My Afghanistan Journal

Ready to come home

2009-08-08T04:37:00.000-07:00

While I don’t leave Kuwait until 20 August, I am less than 48 hours from departing ISAF HQ and Afghanistan. As of right now, I have been here for the past:

- 283 days
- 6,802 hours
- 408,132 minutes
- 24,488,287 seconds… but whose counting???

This has been a tough year for my family but I couldn’t be more proud of how Susan and the kids handled the separation. My wife is one of the strongest, most loving women I know and everything a deployed Sailor could wish for in a Navy wife. My biggest thank you goes to her.

I also want to thank those who called, e-mailed, sent care packages, included us in your prayers and/or helped my family on the home front. There are many people who say, “I support the troops,” but few who actually put those words into action. If you did one of the above, THANK YOU. My family is eternally grateful. I also want to thank the countless people who responded to my request to send medical supplies for the local children’s hospital. We raised $5,000 in bandages, anti-biotic cream and medical tape… enough to keep them stocked for the next six months!

Serving our country here in Afghanistan has been an incredible experience and one that I will forever remember. I have had a chance to serve side by side with patriotic, loyal Americans who believe our country is on a noble mission to bring security and stability to a region that threatens world peace. Since I have been here, I have seen these Americans put on their body armor and go outside the wire day after day to carry out their orders. They do not bitch, complain, moan or whine despite the incredible danger factor. They know their job… and they do it. The average American could learn a lot from the people serving here.

My father served in the Navy during Korea and my brother is a career Air Force officer who spent his fair share of time deployed away from his family. I am proud to be among their ranks.

Below are links to three videos my team produced while I have been here at the helm of the MPPAT. I hope you will take some time to watch them and learn the true story about the fight in Afghanistan.

The IED Hunters
http://dvidshub.net/r/yxwz5f

Kabul; a city of progress
http://dvidshub.net/r/pf8nr2

We are NATO
http://dvidshub.net/r/dzcwts

Again, thank you for all your support over the last 11 months.

Dave

I gotta get out of here!

2009-08-03T02:41:00.001-07:00

With the Kabul video done and the closed circuit television system up and running, I have nothing to do. I can either hang out here at the country club and twiddle my thumbs or go find a story and do something productive. I’ve never been one to give 50% effort so I’m now headed to Bagram Air Force Base to shoot a story on the people who clear roads of IEDs. This is the most dangerous work being done in Afghanistan and these people need… no deserve… some publicity for the job they do.

I’ll be here for a week following them outside the wire as they clear routes and train the ANA and the Polish in route clearing techniques. More on this story to come.

ISAF TV

2009-08-03T02:40:00.001-07:00

Since my return, I have been tapped to coordinate the installation of a closed circuit television system here on base. Basically, the idea is to put televisions in high traffic areas across ISAF HQ and have a video on a continuous loop playing the products the MPPAT produces. I think it’s a good idea as the people on base never get to watch our stuff unless they log onto DVIDS, which nobody here ever does.

Three TVs are now installed in both dining facilities and the Milano Palace which is basically an entertainment hall. Will anybody stop and watch or will they mute the programming and tune out the products, I’m not sure. Only time will tell. Regardless, this system is another mark I’ve left on ISAF HQ.

Back from Helmand

2009-07-29T07:53:00.000-07:00

I made it safely through my embed with the Marines and Operation Kanjar; the US surge into southern Helmand Province. The drive from Camp Dwyer to the fishhook of the river was a drive I’ll… or my butt… will never forget. Since we blazed a trail where no vehicles had ever gone before, we ended up hitting potholes, dips, sand dunes… and more potholes. If it weren’t for the fact I was wearing my combat helmet on my head, I probably would have been knocked unconscious several times. Vehicles ended up getting stuck in the sand and moon dust a number of times so the drive took 10 hours. This was to go a distance of roughly 112 kilometers; about the same as driving from one side of Los Angeles to the other. We arrived around 0800 and that’s when I saw the Marine Corps do something amazing. Instead of taking an hour or two to sleep or plan the day’s events, as soon as we parked they began unloading the bulldozers, cranes and forklifts and started building COP Payne. They knew their mission and got right to it. No officers had to give motivation or direction. These 18, 19, 20 year old kids were given responsibility and they responded by getting the job done.

By the end of our first day, they had built giant dirt walls all the way around the outpost. By the end of the second day, they dug the burn pit, fuel depot and a number of other critically needed facilities for base operations. I should mention setting up tents for them to sleep in was not a priority. They thought of themselves last and the mission first. We slept on cots under the stars which in itself was an incredible experience. Way out in the middle of nowhere with no city lights for a hundred miles around, the stars shined down on us like they did for people a thousand years ago.

Within 96 hours, the COP was complete.

With that story shot and in the can, I caught a ride over to a place called the Khan Nechion Castle. The castle was allegedly built by Alexander the Great more than a thousand years ago but was more recently used as the compound for the Regional Governor. That is until the Taliban kicked him out years ago and used the castle as their base for terrorizing the local population.

The night that the operation began, the Marines with LAR or Light Armored Reconnaissance swarmed towards the castle, parked outside and in Dari announced over a loud speaker to give up, come out with their hands up and no one would be hurt. No one came out so the Marines stormed in but there was no battle to mark their arrival. The Taliban fled hearing the Marines were on the way.

The following morning a young Marine was driving a bulldozer, pushing mud from the front entrance the Taliban put there as a barricade when he hit an IED. Marines in the area were all knocked on their butts from the huge blast. Pieces of the vehicle were thrown more than 200 feet in the air. The explosion was heard several miles away. Unbelievably, the Marine driving the armor plated bulldozer was unhurt. “I was thrown around inside like a pinball in a pinball machine,” he told me. When I asked him what he was going to tell Mom and Dad, he said with a smile on his face, “some things are best unsaid.”

Shortly after my arrival at the castle, we began taking harassing fire from insurgents outside Alexander the Great’s giant adobe walls. While most people would be nervous at the sound of incoming fire, the Marine’s were thrilled. They were excited to fight; to get some trigger time. Pulling the trigger meant they could put in for their Combat Action Ribbon (CAR). You’re not a real Marine unless you have that pinned on your chest.

It was just one guy 500 yards out testing the Marines. He was probably under orders to see what how the Marines would react and how long it would take them to fire back. If there is anything I learned from this day, it’s never test the United States Marine Corps as you will pay dearly.

With three stories now on tape, it was time to say goodbye to the southern Helmand Province, the 135 degree weather and the Marines. I returned to ISAF, dirty, sweaty and proud of the time I spent with these incredible Americans. I love the Navy, but if my kids ended up joining the Corps, I’d be thrilled.

Odd but true

2009-07-28T04:09:00.000-07:00

It may sound totally ridiculous, but after a few days your body does get use to temperatures soaring above 12o- degrees. How hot it actually is here nobody knows because the only temperature gauge I’ve found tops off at 120. Trust me, I’m still sweating like crazy but it doesn’t affect me like it did when I first got here.

Tomorrow is D-Day for this operation which is now being called “River Liberty” by the U.S. I’ll be with the Combat Logistics Batallion-8 who will be pushing south where the Helmand River fishhooks to the west. It’s there they’ll build FOB Payne from the ground up in just 96 hours. They’ll also construct a bridge across the river and fortify a former Taliban stronghold into a new district governor’s office.

The convoy of vehicles we’ll be driving in won’t be taking a road to our destination. They’ll be blazing a new path right through the open desert. No vehicles have ever taken this route before. Imagine driving from Phoenix to Vegas without going on any roads. That’s what these Marines are doing. Incredible! This should be fun to watch.

A rare breed

2009-07-28T04:08:00.000-07:00

In the days leading up to this operation, the Marines at this Forward Operating Base have plenty of preparations to make, not to mention the never ending cleaning of weapons thanks to the constantly blowing moon dust. It’s exhausting work made even more difficult by the 120 degree temperature.

