The Untraditional American Dream “Hallo, danke, bitte,” (hello, please, thank you) are just a few words that Jim Crawford (the author’s father) had to learn when he was deployed to an American Army base in Germany, Neureut Kaserne, in 1986. During this time, the Cold War was beginning to end. The Cold War was started to help protect Iran from the Soviet Union, aka communism. The American people and their leaders desired to help spread democracy; they viewed communism as a threat. The “threat” of communism became known as the red scare. Throughout this war were things such as the arms race, space race, and the building of the Berlin Wall. Though Mr. Crawford was not there for these events, he experienced the aftermath of them. Mr. Crawford
…show more content…
Crawford remembered flying to Germany like it was yesterday. He was terrified. He states that “it was a big deal to go to Germany because of the communist threat and everything going on in Europe” (Crawford) Once he got off the plane, all the guards were handling an automatic weapon. Though he just got out of basic training and this is what was expected, he still experienced a “wow” moment when he realized that there was truly a threat in that country. As an American, he was nervous of what the dive into a new culture would be like, especially since he did not know anyone. He did not have anyone to truly guide him through his new life. He was going in blind. Once there, the soldiers were put on a train. They had separate designated bases to go to, so they started to get to know each other by finding out who was going to the same base. Mr. Crawford states that there were only a few going to the 72nd Signal Battalion with him. Once arrived in the evening, they were issued their barracks assignment and sign for their bedding. They would also be issued their weapons and field gear. Everything else they could have was in the baggage they brought. They had to bring their different uniforms, toiletries, and just a few outfits of “civilian” clothes. The “daily grind,” as Mr. Crawford called it, would start the next day. Wake up and accomplish PT (physical training), shower, report for another formation, if time allowed, eat breakfast, then report for duty. Mr. Crawford was a
Crawford remembered flying to Germany like it was yesterday. He was terrified. He states that “it was a big deal to go to Germany because of the communist threat and everything going on in Europe” (Crawford) Once he got off the plane, all the guards were handling an automatic weapon. Though he just got out of basic training and this is what was expected, he still experienced a “wow” moment when he realized that there was truly a threat in that country. As an American, he was nervous of what the dive into a new culture would be like, especially since he did not know anyone. He did not have anyone to truly guide him through his new life. He was going in blind. Once there, the soldiers were put on a train. They had separate designated bases to go to, so they started to get to know each other by finding out who was going to the same base. Mr. Crawford states that there were only a few going to the 72nd Signal Battalion with him. Once arrived in the evening, they were issued their barracks assignment and sign for their bedding. They would also be issued their weapons and field gear. Everything else they could have was in the baggage they brought. They had to bring their different uniforms, toiletries, and just a few outfits of “civilian” clothes. The “daily grind,” as Mr. Crawford called it, would start the next day. Wake up and accomplish PT (physical training), shower, report for another formation, if time allowed, eat breakfast, then report for duty. Mr. Crawford was a