Pole Vaulter comes home from Iraq

[rainbowgirl28]

http://www.montereyherald.com/mld/monte ... 000943.htm

Homecoming sweet after Iraq tour of duty

John Devine

Glancing out the car window on the drive home, David Cadena couldn't take his eyes off the rich agriculture fields along Highway 101, the mountains -- turned brown from summer -- and the blue sky over the Salinas Valley.

It was a stark contrast from 120-degree heat, sand storms and barren old military buildings, many of which have been reduced to rubble in Iraq.

"We're spoiled having an American life," Cadena said.

Spending nearly 400 days in a war torn country -- often under fire -- as a member of the U.S. Army Military Police, Cadena has learned to appreciate things most of us neglect.

The treasures of fields filled with vegetables, not to mention the sight of his own bed in his parents' home in King City might take a little time to get used to, as well being on American soil.

"I always wondered if I was ever going to get home again," said Cadena, who, 10 months after breaking the King City school record holder in the pole vault, was shipped to Iraq as a member of the Army reserve.

Instead of carrying a 15-foot pole down the runway, the 20-year-old gripped a machine gun the past 13 months, often working 13 hours a day patrolling cities in Iraq.

Wearing army fatigues in blistering heat in an unsettling environment had Cadena yearning for the days of wearing a tank top in track, where he was in his realm as a pole vaulter.

"It's easy to get depressed," the 2002 King City graduate said. "Time can drag on. But you have to realize there is a mission you are trying to accomplish."

The biggest accomplishment Cadena's company had was that all 136 members came home, albeit four months later than expected. The unit had its duty was extended three times.

"We were five days away from coming home before our duty was extended a third time," Cadena said.

No one felt Cadena's absence more than his family, most notably his mother, who was fortunate if she heard from her son more than once a month.

"It was a very, very long 13 months," said Cadena's mother, Dahlia Capiz. "We did a lot of praying. A lot of families aren't as fortunate as us. I'm sorry for the people that don't make it home."

Cadena didn't come back unscathed. An enemy bomb went off 10 feet away from him. Metal pieces cut up his arm, and the sound of the explosion injured his eardrum.

"I was back at work five days later," Cadena said proudly.

Should anyone have been surprised?

During his senior year at King City, Cadena's pole snapped during the state championships. It ripped open a gash under his lip that needed stitches.

But instead of heading off to the doctor, Cadena continued to vault with another pole, waiting until after the competition to get stitched up.

There were times Cadena wished the knots in his stomach were because he was stepping into the starting blocks instead of on to a battlefield.

"You know what I really missed was watching football on television," Cadena said.

Each time he did call home, it was to assure his mother that he was fine. The tone in his voice, however, told her the war was wearing on him.

"When we would hear from him, he sounded tired," Capiz said. "He just kept telling us it's his job and 'I know how to take care of myself.'"

Cadena's company found itself under attack on more than one occasion.

"Our training kicks in and we do what we have to do," Cadena said. "There are things that I'll never forget."

Such as being forced to use his gun when under siege.

"You don't have a choice," Cadena said. "When there is action, times goes by fast."

To the point where holidays in America are forgotten in Iraq.

During Christmas, Cadena was working.

"We did shoot off flairs on the Fourth of July," recalled Cadena.

Conditions are less than ideal in the desert. Dust storms creep up once a week, often leaving visibility less than 10 feet. When Cadena left, it was 120 degrees.

"You get used to it," Cadena said. "It's not that bad."

Not that Cadena has a desire to make vacation plans in Baghdad. The comforts of King City might seem like paradise at this point.

"What you really miss is just being with family and friends," Cadena said. "We don't realize how much easier it his here."

Cadena, who broke a 32-year-old record at King City in the pole vault by clearing 15-feet-2, intends to pick up a pole again and compete at Hartnell College.

"That's the best call I've gotten this year," said Hartnell track coach Gary Shaw, when informed that Cadena was home. "If I can get kids like David, I might coach another five years. It's great news that he's back and safe. I'm elated that he's thinking of coming back to Hartnell. I told him when he left 'when you come back, we'll get you set up.'"

Cadena's first season at Hartnell was interrupted two meets into his season when he got the call that his services would be needed by the Army.

"I haven't done any type of training for track since I left," Cadena said. "There wasn't a lot of time for any activities while we were back there. You're either on the move or on the alert."

Cadena, who is 5-foot-11, has an interest in becoming a decathlete at Hartnell.

"I have to gain some weight and strength back," Cadena said. "But I'm healthy."

In the 48 hours since he has been home, he's been overwhelmed reuniting himself with relatives and friends.

"At some point, I've just got to relax," Cadena said.

Asked to protect your country and fight for freedom is a tall order for someone who left barely old enough to vote.

Cadena has never been outspoken. But he's clearly grown up faster than most his age should.

"It matured me a little," Cadena said. "There are things that will stick in my mind forever. Being home feels good. I guess I'm a little numb right now."

[blazerunner121]

its good that he came home safely. wit all the beheadings and threatened killing, it must take so much courage and strength to last in an enviroment like iraq.

[PVJunkie]

One of my vaulters here at the U of Illinois recently (after the season) got orders BACK for a second time. Our thoughts and prayers are with him and all of our troops as they continue the ongoing task of protecting our freedoms here in the GREATEST country in the world. Yes they are even protecting the freedoms of the tree huggers who go out and protest their efforts..............their americans too.

USMC Semper Fi

[Beam]

Welcome Home to Cadena!

[OUvaulterUSAF]

I should start a new pv club. Military vaulters.

[PVJunkie]

I should start a new pv club. Military vaulters.

USMC tattoo on one arm..............PV tattoo on the other.........sign me up!!!

Does the Coast Gaurd count..............(sorry Decamouse) HEHEHE