When the day is done, most people would find an air conditioned tent and chill out for the night, but not the U.S. Marines. On D-Day minus 1, when the sun was starting to go down and the air had cooled off to a chilly 119 degrees, a handful of Marines put on their body armor, picked up their weapons and went for a three mile, “fun run.” After that, they formed a circle and took turns beating the crap out of each other in the moon dust, calling it hand to hand combat training.

With the sweat pouring off their bodies and their faces and uniforms coated in moon dust, for the first time ever I saw Marines smiling. They were in their element; hot, nasty and fresh from a fight. This is where Marines belong.

A walk in the moon dust

2009-07-26T08:14:00.000-07:00

He sat on a small wooden folding chair keeping a sharp eye on a wall of blackness. His fate, just inches from the end of the platform with only a machine gun bolted to the floor and positioned between his legs; the only thing from keeping him from going over the edge. “Don’t mess with Texas,” was written on the back of his helmet in orange marker. At the opposite end of the helicopter, the flashing lights of the instruments guided the pilot and co-pilot to our destination.

Like a horse rearing up on its back legs, the aircraft took off. We were only in the air for less than two minutes when the pilot made an abrupt landing. A crewman got out and made a strange look towards the port side. He was followed by the pilot who made the same face. Then they disappeared. It wasn't very reassuring for myself and the three reporters I was escorting.
Ten minutes later, with the thud, thud, thud of the huge rotors still spinning, we were off again. No problems occured so I guess the aircraft was okay. The flight would take us over some of the most dangerous land on Earth.

We eventually landed safely at our FOB or Forward Operating Base. From here, thousands of Marines will launch their largest air and ground operation since the Vietnam War, and I’m getting a front row seat documenting the event as a combat photographer. For the magnitude of this operation, surprisingly, there aren’t many media embedded on the trip; no CNN, Fox News or New York Times. The only people with me are a reporter from National Public Radio and a photographer from the Washington Post but I hear a couple of French journalists and an ABC documentary crew are also lurking around. It’s funny to watch each of these journalists secretly cozying up to the lead Marine Public Affairs Officer; each jockeying to get with the unit that is guaranteed to see the most action. It reminds me of my parents telling me, “be careful about what you ask for. You just might get it.” But the media’s ambition to see some action is only outweighed by the Marines here who are tired of walking in the “moon dust” and are ready to fight.

That’s what the Marines call the ground here, moon dust. It’s a talcum like powder dirt three to five inches deep everywhere you step. You can’t help but kick it up as you walk across the base; everyone surrounded in their own private brown cloud just like Pig Pen from the old Charlie Brown cartoons. Between the dirt and the sweat from the 120-degree weather, is there really a point to showering?

If you use the shower, go to lunch or have the insane idea that a run in this scorching hot weather sounds like a good time, make sure you know exactly where you tent is located. There are dozens and dozens of rows of unmarked tents and they all look exactly alike. You could easily find yourself walking into someone else’s tent or even worse… or even better based on your perspective… walking into one of the all female tent. Sorry ladies. Thank you for understanding.

A front row seat to history

2009-07-26T08:10:00.000-07:00

I’ve had to take a break from my last assignment and head outside the wire. No one was available to shoot an operation that was going down and so I volunteered. Lucky for me because this will be the largest Marine Corps helicopter assault since Vietnam. I’m embedding with some Marines and after nearly 10 months in Afghanistan, it looks like I could finally see some action.

Even though I won’t be posting this until after it’s publically known, I’m still going to keep it vague. Just keep your eyes on the news and you’ll quickly learn where I am/was.

So now what?

2009-07-19T02:41:00.000-07:00

The MPPAT is now in the hands of Lieutenant Commander Mark Walton. It’s his baby. Like Ted Williams or Babe Ruth, I ended my career there with some stats I’m very proud of; a team that produced 140 print stories, 130 broadcast stories, 60 live television interviews and nearly 3,000 pictures posted to the web.

In my final 45 days here in Afghanistan, I’m working directly for the Chief PAO, Captain Mark Durkin to produce videos for him. The first is on Kabul; a relatively safe city which the media often like to report as being surrounded with the enemy banging at the gate. This simply is not true and my video will tell the true story not through my eyes, but the eyes of Afghans who live here. We interviewed nearly a dozen people off the streets and their perspective is very interesting and different from what you hear on TV or read in the paper.

Here is a link to the Kabul; A city of progress video. I am very proud of how this video turned out. So far it has gotten 300 hits on the DVIDS web site.

http://dvidshub.net/r/pf8nr2

Back in Kabul

2009-07-19T02:40:00.000-07:00

It’s been a while since I wrote anything in the journal. When I got home from R&R, I didn’t want to take a single second away from playing with the family. Now that I’m back in Afghanistan, I have been so depressed to be here, I didn’t want to acknowledge my presence in words because those words would only serve as a reminder to my situation. But alas, I have returned.
Let me begin with my R&R; it was awesome. When the plane landed in the United States, my fellow Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines all burst out into applause. That was in Atlanta. On my connecting flight to Memphis, the flight attendant made an announcement for everyone to remain seated and allow the military to get off first. That was pretty cool.

My reunion with the kids was just as I expected; Kathryn and Charlie running into my arms. Susan was right behind snapping pictures. Next to the day they were born, it was the happiest moment of my life. It had been nine long months since I last held them and while the seemed a little bigger, a little more mature, they were still my babies. My wife was as beautiful as ever yet strikingly different. It took me a day or two to figure it out. Her appearance hadn’t changed; she was just a stronger person. My being away has given her a confidence and strength she didn’t have before. I am in awe of this woman and so proud to call her my wife.

We spent a couple days at home which gave me such an odd feeling. Home was so familiar but so different at the same time. I felt like the Lord of the Manor and a stranger. Sleeping in a comfortable bed, a bath, food whenever I want to eat; these are thing I just wasn’t used to having. It’s a good thing we didn’t stay at home long because I’m not sure I would have felt normal by the end of my trip. When I go home for good, it will take me a solid month to readjust.
Within 48 hours we were off to Disney World and the dream vacation Susan and I have been planning for months. To see the Magic Kingdom again after so many years was exciting but to see it for the first time through the eyes of my children was truly magical. We ran our children ragged from the early morning until the late hours of the night. We rode rides, had breakfast with Pooh, ate lunch with the Princesses, watched parades, swam in the pool, made new friends and celebrated our anniversary. It was a great vacation; hopefully the first of many to Disney World.

I am the luckiest man alive to be blessed with the family GOD has given me.

Back in the U.S.A.

2009-05-26T08:10:00.000-07:00

I am home. It’s an odd feeling but one that I’m happy to be experiencing. So many people are here in the Atlanta airport; so many women showing so much skill and no one briefing me before I go anywhere. No fear, no worry. It’s good to be back, even if just for a few weeks.

Hello from Kuwait

2009-05-26T08:08:00.000-07:00

It was a long night, we didn’t take off until late and now it’s only later. You’d think as soon as we landed they would get us to our tents for some shuteye, but that’s not how they do business here. Before we could go to bed, we had to turn in our body armor and be processed into the country. It wasn’t until 0330 before my head hit the pillow and I have to be at another out-processing brief at 0700. What’s the point of sleeping? I’m in a tent with a dozen other guys (top bunk, my favorite) on a mattress covered in plastic. The bed wouldn’t be so bad if it weren’t 100 degrees here. My body keeps sticking to this thing. I’m not unpacking my sheets for a couple hours of sleep.

Okay, it’s now several hours later and I’m at the Kuwait Airport. The highlight of the time between the out-processing brief and here was US Navy Customs. Before we can leave, we had to dump EVERYTHING out of our bags to be searched. When I go home for good, I’ll make sure not to pack so nicely. Surprisingly, the agent let me keep my plastic pirate pistol I got Charlie for Disney World.

Tonight we’ll fly from Kuwait to Shannon, Ireland. After a short layover it’s onto Atlanta then Memphis. That’s when the 18-day clock begins to tick.

R&R Time!!!!

2009-05-26T08:04:00.000-07:00

For the past three days, I have been here at BAF or Bagram Air Field. I am finally heading home on R&R. Being here on this base is a different world compared to ISAF HQ. They have good food, nice accommodations, things to do in the evening and it’s big enough you don’t see the same people six times a day.

