Back in our uniforms, we learned that there would be an inspection sometime during the week and we accepted the challenge of organizing the warehouse.
We continued to sort uniforms and jackets, pack “kit” bags, as well as cleaning the rifle magazines,
checking out “new finds” and washing canteens.
It seemed like an ambitious challenge, but we rose to the occasion. We also managed to have fun and a lot of laughs along the way.
The dining room is the most difficult place to describe.
The tables had wobbly legs, and sometimes they fell off! It did not deter us from rearranging the furniture for “family” meals. Napkins were non-existent and we bought our own.
The cleaning style was something else. I wasn’t sure if the mogave (squeegie) that was used on the tables was also used on the floors.
These soldiers were willing to smile when asked! Plastic plates and utensils were a small part of the ambiance. The soldiers’ plates were always full to overflowing.
Sometimes they didn’t bother with the plates!
The new recruits had to maintain a vigil over their equipment.
When they brought the gear into the dining room it was always set down on a blanket.
Shuki turned 51 and we made a card and ate cookies to celebrate - volunteer style.
He “video'ed” this birthday party on his cell phone to share the moment with his wife. How sweet is that? Because the senior officers were busy with the pending inspection, they were unable to attend our small gathering and a second party was held the next day, when the commander and other base staff joined us in the warehouse. This was a “real” party with cake, snacks and soda!
It was very apparent to all of us that Shuki was a beloved member of the “team”.
When the commander was around, we always had fun. He was engaging and caring. When the guys asked if we could go for a ride in an APC (Armed Personnel Carrier), he took out his cell phone and, POOF, like magic, two APC's arrived for a tour around the base!
It reminded me of a kid’s birthday party with a donkey. We donned our helmets and off we went for a ride around the base. Believe it or not, Commader Pinney was waiting for us to return!
Inspection was the following day and we were ready! Our goal was to make Shuki and Commander Pinney “look good”.
The shelves were stocked, the helmets and "kit" bags were aligned and the “big cheeses” arrived. At times, it felt more like a press conference and they indulged us as the cameras were going double-time!
Inspection was a success and we all had a chance to speak our 2 cents.
We gave many of the staff nicknames – Shuki was Shuki, but there was one officer, whose name was Smiley – 2nd to the left in the photos. We never learned his real name, but when we mentioned Smiley, everyone knew who we were talking about! If I had known that they were inspecting the vehicles as well, I would have left Mr Bill at the wheel!
The most amazing part of this experience was the interest that all of the commanders showed in the volunteers. They were warm and engaging and truly appreciated our service to the IDF.
As the sun set on that day, the inspection was over, Shuki and Pinney had smiles on their faces, and our heroes and heroines were giddy with joy having cruised around the base in an APC!
And the adventure continues…
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