Posted: 4/2/03

Groeneweg adjusting to life in Iraqi desert

Cliff Buchan
News Editor

Somewhere deep in the Iraqi desert, Ken Groeneweg is learning to deal with stinging sandstorms, scorching hot days, bone-chilling nights and the lack of a daily bath. Itís all part of a Marineís life in Operation Iraqi Freedom.

There has been little word from Marine Cpl. Kenneth R. Groeneweg since early in March when he arrived in Kuwait just days before the war against Iraq erupted. Groeneweg is with the 3rd Light Armored Reconnaissance unit of the 1st Marine Division. He was deployed from 29 Palms, California, on Feb. 21.

His parents, Donna and Ken Groeneweg of Wyoming last spoke to their son on March 6 when he called from Kuwait. A letter arrived seven days later.

ìThis was all before the war started,î his father said.

From the vast array of media reports coming out of the Middle East, the couple knows their son is part of the 1st Marine push in the south of Iraq. Elements of the 1st Marine Expeditionary Force will ultimately link with other coalition units for the battle of Baghdad.

Where their son is exactly is another subject for the couple.

What they do know is Cpl. Groeneweg is attached to a motor transport-refueling base. Their son is driving a refueling truck that carries 800 gallons of diesel fuel that is needed by fighting machines such as HUMVs, tanks and other vehicles used by the Marines.

ìHe goes to where ever they need fuel,î the elder Groeneweg said.

A fatherís thoughts

As a father, Groeneweg finds strength that his son is well trained and ready to handle the difficulties he may face.

As the coalition forces continue to advance on Baghdad, keeping supply lines safe has been difficult thanks to rear action by elements of the Iraqi military that are putting up some levels of stiff resistance.

ìI really havenít been that concerned,î Groeneweg said. ìThey are going to have supply problems, but they keep rolling.î

A 4-year Marine

Cpl. Groeneweg, 21, has been a Marine for four years joining right out of high school here in 1999. His enlistment is up in August.

That the younger Groeneweg would choose the Marines for a military stint is not surprising to his father. As a kid growing up and enjoying various sports, Groeneweg said his son always liked the ìtoughî sports.

It was that attitude, he says, that pointed his son to the Marines.

ìHe wanted to go to the toughest one ó the Marine Corps,î Groeneweg said.

Groeneweg said the most recent phone call and letter have reinforced his feelings that his son is adjusting and coping with life in a battle zone.

ìHeís taking it in stride and he doesnít get upset.î

In the March 13 letter, Ken Groeneweg wrote to his parents that he was able to handle the days without a bath, the heat of the day, the cold at night and the grumbling that can be heard when things donít go as planned.

It was clear, his father said, the Marine considered it a waste of time and energy to get upset over things where you have no control.

The frequent sandstorms were also becoming more routine.

ìI donít even mind the sand anymore,î his son wrote in his letter home.

Soldier needs

But the Marines have needs. Groeneweg says packages from home sent to specific Marines are welcome and will get through but delivery may take one to two weeks.

Along with letters, Groeneweg said the Marines and Army personnel could also use hand lotion, baby wipes, sunscreen lotion, lip balm and razors for shaving.

ìThe military is going to take care of your basic needs,î Groeneweg said.

Friends of Cpl. Ken Groeneweg are welcome to send mail and care packages to the following address: Cpl. Groeneweg KR, H&S Co., 3rd LAR BN (F.T.)., UIC 39850, FPO-AP 96426-9850.

In the familyís most recent care package to their son, the shipment included four dozen homemade chocolate chip cookies. To help make sure they would arrive, the cookies were frozen and vacuum packed for shipment.

ìWe donít know how they turned out,î Groeneweg said of the cookie shipment.

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