I’ve been staying in a private room thanks to the good people here at the base public affairs shop. The rooms are meant for media passing through the area but they have a spare bunk so I don’t have to sleep in the transient tent. I want to publically thank them for the berthing. If I would have had to stay in the transient tent all this time, it would have been a bad thing; a very bad thing.

The past three flights have been cancelled s I’ve been stuck in limbo with more than 150 other soldiers all trying to go home on R&R. But tonight we fly so I’ve got some packing to do. Next stop, the pax terminal.

Change of command

2009-05-26T07:59:00.001-07:00

Recently the president announced a new change at the top for the fight here in Afghanistan. You’d think this would be the talk of the camp here at ISAF Headquarters as it’s an international story which directly affects us. Oddly, there’s been little talk on the subject. People here just respect the president’s decision and are pushing forward, business as usual. Will it affect me an in any way; perhaps. Just like the president picks his cabinet, a theater commander picks the generals that work for him. I’m sure when Gen. McKiernan goes, so will some of his staff. And some of those staffers are my bosses. Regardless of the reason, they’ve fought a good fight and I’m grateful for the opportunity to serve under their command. I salute them as they depart and stand ready to serve our new commander.

Very interesting

2009-05-11T04:45:00.001-07:00

By now you have probably heard the story about US troops distributing Bibles here in Afghanistan.

I’m not writing about the alleged incident, but I do want to demonstrate the difference in reporting styles among the media. Below is the first paragraph of two stories from two different media outlets; CNN and Al Jazeera. The different approach each outlet takes to the story is very interesting.

Keep in mind the video in question was shot more than a year ago.

Al Jazeera (Qatar), 5 May
The US military has confiscated Bibles that Christian US soldiers in Afghanistan had apparently intended to give to local Muslims, a military spokesman has said. Al Jazeera broadcast footage on Monday that showed troops apparently preparing to convert Afghans to their faith. Some of the soldiers who appeared in the video have also been reprimanded, US government and military officials told Al Jazeera's James Bays.

CNN (United States), 5 May
The U.S. military is denying that troops in Afghanistan have been attempting to convert Afghans to Christianity, countering video showing a chaplain delivering a sermon about religious conversion and Bibles printed in local languages.
The video was shown recently on the Qatar-based international television news service, Al Jazeera English.

Tick Tock, Tick Tock…

2009-05-11T04:03:00.001-07:00

In exactly eight days I’ll pack my bags and head home for 18 glorious days of R&R. By the time I walk through the front door, I will have been away from my family for eight very long months. In retrospect, time has actually moved along pretty fast. So why is it that the days leading up to my trip home are moving so slowwwwwww!

I guess Einstein would say its all relative. To help pass some time, I’ve researched some timely quotes on the topic of… time. Here’s a few of my favorites.

Dost thou love life? Then waste not time; for time is the stuff that life is made of.

Time is a companion that goes with us on a journey. It reminds us to cherish each moment, because it will never come again.

As if you could kill time without injuring eternity!

No time like the present.

Whatever begins, also ends.

Time changes everything except something within us which is always surprised by change.

Half our life is spent trying to find something to do with the time we have rushed through life trying to save.

Time flies when you’re having fun… except in Afghanistan.

Happy Mother's Day!

2009-05-11T03:37:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was Mother’s Day. While most Americans were taking the day to thank Mom for all she has done over the past year, for me it was just an ordinary day. Not because the mother of my children is not here with me, but because I make a point to thank her every day for her efforts.

My wife is amazing! Singlehandedly, she has been holding down the fort while taking care of our two little ones. Cooking, cleaning, paying bills, disciplining, educating; she does it all and with a beautiful smile on her face.

And just when my wife thought my tour was over and help was on the way, she was the one who encouraged me to accept my general’s requested extension which will keep me here an additional four months. She did that because she knew it was in the best interest of my career and our family.

There are many words I can use to describe my wife; beautiful, loving, supportive, kind, committed, generous. I’ll just use three: My best friend!

Happy Mother’s Day!

Run for the Roses

2009-05-01T23:13:00.000-07:00

Okay, so there weren't any roses involved, but I did do plenty of running yesterday. On Sunday, the people who run the gym put on an unusual sort of marathon. For starters, there were four different sports you could choose from; running, spinning, eliptipical or rowing. I picked running since I've been meaning to start training for October's Marine Corps Marathon in Washington, DC.

The ISAF Marathon lasted 12 hours long but that doesn't mean I had to run for 12 hours. Each participant was on a team of three so you would compete for an hour, have two off and then compete again for a total of 12 hours. It may sound easy... but it wasn't.

I ran for an hour straight from:
- 0600 to 0700
- 0900 to 1000
- 1200 to 1300
- 1500 to 1600

When all the miles are added up, I ran roughly 15-to-20 by the end of the marathon. Not exactly marathon distance (26-miles) but close enough for a first attempt.

After I finished running, the MPPAT headed over to Camp Eggers for the Friday night Streak and Lobster Party. I especially enjoyed the cake and ice cream. After logging as many miles as I did, I figured I earned a nice meal.

Goodbye MC1 & MC2

2009-04-26T00:42:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, MC1 Nelson and MC2 Ramirez packed their bags and headed back to the U.S. Both of them did an outstanding job for me here in Afghanistan and have well earned their plane tickets home.

Monica spent 95% of her deployment forward deployed in RC West shooting pictures and writing stories. She was constantly on the lookout for opportunities and never once flinched at going outside the wire for a good story. Every one of her photos were of award winning calibur and her articles were always interesting. While I constantly had to hound my teams for their stories, I always new I'd be getting two to three stories a week from Monica. She isn't just reliable and talented, she's also one of the nicest people you'll ever meet. While we sometimes say half heartedly at going away parties, "I hope we cross paths again," with Monica I honestly mean it. This is a Sailor who will be a Chief someday soon and the young Sailors under her should consider themselves very luck.

Aramis is also another one of those very talented guys with a pen and a camera. When given an assignment, you don't have to worry about the final product. He took thousands of outstanding pictures here and the two ISAF Mirror magazines he put together were leaps and bounds beyond their predecessors. Granted, he needed a swift kick in the butt from time to time to write a story, but when he did it was usually gold. Socially, this is a guy who is more comfortable meeting you on the Internet then in person. He's a little on the shy side. But that's okay, everyone is different and Aramis taught me to accept our differences.

Afghanistan left its mark on these two so it was only fair they were given their chance to leave their mark on ISAF HQ. The lasting mark this team leaves behind is our studio and hidden behind a black curtain, we have begun a tradition of signing our names on the wall. Tech Sergeant Nipper was the first with MC1 Nelson and MC2 Ramirez adding their mark yesterday. MC1 Matlock is next and someday, someday way down the line, I'll get to sign it too.

MC1 Nelson and MC2 Ramirez, good luck in your Navy journey.

Navy pride takes a backseat to the Army

2009-04-24T01:35:00.000-07:00

I love being in the United States Navy. My uniforms are dress blues, khakis or the new digital blue camies. But while I am serving here in Afghanistan, I am willing to support the Army's mission and wear the Army's uniform. But this doesn't make me a soldier. I am a Sailor in the US Navy; something I take great pride in. And I am not alone. These are the feelings of all my shipmates here in Afghanistan. WE are Sailors.

So you can imagine the pride we felt when an instruction was issued allowing all Sailors in Afghanistan to wear the "Don't Tread on Me" flag on our Army uniforms. This flag has great significance in Naval history tracing back to our earliest days. It allowed us Sailors to demonstrate a little Navy pride while donating our time in Army green. However, the Army doesn't agree.

While soldiers here are allowed to wear no less than four patches on their uniforms from current and present commands, they have now denied the Navy from wearing the flag. It may sound petty, it's just a patch you might be thinking. But this patch makes a proud statement that we are in the Navy and have step away from OUR mission to support theirs. It proudly identifies us and our history. Many of my shipmates, myself included, are not happy about this.

