“So how far along are you, ma’am?”

“Twenty minutes, officer.”

“You’re free to go.”

No, they were military. They didn’t know, because there wouldn’t be much overlap in duty responsibilities. Also, this lady moved in very early. Most people rolled in afterwards, so her being there was ”normal”.

In the early days, things were not very organized. If you were inside the perimeter, you were assumed “safe”. It wasn’t until many months later that ID was required to enter the chow hall. Until then, you just got in line with everyone else. The housing was likewise disorganized, with lots of turnover. With people rolling in and out every few weeks or months, it was easy to blend in. Show up for chow, watch movies together, show up for Salsa Night, and you’re part of the community.

He got sent back stateside right away. That would have effectively ended his career (not promotable). I didn’t know him personally, so I don’t know if he was married.

I had seen her because she roomed with ladies I worked with.

Nope. But the Major she was banging that tried to get her an ID card got in big trouble.

A lady did that in 2003 on our base in Iraq. She was a local, former International Red Cross (or Red Crescent) worker. She acted like she had a job, spoke several languages, and managed to live well for about a year before being found out. No real punishment for her. Just forced to leave.

My job is trying to kill me, but I would die for my wife.