O'Brien still serving, but missing his hometown
Published on September 21st, 2005
The sandstorms, hot weather and unfamiliar territories belie everything that Stoneham resident James "Obie" O'Brien has known for the last 15 years as an employee at the Stoneham Arena.
As with any soldier in Iraq, O'Brien is in a strange land where every face isn't quite as friendly as the woman taking your coffee order at Dunkin' Donuts, or the sub shop owner who has been making your favorite sandwich for the last decade.
But that hasn't stopped O'Brien from accepting and - in some cases - embracing his new surroundings in first Kuwait and now presently in Tikrit, Iraq as part of the 26th PSD/AG of the Massachusetts Guard.
"I have been employed for the town of Stoneham since 1989 and have taken pride in my job," said O'Brien via E-mail from Iraq. "Now I take pride in serving Uncle Sam in the war against the bad guys."
O'Brien has been away from his beloved Stoneham for more than a year, and has been in the Northern part of Iraq since January. Before arriving on Iraqi soil, O'Brien trained in Ft. Dix, New Jersey before touching down in Kuwait.
O'Brien recently took a great deal of joy in handing out school supplies and crayons sent out by the Stoneham Public Library to the underprivileged youth of Iraq.
O'Brien said that he misses home and thinks often about his favorite things in Stoneham, but that the Iraqi people have been supportive and friendly to the troops.
"I find the Iraqi people to be really nice and I have made many friends here," said O'Brien. "I will be back working at the Stoneham Arena soon and I miss the people a lot."
"The first place I will visit when I get back is Anthony's subs and have there world famous sandwich," added O'Brien, who also mentioned a stop for an iced coffee at his favorite Dunkin' Donuts on Montvale Ave. as well.
O'Brien has kept busy at Camp Warrior, his home for the last year, and painted a picture of loads activities waiting for the war-weary troops during their idle time.
"They have many things for us to do here, but it isn't Stoneham," said O'Brien. "They have this place called Clantina with many pool tables, ping pong tables and card games - like Texas Hold 'Em poker. They also have tournaments and have competition like American Idol."
Though O'Brien appreciates the different activities and the infrastructure set for soldiers like himself, his mind keeps drifting to Stoneham and his favorite place - the Stoneham Arena.
"I will be back to work in Stoneham soon and back to the Arena," said O'Brien. "I am coming home soon."
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