I'm hoping our senior leadership are looking into this issue and back us on wearing of this important form of Navy identification. WE are Sailors, not soldiers.

Another rough day

2009-04-21T22:46:00.000-07:00

Being away from my family has been rough, but we've muddled through. Most days we just talk on the phone, see each other on the web camera and live as normal of a life as possible... for being a world apart.

But there are those certain days when not even the most high speed internet connection and the clearest web camera picture does the heart good. Yesterday was one of those days. Yesterday was my little girl's 6th birthday; the third family birthday I've missed during this deployment. I also wasn't there when my son turned three and my wife turned "XX."

I've missed Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years, Valentine's Day and St. Patrick's Day. I'll also miss the 4th of July and Memorial Day. Those are hard days to miss, but not nearly as hard as my kid's birthdays. Major holidays are for everyone but a birthday is someone's very own special day. I'll never get back their 3rd or 6th birthday so these days were very emotional and difficult.

My last deployment was perfectly timed so that I didn't miss any birthdays. I didn't how hard being away from the family could be. If I've gained anything from this experience, it's a huge respect for those who serve from 6-months, 12-months, 15-months away from their families.

A bedtime story for Daddy

2009-04-20T00:51:00.000-07:00

I try to talk to my kids as much as possible. It's especially important while I'm deployed. Last night, they made me laugh so hard when I asked them each to tell me a story before going to bed. Below is a transcript of that conversation.

DADDY: Do you have a story for me honey?
DAUGHTER: Yes... Once upon a time Daddy found a magic coin.
DADDY: And what did I do with it?
DAUGHTER: You gave it to your daughter and she used it to go on a rollercoaster. Thee end!
DADDY: Honey, that's a great story. You are so sweet! Thank you.
DAUGHTER: Here brother, tell Daddy a story.
SON: Once upon a time there was Batman and Robin...
MOMMY: And what did they do to help people?
SON: They KILLED the Joker!

The moral of this entry; my daughter is extremely sweet and my little boy is all boy!

Change is in the wind

2009-04-18T03:21:00.000-07:00

As new people roll in and old people roll out, I'm finding the MPPAT to be a fluid operation. The skills one person brings to Afghanistan aren't the same as the skills of the person getting on the next plane for the United States.

My three newest MPPAT members are more senior in rank. This will now allow me to step back from the day-to-day operation of the MPPAT and allow them to take change. At the same time, this will allow me to focus on the video production work being requested from the top.

I now have a:
- Senior Master Sergeant
- Master Sergeant
- Cheif Petty Officer

And while I now have more senior enlisted serving as the management team, I still expect the MPPAT to have a strong output. But no fear from me about that. These three guys are workers... not managers who sit on their tails. They've come to the table with ideas and effort.

I'm looking forward to seeing how the new MPPAT takes shape as the winds of change begin to shift.

A visit from "home"

2009-04-17T02:06:00.001-07:00

Since I've been here we've been visited by dozens of VIPs. Last week, we got a visit from a US senator, which is nothing unusual. But this senator knew me.

Sen. Jon Kyl (R) of Arizona recently paid a visit to the ISAF Headquarters here in Kabul. He was here to visit Gen. McKiernan and get a firsthand update on the war effort. I've interviewed Sen. Kyl a dozen times while working in Yuma and Tucson so I was hoping to see him in hopes he's remember me. I prepositioned myself outside his meeting and when the door opened I stepped forward. I introduced myself but before I could finish, the sentor had a big smile on his face and said, "of course I remember you Dave." Perhaps he was just being nice, but I honestly believed him.

We talked for a couple minutes and I ended the conversation by asking him to call my parents when he returns to Arizona just to say he saw me and I'm doing fine. Sure enough, less than a week later, Sen. Jon Kyl called my parents. To say the very least, they were very proud.

Senator Kyl, if I ever move back to Arizona, you don't just have my vote... I'd be proud to work on your campaign! Thank you.

Easter at ISAF

2009-04-17T01:34:00.000-07:00

This past Sunday was Easter here at ISAF. Sorry, no Easter Egg hunt in the garden for the troops. However, there was a sunrise service which allowed me to celebrate the holiest day of the year while offering me a small piece of home. The base also cooked a nice lunch for us.

Normally, Easter Sunday would have me fawning over my beautiful wife, putting on my dress blues for church and taking the kids to an Easter egg hunt. That just wasn't in the card for us this year. "Duty calls" is the theme for 2009 and so here I am in Afghanistan. But Mrs. Blank did a great job keeping everyone's spirits high.

Below are some pictures from this Sunday's service.

I guess I should be honored

2009-04-07T20:46:00.000-07:00

We recently had a visit by the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. During his visit, he met with my boss Gen. Ryan. When asked what he needed to acheive successc in Afghanistan, Gen. Ryan said he needed more people like LT Dave Hecht.

While the complement is very nice and much appreciated, it appears it has resulted in me getting extended here at ISAF HQ through the August elections. Yesterday I only had 22 days left. Now it appears the clock has been pushed back to 134 days.

At least I qualify now for 18-days of leave to travel back home. Our Disney World vacation is still on!

We Are NATO

2009-04-07T20:34:00.000-07:00

Lately, one of my big jobs here has become "video producer." Brig. Gen. Michael Ryan found out about my past life in television news and has tapped my talents to produce a number of different products.

My most recent video was an 11-minute mini documentary on the progress made in Afghanistan over the past seven years. The video is called, "We Are NATO" and was produced for NATO's 60th Anniversary summit that was recently attended by dozens of heads of state including President Obama.

I shot, wrote and edited this video on my laptop. It's amazing what you can do with today's technology. If you're interested in watching the video, click here: http://dvidshub.net/r/dzcwts.

You have to watch this!

2009-04-03T19:18:00.000-07:00

I just came across this video. I met these people at 2AM when I flew through Bangor, Maine on my way here. These are the kind of movies our country should be producing. Nobody deserves fame more than these people. To the producers of this movie, THANK YOU!

The Way We Get By - Trailer from The Way We Get By on Vimeo.

Medal day

2009-04-03T06:33:00.000-07:00

March 29, 2009 I was awarded the NATO Service Medal for my efforts here in Afghanistan as a part of NATO forces. In this picture General Carr is shaking my hand after pinning the medal on my uniform. He asked me what I did during my deployment to which I replied, "I ran the ISAF combat camera teams." He said he thought only the Air Force took pictures but I had to tell him that the best military photographers all come from the United States Navy!

One last trip

2009-04-02T20:46:00.001-07:00

With my relief just a week or so away, I think my trip to Regional Command West this past week will probably be my last outside the wire. My time is getting short and there's no reason to take any unnecessary risks in my final days in Afghanistan.

The goal of the trip was to help my friends over at US Forces Afghanistan escort a CNN crew to a place called Shindan. That's where insurgents started a firefight with US forces last year that resulted in the death of dozens of wedding party guests. The insurgents purposly posted themselves ontop of the wedding party to cause mass casualties. We were going to do a story on the incident one year later.

Long story short, we got all the way to Herat when the skies opened up and rain cancelled all flights to the area. We only had a small window of opportunity and it turned out to be opportunity lost. Perhaps it was a sign the Big Guy didn't want us down there in the first place. This is one of the MOST DANGEROUS areas in Afghanistan and this trip has now been cancelled four times for various reasons.

While it turned out to be a three day wasted opportunity, I had a great time hanging out with Col. Greg Julien and LT Adam Clampett.

Leaving a mark

2009-04-02T20:28:00.000-07:00

A couple months ago I had the chance to go to a local TV station and lecture to the news department on how the western media put stories together. Yesterday, I had a chance to talk before a group of Afghan public affairs professionals and offer my insights on how they can, "use the media to their advantage." That's the name of a seminar I've given several times to different PR groups back in the states.

This is a developing nation and everything here is becoming more modern, more advanced, more westernized. It's pretty cool to thing I played a VERY SMALL part in that change.

