Preparations for Kuwait Embed Nearly Complete

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As my departure date, Sunday May 13^th, approaches, I’ve sorted and re-packed my equipment for at least the 10^th time. Squeezed into my 20”X20”X8” wheeled Pelican case are a power transformer/converter to switch 220 current to 110, a small Sony camcorder to supplement and backup my main camera, a satellite phone, 26 videotapes, batteries, a wireless microphone kit and spare microphones, spare audio cables, headphones, a tool kit, camera cleaning supplies, a roll of gaffer’s tape and an assortment of Ziploc bags. My main camera, a Sony Z1 DV/HDV model, is packed in its own soft case that I will hand carry. A roller duffle holds my personal items and a second duffle will carry a sleeping bag and mat, an armored vest and helmet (both required by the Army for all embedded media people) and a hydration back pack to carry water. Rounding out my packing list is a backpack to carry my laptop computer, audio recorder, Ipod, sunglasses, digital camera, cell phone, reading material, notebook and paperwork.

Traveling as a one person crew, I had to strike a balance between keeping the size, weight and number of bags limited to what I can handle on my own with carrying all the equipment I need to achieve my goals of acquiring footage for my documentary project and sending back audio stories for broadcast on KYUK radio and the statewide Alaska Public Radio Network.

I began preparing for this embed trip in November, 2006. Now, after hours of emailing, selecting and testing equipment, doing hazardous environment first aid training, booking airline tickets, dealing with a myriad of small details and a one month postponement imposed on me by the Army, I’m eager to get underway. I look forward to this trip with a mixture of excitement and anxiety. I’m excited to be setting off on a new adventure; anxious because this will be my first trip to the Middle East and to a location considered a war zone.

Armor and helmet

Equipment Case Ready to Go

   Sony Z1 DV/HDV Camcorder

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