Blowing Sandstorm

By Horace Crenshaw

Everyone is looking for that extra boost that propels them when they feel like quitting. It’s the extra boost that turns losing teams into winners. Some find an extra boost in sports drinks, energy pills, etc. to sustain them when their level of effort is literally empty or on “E.” In this remarkable, compelling memoir, author Horace Crenshaw Jr. tells his story of being a commander that was put in charge of an Army Reserve Petroleum Unit during the initial months of Operation Iraqi Freedom. His unit was cobbled together at the last minute from six states that never trained together.

However, under mind-boggling parameters, they were able to participate in the greatest distribution, storage, and receipt of petroleum/fuel in the history of modern warfare. Furthermore, he talks about his upbringing in Mississippi as well as the extra boost that sustained him during this time.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Yorkshire Publishing
• Release date: Jan 8, 2020
• ISBN: 9781950034925

Book preview

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ISBN: 978-1-950034-92-5

Blowing Sandstorm

Copyright © 2015 by Horace Crenshaw Jr.

All rights reserved.

No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law.

For permission requests, write to the publisher at the address below.

Yorkshire Publishing

3207 South Norwood Avenue

Tulsa, Oklahoma 74135

www.YorkshirePublishing.com

918.394.2665

To my darling daughter Nilah Crenshaw, my wife Rhonda L. Crenshaw, and my mother Sarah Crenshaw.

You are all precious jewels that the Lord Jesus bestowed on me. Also, I would like to thank my Lord and savior Jesus the Christ because without you my desire to write this book would not be there.

Preface

In all great works regarding the author, there has to be made a biographical entry or reference. This allows the reader the opportunity to get to know the writer in an in-depth, personal way. Furthermore, this creates a bond between the writer and the reader. Characteristics are quite unique within people. Most share a common thought, feeling, experience, instant gratification, or some close and up-front likeness. This book is no different. Most of what I have written about are actual experiences that I have endured and transitioned at these events into a storyline for all to follow.

After reading this book, it is my intent to make the average person understand the hardships and challenges that the military’s junior executives or company commanders face in modern day operations and warfare. The underlying focus is to show, as well as illustrate, a time and place scenario and setting, such as the back drop of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Although this creation adds real-life cynicism, vitality, and an amazing observation of what it takes to lead, integrate, motivate, and inspire today’s soldiers, whether they be active or reserve.

Soldiers are no different today than they were yesterday, right? Wrong. Today’s military is challenged with the information-age soldier. One that no longer moves at the whim of the strong forceful voice of a command coming from a superior officer or noncommissioned officer (NCO). Today’s armed forces are lacking in that aspect that once was a separation tool or divider between the civilian world and that of a regimented society known as the military.

The infrastructure has changed; however, the basics are still within the paradigms of political ideology that just needs to be culled forth. In this instance, one of the sterling foundations of modern military thinking is the concept of the integration of the Total Army concept. In this concept, active duty, reserve, and guard soldiers are supposed to focus on one common objective, and that’s supporting and defending the United States of America. This remarkable institution that has remained intact since 1775 has transcended the mainstream ideologies and managed to keep stable especially in view of the new arrangements made between heads of states, presidents, and prime ministers. These organizations have not seen a steep increase in memberships.

However, it is extremely pleasing, satisfying to know that you have a voyage before you. I guarantee that. So to the reader, please allow your mind to open and assess what you are about to read. To some, this may be a sad and tragic story; but to others, it is the true reality of what our military units face each and every day.

Introduction

A sandstorm is defined as a storm caused by strong wind and sand or dust. It can also be referred as a dust storm. A dust storm or sand storm is a meteorological phenomenon common in arid and semiarid regions. Dust storms arise when a gust front or other strong wind blows loose sand and dirt from a dry surface. Particles are transported by saltation and suspension, a process that moves soil from one place and deposits it in another.

The Sahara and drylands around the Arabian Peninsula are the main terrestrial sources of airborne dust. As the force of wind passing over loosely held particles increases, particles of sand first start to vibrate, then to saltate (leap). As they repeatedly strike the ground, they loosen and break off smaller particles of dust, which then begin to travel in suspension. At wind speeds above that, which causes the smallest to suspend, there will be a population of dust grains moving by a range of mechanisms: suspension, saltation and creep.

These storms were prevalent during my unit’s deployment in support of Operation Iraq Freedom (OIF). Based on the ferocious nature of these storms and the turbulence that surrounded our deployment, it was only fitting that this would be the title of this book.

1

Personal Background

I have always had an urge, or should I say, a desire to tell a story of myself. Furthermore, I never realized how important it is to put thoughts of myself in a detailed book.

First of all, I must thank my family, which has been the strength of my life, the significance of the blessings from God and my early childhood years.

When things have not been best there, I have always had my family for support. Specifically my mother has been a strong and perseverant individual where I am concerned. Over the years, I would have to say

Reviews for Blowing Sandstorm

[amandakerr · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Compelling Memoir About Modern Warfare and Operation Iraqi FreedomBlowing Sandstorm by author and Lieutenant Colonel in the US Army Reserves, Horace Crenshaw, Jr. is a compelling account of commander that was put in charge of an Army Reserve Petroleum Unit during the initial months of Operation Iraqi Freedom.Crenshaw shares his stories, his struggles, and his experiences during the time he served to protect his country overseas. Compelling, intriguing and truly insightful Crenshaw's ability to relay his message and yet stay positive after his time served should be a true inspiration to us all. Great short read. Highly Recommended!!!