A big part in my lecture is buying your own camera and laptop editor and shooting your own stories. This way you can drop off a tape at TV stations instead of waiting for them to show up and cover your event. This gives you more control over your message and most stations will use your material if it's shot properly. The cost is only a few hundred bucks for the right gear. Next time, however, it would be nice if someone would remind me these people only make a few hundred bucks a year!!!!

A sad day for the Navy

2009-03-29T22:18:00.000-07:00

Ventura County Navy Lt. killed in Afghanistan
The Associated Press

VENTURA, Calif.—A 26-year-old Navy lieutenant from Ventura County was shot to death in Afghanistan just days before he was to return home to see his wife and relatives.

Francis L. Toner was killed Friday by an Afghan insurgent dressed as a soldier at a base in northern Afghanistan, the Department of Defense said Saturday. Toner, who was in Afghanistan for five months to train Afghan soldiers, was scheduled to come home Wednesday, his aunt Linda Moosekian said.

Moosekian said Toner, known by his friends as Frankie, enjoyed working with the Afghan soldiers and even tried to teach them how to play baseball. In one of his last e-mail messages to family, Toner appeared optimistic about the situation in Afghanistan.

"There are still hundreds of recruits for both the police and army, almost on a weekly basis," he wrote. "This shows the insurgents are not having as much impact on the local communities."
Toner attended Westlake High School where he played football. He decided to attend the Merchant Marine Academy in New York after being offered the chance to play for the academy's team, his high school football coach Jim Benkert said.

"He wanted to continue to play," Benkert said. "He was really proud to be a Merchant Marine and proud to be a warrior."

Although he attended the academy and served in the Navy as a garrison engineer, Toner was assigned to a blended military unit called Combined Security Transition Command-Afghanistan.

A fellow sailor, Navy nurse Florence B. Choe, 35, of El Cajon, was also killed in Friday's attack.

Toner requested to be buried at Arlington National Cemetery.

It works, it really, really works!

2009-03-29T21:03:00.000-07:00

A couple of nights ago, President Obama told the nation on live television his strategy for winning the war in Afghanistan. When the president speaks, the media will always scurry for reaction, so it's no wonder after his address that we got a call from CNN wanting to do a live interview from ISAF HQ.

Before the new studio, it would take us a minimum of an hour just to set up for a live interview. We have to hook up the satellite, run cables, move furniture. But not anymore.

CNN's call came in at 8PM. I had the guys in the studio at 8:15PM. We were tuned into their satellite by 8:19PM General Blanchette was talking to their producer at 8:25PM and we were on the air worldwide at 8:30PM.

If I've left any mark on Afghanistan, it's the studio. I'm very proud of this.

A front row seat to history

2009-03-27T09:02:00.000-07:00

The life of a Public Affairs Officer gives me a front row seat to watch history in the making and yesterday was one of those exciting days which makes serving here in Afghanistan bearable. I caught a ride on a Blackhawk with a dozen media to cover the graduation of the first class of the Afghan Public Protection Force. This is a brand new program so I got to see the first 250 young men swear an oath to serve the people of Afghanistan and receive a certificate of completion. They’re not police officers nor are they members of the military. This program is basically an armed neighborhood watch. If they see insurgents doing bad things, it’s their job to call in the authorities. This first class came from Wardak Province and they’ll return to Wardak Province; they won’t be deployed to other regions of the country. It was actually very exciting to see such enthusiasm and devotion to their country displayed by the graduates.

As you can see from my pictures, Gen. McKiernan was on hand and offered encouragement to the graduating class. "I applaud the courage of these men to step forward in representing the community; but they know that if they run into problems, they can call the Afghan National Police, Afghan National Army or international forces that are out there. So they're not on their own," he said.

I enjoyed hanging out with the media including Conor Powell, a freelance reporter for FOX News. I’m envious of this young guy. It was nearly 20 years ago Walter Cronkite told me if you want to be a reporter kid, buy a camera and go where the stories are, don’t bother with the local affiliates. I didn't listen and look how my career ended. But that’s what Connor did and he’s making a real name for himself. I’m envious… but I’m still trilled how my story is going.

If you're interested in seeing some of the video I shot at the graduation, click here: http://www.dvidshub.net/r/7w5v3h

From one side of the planet to the other!

2009-03-23T23:44:00.000-07:00

For the past six months I have been planning to return to my old job in Tennessee when my mission here is complete. Let’s just say Navy life is NOT short on surprises. But the surprise I just got turns out to be a good one, a very good one.

I received a call last week asking me if I would be interested in a position as the public affairs officer for the USS George Washington based in Japan. There is no US aircraft carrier with more international press focused on it than “GW.” GW just arrived in Japan a few months ago and this is the first nuclear powered carrier to be stationed there. I consider this opportunity a massive honor and I’m blown away by the confidence my peers have placed in me. To all those involved in the detailing process, THANK YOU!

I talked it over with my wife and it didn’t take long for the Hecht family to say “YES” to this next assignment.

I will return home from Afghanistan in May as scheduled. We’ll enjoy a fun summer and then in August, we’re off to the Land of the Rising Sun. The tour aboard GW will be for two years. After that, we're hoping to return to Tennessee. My family is very excited about this big change in our lives and I hope you'll join us in our enthusiasm.

Sayonara!

Another 5K

2009-03-23T18:50:00.000-07:00

Staying fit in a combat theater of operations is critical. You need to be strong to carry your body armor and all your equipment. Staying fit also helps you to remain alert and reduces your day-to-day stress.

Over the weekend I ran another 5K marathon with about a dozen other service members. By the time I leave Afghanistan, I will have run/biked a distance equal to the circumference of Afghanistan; 1,750 kilometers. Not being the most hard core athlete, this is an accomplishment I'm very proud of.

The list

2009-03-23T18:42:00.000-07:00

It was six months ago yesterday that I left my family. In retrospect, time has moved pretty fast and much of the credit for that goes to my wife and children who have kept my spirits up with their care packages and long conversations on Skype. It’s the time I have left in front of me that seems to be moving at a snail's pace. To help kill some time, I spent much of this Sunday building a list of things I have not done in six months. As I am a faithful husband, I’ll leave the obvious off.

In six months I haven’t:
- Taken a shower without shower shoes
- Had a drink that contained ice
- Driven a car or (yipeee) paid for gas
- Listened to the radio
- Gone to the movies
- Slept in a room without at least one other grown man
- Eaten good food
- Done my own laundry
- Worn anything other than a uniform or workout cloths
- Gone a day without carrying a gun (luckily never had to use it)
- Seen grass or a single flower
- Gone a day without see an Afghan digging a hole on this base
- Recycled a damm thing
- Been in a “western standard” clean bathroom

The list could go on and on, but it will only make me that much more homesick. 35 day to go!!!!!!!!!!!

The most important box

2009-03-23T18:23:00.000-07:00

I received a VERY important box in the mail yesterday for my cause to help the Indirah Gandhi Children's Hospital. This box came from my daughter's kindergarten class. While each box has brought a smile to my face, this particular box had me grinning from ear to ear all day long.

The goal of my fundraiser for the hospital hasn't been to just raise donations for the suffering and needy children of Afghanistan. I also wanted to open the eyes of parents and children back home by having them take a little time at a pharmacy looking at a shell of medical supplies and realize how incredibly blessed we are as a country. It's wonderful to know all of my daughter's peers have now experienced this lesson.

During my years in television news, I loved using the power of the media to help people in need. I must have coordinated a dozen different on air fundraisers. Now that I'm no longer in the business, it's wonderful to see I don't need a television station to make a difference.

Thank you Mrs. Addison for your donation and helping me spread the word about people in need!

Goodbye TSgt Nipper

2009-03-22T07:45:00.000-07:00

Today, Tech Sergeant Nipper loaded her bags into a truck and headed to the airport for the long flight back home for a much deserved reunion with her son. It was bitter sweat watching Brenda leave as we became good friends over the course of this deployment. At the same time, her departure does mean that I am the next to leave, along with MC1 Nelson and MC2 Ramirez.

