[December 24, 2024] She was the most beautiful woman I’d ever seen. Well, that’s an exaggeration. By this time, I’d been in combat for six months, and a woman in the red dress would turn the head of any man. It was Christmas Eve, 2006, when I arrived at the Army Corps of Engineers headquarters’ for a special get-together.
Several III Corps Engineers had been invited into the International Zone (previously the Green Zone in Baghdad, Iraq) for an early Christmas celebration. I was standing with a Navy Captain when a well-proportioned woman of about 35 approached us. I was flabbergasted.
Of course, I don’t remember her name. I’d been “in the fight” for so long outside the wire, running extensive reconnaissance operations and making sure our troops had what they needed, that my world was the smell of diesel fuel, body odor, sewage in the streets, camouflage, sun, sand and wind, and insurgents. Just seeing her was a shock. She stood out like a supernova in the night sky as she walked among the gray pixelated uniforms and body armor.
“Hi, who are you?” she said with just the right sexual undertone. My Navy buddy dropped his soda (alcohol is not allowed in the country). She smiled. I smiled back. Now, thinking back to that time, I can remember exactly what I was thinking: “How can I arrange to stay here longer? Maybe get to know her.” Those of us from Victory Base were only allotted three hours away; one of which was consumed in travel. There would be no exceptions.
Those reading this story must know that I was unmarried at the time, and I had no girlfriends. This woman in the red dress was not the only outstanding female at the III Corps gathering. I was to discover that all young women like her had several traits in common: they were smart, independent, and divorced. My Navy friend would add that they were also on the “hunt.” Furthermore, these women employed by the Army were, more often than not, recently had a major trauma in their lives. In a combat zone, all women look great but the lady in red was stunning.
The turn of events, like being sucked into the overwhelming effort to plan for and construction effort for the “surge,” kept me away from the Army Corps of Engineers Headquarters for several months. As I look back, I was saved by the surge. I’m not sure I could have resisted a fling with her. Nothing would come of it, as she was certainly looking to hook up with a senior officer (I mean “connect with”). That would not be me.
I still don’t remember her name, she was beautiful, the woman in the red dress.
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Wow, Gen. Satterfield, it is AMAZIN’ how much goes on and the absolute unpredictable surprises one finds in a war zone. Your stories and new series on “pre-surge” already have me wanting more. Merry Christmas.
back on Gen. Satterfield’s webpages. MERRY CHRISTMAS to all here.
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——— MERRY CHRISTMAS ———-
“A Woman in the Red Dress,” now that is my kind of woman who knows what she wants and is willing to go for it. To wear a red dress to a function in the middle of a war means that woman knows what she needs and wants, and it ain’t a little.
Are we sure that is all that went in that day? We have to take Gen. Satterfield’s word for it.
Wowser! LaLaLaLa, 👗 woman in a red dress. Who would have thought that a civilian woman in a red dress would be in a combat zone working with Engineers? Crazy. But beautiful nonetheless.
The behind the scenes happens in a combat zone surely would fill up a book. Maybe Gen. Satterfield might consider writing a new series on this topic. I’m sure it would be a great hit. There is no like a little more humor to make the world go around much smoother and happier for us. I know that it’s a common sentiment here but “Merry Christmas “ to all and to all a good night.
To Gen. Satterfield and his family, the very best Merry Christmas ever.
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Ha Ha Ha —- very funny. Merry Christmas early. Merry Christmas! 🎁🔔🎄
Gen. Satterfield sure knows how to explain how this young lady stood out. I’m sure her girlfriends didn’t appreciate her dressed that way.
“Of course, I don’t remember her name. I’d been “in the fight” for so long outside the wire, running extensive reconnaissance operations and making sure our troops had what they needed, that my world was the smell of diesel fuel, body odor, sewage in the streets, camouflage, sun, sand and wind, and insurgents. Just seeing her was a shock. She stood out like a supernova in the night sky as she walked among the gray pixelated uniforms and body armor.” — Gen. Doug Satterfield
Yep, thinking the same. Hey folks, have you noticed that Gen. Satterfield is writing about his second combat tour in Iraq, on the pre-surge? It’s going to be another great series!
LOL, I can just imagine the scenario. Gen. Satterfield is obviously a real man. Maybe a woman’s man. Always.
A very very powerful attraction. Perfectly understandable, Gen. Satterfield.
Hi Alice, if you want to get an idea of what Gen. Satterfield’s first combat tour was like in Iraq, then you should check out his book “Our Longest Year in Iraq.” The book tells stories that “need telling.” Get yourself both his booths, sit back in an easy chair and enjoy each page as he tells us in story form what really happens in combat. See the end of each article for links to Amazon where you can get a copy.
….. and I second that recommendation. Alice, you’ll find this leadership forum great for quality feedback and discussions on crucial leadership topics. Thanks for being online with us. 👍
And third:
“Our Longest Year in Iraq”
“55 Rules for a Good Life”
Great books that you all should be reading today.
Merry Christmas!!!!!!!!!
Hi Andrew, I haven’t seen you on in a while. I’m happy to see you back on Gen. Satterfield’s webpages. MERRY CHRISTMAS to all here.
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