50 cal machine and the M240B machine gun.

After touring the camp, we rushed through dinner and headed to the main stage where were performed our first show of the tour. They had the biggest turnout yet and we were surprised by the crowd’s enthusiasm. They cheered so loud it got us even more pumped! Closing up the show, we did a 90 minute autograph session and took pictures with Navy, Army and even a few Marines. After our long yet exciting day, we hopped back on the road toward Arifjan. We separated shortly after arriving and got ready for our next busy day. This trip has much more in store and we can’t wait to update you all! Chat soon… over and out!