It will be hard not having Brenda around. Her replacement is a great guy and more than capable to fill her shoes, but it's like being the catcher who followed Johnny Bench or the guy who played Trapper John after Honeycut left M.A.S.H. It just won't be the same.

As Brenda is Air Force and I'm in the Navy, odds are we'll never work together again. But hopefully we'll stay in touch. I wish her the best and send her a huge thank you for helping me to become a better officer.

St. Patty's Day

2009-03-19T18:22:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the world's first Saint Patrick's day party without beer. Actually, there was plenty of beer at our party, just none of the Americans were allowed to drink it.

Even without beer the ISAF Saint Paddy's day party was still a good time. They did have Irish coffee (non alcoholic) for us Yanks, lots of good food and live music provided by the Tali-Band. The Irish contingent station here at HQ also gave lessons in the Irish sport of hurling.

Every ISAF contributing nation gets one day of the year to throw a party celebrating their nationality. While the Americans celebrate the 4th of July with a barbecue, Saint Patrick's day is the day of choice for the Irish. They coordinated everything from the decorations to serving the drinks so this is probably the most authentic Saint Patrick's day party I have ever attended -even if it is in Afghanistan.

"Windsor Studio"

2009-03-19T02:00:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, Gen. Michael Ryan was our first official interview in the new studio which has been named, "Windsor Studio" in honor of Capt. Mark Windsor who left Kabul in January.

I loved interviewing Gen. Ryan. For starters, like yours truly, he's an Alumni of Arizona State University so he must be an outstanding leader. But more importantly, he's a pitbull on this war - no BS and straight to the point. He calls the insurgents "cowards" and challenges them to "fight like men."

Below are two links to the interview we released on DVIDS. I hope you get a chance to watch.

Part 1:
http://www.dvidshub.net/?script=video/video_show.php&id=56517.

Part 2:
http://www.dvidshub.net/?script=video/video_show.php&id=56517

The New MPPAT

2009-03-18T10:13:00.000-07:00

Before the new members of our team move to their forward deployed bases across the country, we had a moment together to pose for a picture. They are young, ambitious and ready to do their job. I really hope they know how much I appreciate their service. My replacement is inheriting a great group of dedicated and outstanding military journalists.

In case you're curious, our team is made up of three Air Force Airmen, three Navy Sailors and one Greek. I've been told we have another Airmen, Sailor and Marine on the way. I have the people, I have the studio... they only thing I need now are cameras!

Check this out

2009-03-18T09:06:00.000-07:00

NATO has finally come through with some of our much needed equipment. Check out our highly versitile new tripods. Oh, but they're not just tripods. They can also be used as a table and chair. How cool is that! Of course it still takes three photographers to set the shot.

Welcome aboard rookies

2009-03-18T08:39:00.000-07:00

Above are the three newest members of the team. Today our base is celebrating St. Patrick's Day and our new teammates all dress for the occasion. They are all very dedicated to the Irish saying they plan to wear their " green" uniforms for the rest of their deployment. Now that's dedication!

Spring has sprung in Afghanistan

2009-03-18T08:23:00.000-07:00

The winter months here in Afghanistan have been pretty call. Roadside and suicide bombings have been sporadic taking lives from time to time. But with the warmer weather in recent days the insurgents have really stepped up their attacks. This has me extremely concerned for my teams scattered across the countryside. Everyone was recently here at headquarters and I had a talk with them urging them to keep their eyes open at all times.

I would really appreciate everyone's prayers for not just my photographers, but all troops serving here in Afghanistan. Below is just one of several news releases ISAF has put out in recently regarding the death of troops here in country.

NEWS RELEASE

International Security Assistance Force Afghanistan Committed to the security, reconstruction and extension of governance in Afghanistan

Four ISAF service members killed in eastern Afghanistan KABUL, Afghanistan

(March 15) — Two International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) service members were killed and two died of wounds after an Improvised Explosive Device attack today in eastern Afghanistan.

“On behalf of ISAF, I offer our sincere condolences to the families and friends of our fallen soldiers,” said Brigadier-General Richard Blanchette, ISAF Spokesperson. “These dedicated professionals have risked their lives for a safe and stable Afghanistan.”

It is ISAF policy not to release the nationality of any casualty prior to the relevant national authority doing so.

I'm back

2009-03-15T07:17:00.000-07:00

After a wonderful week in Qatar, I’m back at work here at ISAF HQ in Kabul. I haven’t written since my return a week ago because there were a dozen projects on my desk when I walked through the door. I’ve been super busy, but the stress is gone and I’m ready to start tearing things up again.

In my absence, three members of the team packed up and rolled out. Gone are Tech Sergeant Laura Smith, Tech Sergeant Latisha Cole and Cpl. John Rafoss. These three did an outstanding job shooting pictures, video and telling the ISAF story. At the bottom of each of their departing awards states, “Their documentation during this deployment serves as an invaluable historical record of international assistance and cooperation in support of the Afghan people and their government. Their outstanding performance of duty within a combat zone reflects great credit upon themselves, the United States military and the Department of Defense.”

Truer words could not be said to describe these three and their efforts here in Afghanistan.

And while three are now gone, three replacements have arrived. Our newest team members are Master Sergeant Chris, Tech Sergeant Cristal and MC1 Terry. Last names are being withheld for security reasons. It’s great to have some fresh enthusiasm in the office and I’m sure all three with rise to the level of their predecessors in no time.

As I said earlier, I have a dozen new projects on my desk. The two biggest include a 12-minute video on NATO’s efforts in Afghanistan over the past eight years… and outfitting our new studio. The video will take some research, but it shouldn’t be too difficult as producing videos is what I do best. But it’s the studio I’m most excited about. I wrote a month or so ago that if I could get ISAF PAO a studio before I left, I would consider the second half of my deployment as successful as the first. Well, the studio is now a reality. All that’s left to do is build a couple sets and move the DVIDS system to its new location. This studio will make life 1,000% easier for everyone who follows in our footsteps here at HQ.

All good things must come to an end

2009-03-09T02:03:00.000-07:00

A tour through time

2009-03-09T01:36:00.000-07:00

Today I jumped back on a tour bus for a trip to the Islamic Culture and Art Museum. The museum alone should be considered a masterpiece. The building is amazing with fountains of cool water gushing and rushing everywhere. Inside, you'll find works of art dating as far back as the 6th century. Back home, something a little more than 200 years old is considered "old." Here, you could find something that old at the local flee market.

This isn't an art museum full of dusty old boring paintings. On display were painted plates, vases, jewelry, rugs and door panels; things people actually used hundreds of years ago. I wonder what conversations these objects listened to, what events they witnessed over the centuries? If only they could talk.

The name game

2009-03-06T22:08:00.000-08:00

Today we spent the day at a Qatari Mall. I would tell you the exciting difference between a mall is the states and a mall here, but there are NO difference. Okay, some store names are spelled in Arabic and some women are wearing burkas, but that's it.

I thought it would be fun to show pictures of store names in Arabic and see if you can guess which store it is. The shape of the logo and/or color should give you a good clue. Have fun!

*Answers posted below pictures.

1.) Cold Stone Creamery 2.) Burger King 3.) Clare's 4.) Baskin Robbin's 5.) Starbucks 6.) Me enjoying my Cold Stone!!!!

The best gym in the WORLD

2009-03-06T01:20:00.000-08:00

For the past two days I have been working out at the gym on base here in Qatar. I love this gym. No, not because it's clean, they play music I can understand or the fresh towel service. Check out the picture above. They actually have a Dairy Queen in the middle of the gym. That's right, nothing goes down better after a long, hot workout than a Chocolate Chip and Snickers Blizzard. Hey, you paid the price... now treat yourself to a treat. That's my motto. It's also the reason I actually GAIN WEIGHT after coming to this gym.

Very, very, very funny!!!!

2009-03-04T11:11:00.000-08:00

This audio clip has nothing to do with my deployment or my current trip to Qatar. A friend sent it to me and I laughted and laughed. I'm still laughing. It is definately worth three minutes of your time and I promise, you'll be chuckling all day long.

