Was stationed at Khobar Towers and just outside Dharan at Lucky Base in '94 during Operation Desert Falcon. I too was heartbroken to hear about the bombing, as we shared the chapel (one of the very few authorized in SA), mess hall, and gym with the Air Force. Got to know some excellent pilots and air crews over that deployment. So glad those who fell are not forgotten.
Oddly enough, Khobar Towers was my first experience with a bidet. Very nice apartments there, seemed to be well built - couldn't hear your neighbors or plumbing noises. However, it was blazing hot and humid as soon as you walked out of your apartment to the elevators!!!! Well beyond "Tucson hot" most days over 102 with 60% RH. A great place to wear MOPP IV ensemble...
As far as force protection goes, the fence was close. I remember a dependable throng of horny male third country national (TCNBs) laborers lining up alongside the fence at o-dark-thirty to catch glimpses of our female soldiers running in shorts and t-shirts - who knows maybe they were watching the guys too. Nothing quite like the "Magic Kingdom" of Saudi Arabia, hope to never return.