Fun in the Qatari sun

2009-03-04T10:15:00.000-08:00

Buckle your seatbelts and come along on our wild ride.

What a great day

2009-03-04T09:42:00.000-08:00

Today was an awesome day. For $30, we took the Inland Sea Picnic tour. The day began with a 1 hour ride through the Qatari sand dunes in SUVs. After that, we spent three hours along the surf of the Persian Gulf playing vollyball, eating traditional Middle Eastern food, smoking a shesha pipe, laying out in the sun and collecting sea shells.

Stress, what stress. I have roughly 55 days left on this deployment and am completely confident that after a few more days here, I will have no problem coasting to the finish line.

I found it!

2009-03-04T09:24:00.000-08:00

Here in Qatar, I have once again found my "happy place." This trip is exactly what the doctor ordered.

Heaven on Earth

2009-03-04T08:58:00.000-08:00

For the first time in five months, I spent an entire day without putting on my uniform. If this doesn't sound like that big of a deal to you, try wearing the same cloths for just one week.

I'm here in Qatar and this place is the closest thing to paradise I can imagine outside of being home with my family. The food is even better than Bagram, the weather is like Phoenix in the spring, and they have lots of fun tours you can take.

All of that is wonderful and I plan to partake, but today I only wanted one thing. I haven't had a long, hot bath since the day I left Memphis and that was my only goal. To my heartbreak, there's no bathtubs to be found here... but they do have a hot tub.

After two hours in the hot tub, life is once again good. The stress has melted away. I could easily go back to Kabul tomorrow a very happy man. You'd have to take me kicking and screaming, but I could go back happy.

Tomorrow we're doing the inland sea picnic. Tour guids will take us in SUVs through the sand dunes to an inland cove whre the Persian Gulf and the Qatari desert meet. There we'll have a picnic in big Arabian tents eating traditional food.

Life is an adventure. Drink it up.

Only in the military

2009-03-04T08:35:00.000-08:00

Only in the military will you need 10 days to take a four day vacation. Hello and thank you for flying Afghan Airlines!

I have been here at Bagram Air Force Base for two days waiting to catch a flight to Qatar. Trust me, I'm not complaining. Until my flight takes off, I'm just hanging out here at the Pat Tillman USO. I've got a spot on a comfy futon in front of a giant plasma screen and an endless supply of great movies. Okay, not every movie has been great. I really wanted to slap the guy who put in Larry the Cable Guy in "Witless Protection." I must have been witness to actually watch that piece of crap film.

Just down the street is the dining facility and the food here is 1,000 times better than at the headquarters. If I'm not in the mood for what they're serving in the DFAC, I can eat at the Subway or Burger King. These people have it soooo easy. I've heard a couple people complain about serving here and like the guy who put on Witless Protection, I wanted to slap them too. They have no idea how crappy we have it back at the headquarters. I'd trade with them in a heartbeat.

I've run into two people from ISAF who are also going on R&R; TSgt Connie "Ski" Czerwinski and Seaman Matt Jeffrey. We're having a good time kicking back, relaxing, watching movies and eating good food. If I had to stay here for my R&R, I'd have no problems with that. No, wait a minute... they have beer in Qatar. I guess I'll still catch that flight afterall.

Okay, the next movie is on... gotta go now.

Stress

2009-03-04T08:14:00.000-08:00

The past couple of weeks have been the most stressful of my deployment. Not since my days at NBC 24 in Toledo have I been so frazzled. If you knew me back then, you know exxactly what I'm talking about.

For much of February, I have gotten little sleep, bit my nails to the bone, barked at people and in general been a collasal "grump." This isn't me. I'm usually the guy whose smiling and laughing. I thought over and over again why am I so pissy and have finally come to the conclusion. Man was not meant to work seven days a week, 12 hours a day for four months straight. Toss in the pleasures working with NATO and this is enough to send anyone over the edge.

If I found out Lee Harvey Oswald or James Earl Ray hit their targets after just coming home from a deployment, especially a deployment with NATO, I would actually understand their screwed up mental state. I'm nowhere near this level of insanity, but I am more than ready to get out of the headquarters.

The blame game

2009-02-24T18:49:00.000-08:00

Since I have been here, I have written about the wonders of Skype. That was before I got my new Sony Vaio laptop computer. I have downloaded Skype’s software and made sure all the settings are correct, but I have been unable to make a single call. Susan can call me, but I can’t call her.

I have literally spent DAYS trying to resolve this without any luck. If you haven't heard from me in a while, this is why.

I e-mailed Skype’s customer service several times, but they keep replying with the same automated response over and over again. I'd call but they don’t have a customer service phone number. Why is it that a phone service DOESN’T HAVE A PHONE NUMBER?

Skype's e-mails say the problem is on my end with my laptop. Sony says the problem is on Skype’s end. The Sailor who just wants to call home is stuck in the middle with no solution. Thanks Skype, thanks Sony!

Come on Monday…

2009-02-24T18:45:00.001-08:00

Today is Tuesday, Feb 24th. In six days I will be packing up for my long awaited four days of R&R in Qatar. Qatar may not sound like a dream vacation to most of you, but I’m thrilled to packing up and heading out.

Here at the headquarters, we work seven days a week, usually 12 hours a day. After fours months of this, I am ready for a break; even if it’s just a few days in Qatar. Actually, I hear the place isn’t bad. I get to wear civilian cloths, eat at some decent on-base restaurants like Friday’s and Chili’s or hit the off-base mall. They even have a beach where a lot of US service members go swimming or jet skiing. Tour packages to some of the historic sites are also available.

To be honest, I only want to sleep in, work out and drink a beer or two. Yes, we’re allowed two alcoholic drinks per day. Come on Monday!

* While my work schedule seriously stinks, Susan is pulling equally as long hours. And even worse, Mommies don’t get pay or R&R. Susan, if I could give you my trip to Qatar, I would. You deserve it more than me.

Throw your bags... anywhere

2009-02-20T16:34:00.000-08:00

The President is sending additional American troops here as you may have seen on the news or read below. I hope they enjoy the luxury accomidations. Guys, sorry but due to the faltering economy, the Army has had to cut back on room service and the pool is temporarily closed. Doesn't it look exactly like your local Holiday Inn!

Thank you Mr. President

2009-02-20T16:19:00.000-08:00

Below, are President Obama's remarks following his decision to send 17,000 additional troops to help in the fight here in Afghanistan.

For Immediate Release February 17, 2009
"There is no more solemn duty as President than the decision to deploy our armed forces into harm’s way. I do it today mindful that the situation in Afghanistan and Pakistan demands urgent attention and swift action. The Taliban is resurgent in Afghanistan, and al Qaeda supports the insurgency and threatens America from its safe-haven along the Pakistani border.

To meet urgent security needs, I approved a request from Secretary Gates to deploy a Marine Expeditionary Brigade later this spring and an Army Stryker Brigade and the enabling forces necessary to support them later this summer. This increase has been requested by General McKiernan and supported by Secretary Gates, the Joint Chiefs and the Commander of Central Command. General McKiernan’s request for these troops is months old, and the fact that we are going to responsibly drawdown our forces in Iraq allows us the flexibility to increase our presence in Afghanistan.

This reinforcement will contribute to the security of the Afghan people and to stability in Afghanistan. I recognize the extraordinary strain that this deployment places on our troops and military families. I honor their service, and will give them the support they need.

This increase is necessary to stabilize a deteriorating situation in Afghanistan, which has not received the strategic attention, direction and resources it urgently requires. That is why I ordered a review of our policy upon taking office, so we have a comprehensive strategy and the necessary resources to meet clear and achievable objectives in Afghanistan and the region. This troop increase does not pre-determine the outcome of that strategic review. Instead, it will further enable our team to put together a comprehensive strategy that will employ all elements of our national power to fulfill achievable goals in Afghanistan. As we develop our new strategic goals, we will do so in concert with our friends and allies as together we seek the resources necessary to succeed."

Another successful mission

2009-02-20T08:54:00.000-08:00

Today we took another shipment of medical supplies to the Indira Gandhi Children's Hospital. I honestly believe the supplies we are taking there are actually making a difference. Unlike my first trip there, this time I did not see one child with old, nasty bloody bandages on their wounds. The dressings seemed to be fresh, clean and new. I can only attribute that to the donations I have been receiving from many of you loyal readers. THANK YOU!

I was told this latest shipment of medical supplies will be enough to hold the hospital over for the next three months. While that's wonderful news, I want to be able to supply the hospital for the next year. Wow, I'm starting to sound like the Red Cross or PBS asking for more and more and more donations.

Anyways, enjoy the pictures posted above. I love seeing the smiles on these kid's faces. If you sent me a box, can you find it in one of the pictures? It's sort of like Where's Waldo... but with boxes.

Bureaucracy is how NOT to win a war

2009-02-14T08:12:00.000-08:00

Since the day I got here one of my goals was to get ISAF to purchase equipment for my teams. Currently, my guys are using their own equipment to get the job done and being in a combat environment in a dusty, dirty country, their equipment is taking a real beating.

I put together a list of gear and submitted it through our Public Affairs requisition person. I have checked on it numerous times and been told over and over again, “it’s in the process.” Today was the last straw as I wanted to know where this purchase currently stands! And just as I feared, it’s gone nowhere fast.

The purchasing office had an old e-mail address for the former requisition person so the month old message saying, "additional paperwork is required" never made it into the right hands. To make matters worse, they say once the paperwork is received, it will take 6-months for the purchase order to go through. Hell, the war will be over by then.

I just want to beat my head against a tree.

Welcome aboard!

2009-02-14T07:54:00.000-08:00

I have a new member on my team and he arrived by accident. Sgt. Stefanos is in the Greek Army. He was ordered to report to the Public Affairs team but nobody knew he was coming and they had no job for him.

I have plenty of work and too little of a staff so I adopted him as our International member of the MPPAT. “Stefanos now edits ISAF Update and Ask ISAF. This is great because I don’t believe our incoming replacements are broadcasters.

While he’s our official editor, until he got here he had never edited a frame of video before. I gave him a “how to edit” video and he’s mastered it like a pro.

A great personality and an outstanding work ethic, I’m thrilled to have him on the team. Welcome aboard Sgt. K!

Snow and plenty of it

2009-02-14T07:40:00.000-08:00

It snowed here yesterday. I hate snow. From the picture of the picnic table, you can tell we easily got more than three inches of fresh powder. And as the sun pops out from time to time, the melting snow has turned into gigantic puddles of muddy water, the biggest one right outside my dorm. I have to wade through it to get inside. It’s ankle deep... and cold. Again, I hate snow.

Little surprises

2009-02-13T17:43:00.000-08:00

More and more boxes continue to show up here at my base in Afghanistan. And each of these boxes contain little surprises for me and my staff. First and foremost I want to thank everyone who has sent me a box of medical supplies for the hospital. As for the little surprises, I want to send out a special thank you to Don Becker. Don included in his box the latest Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue and three good cigars. Don, very cool, thank you.

While a dozen men have already leafed through the pages of my magazine, I have a special plan for the cigars. I'll smoke the first one on my last day here in Afghanistan. I'll smoke the second one when my plane touches down back in the U.S. My first stop on the road home is a week of "in-processing" in San Diego. As for the third one, that's reserved for the night I get home in Tennessee. I plan to smoke that one while sitting on my back patio drinking a beer, snuggling with my wife and watching my kids play.

Again, thank you every one of your donations… and the little surprises.

It's Skyline Time!

2009-02-06T04:05:00.000-08:00

I've mentioned before that the food here is starting to get me down. It's not bad food, it's just the same food every day. Apparently, a number of you have heard my sob story and decided to spark my moral.

I'd like to thank my wife, my mother-in-law, my friends Scott & Michelle and the good people from LaRosa's, Skyline Chili and Montgomery Inn for sending me some true home cookin'. I grew up in Cincy and to have Skyline and LaRosa's once or twice a week for the rest of my tour does wonders for my heart... not to mention my tummy.

I think everyone know I like to eat so these care packages are better than gold! Thank you one and all!

Professor Hecht in Afghanistan

2009-02-06T03:46:00.000-08:00

I had the chance last week to go to an Afghan TV station and give a lecture to the newsroom staff on how the Western media put stories together. We went over shooting, writing, editing, pacing, creative stand-ups and the importance of natural sound. I think they were really interested in the way we do things. I'm hoping to go back again in a few weeks to sit in the control room and watch their newscast.

It's very exciting to think I've had a tiny, tiny impact on the way these people see and report a story. While I don't think they're up to the standard of doing a hard hitting piece like Wildwood Willy celebrates Groundhogs Day or Bubble wrap Appreciation Day, we have to give them time. Someday, someday!

Super Bowl XLIII

2009-02-06T03:18:00.000-08:00

I'm sure for all of you, Super Bowl Sunday began around noon with burgers, beer and wings at a friends house. But for those of us diehard football fans in Afghanistan, Super Bowl "Monday" began with the alarm clock going off at 0300.

The game was broadcasted for us in Afghanistan live in the base theater. About 30 Americans braved the early morning chill to walk from our dorms to the theater to watch the game. To our surprise they had pizza, wings and softdrinks waiting for us. A pizza company from Chicago actually shipped our base 250 pizzas so we could eat the real deal during the game, not the nasty Euro pizza they serve in the chow hall.

What a game! While I HATE the Steelers and was sad to see the Cardinals lose, the game was well worth the early wake-up call. Now every year when I watch the big game, I'll always remember the Super Bowl I spent with the troops in Afghanistan.

Just like the "old days"

2009-02-06T03:04:00.000-08:00

I spent last week in Southern Afghanistan at the request of the Public Affairs Officer down there. They wanted a few stories covered and I happily volunteered. I really needed a break from the headquarters.

Shooting, writing and editing these "war stories" really made me miss my days as a TV reporter. I don't miss all the newsroom drama, but I do miss the creative aspect of television news. I can only think how much better they would have turned out if I had Eric Anderson (NBC 24) or Geoff Levine (KGUN) with me.

Please feel free to click the links and watch my stories.

Danish patrol:
http://www.dvidshub.net/r/bt4tls

ISAF Doctors team up with Afghan Docs:
http://www.dvidshub.net/r/6rdlzk

British EOD teach ANA Mine Awareness:
http://www.dvidshub.net/r/ttcavq

*Stories have been approved for release:

Like being in a movie

2009-01-29T18:35:00.000-08:00

I just landed at my FOB in Helmand Province. I’ve made this comparison about other FOBs that I’ve been to here in Afghanistan; it reminds me a lot of the Alamo. They converted an old building into a command post surrounded by high mud walls with guard towers on each corner.

It took three Chinook helicopter flights to get here. I haven’t been scared once in this country, but those flights shook a nerve or two. The pilots are crazy. We were buzzing rooftops of local villages, flying over small farms and herds of frightened sheep. I honestly felt like I was in a scene from Apocalypse Now. I had to keep looking over at the rear gunner because the occasional thud, thud, thud of the rotors sounded identical to a 50-cal being fired.

When made our first stop, we picked up a couple of interesting passengers, two Afghan men, both handcuffed and wearing goggles that were blacked out. One was walking and the other was wounded and on a stretcher. I wanted to take their picture but thought that might be rude. What was I thinking? They’re Taliban, who cares what they think. Also, they’re wearing blacked out goggles. They’d have no idea I was taking their picture. Regardless, I kept my camera in my hip pouch.

Anyways, I’m here and am ready to spend the next week ahead playing TV reporter.

Words of advice...

2009-01-29T18:20:00.000-08:00

from Sgt. Healy:

"Why stand when you can sit. Why sit when you can lie down. Why stay awake when you can sleep."

Spoken like a true Marine!

On the road... again

2009-01-23T17:59:00.000-08:00

I'm going to be gone for the next week on a trip to Helmand Province. This is the most active area in Afghanistan for insurgent activity and fighting. I'm shorthanded right now with two of my team away on R&R so I'm picking up a video shoot. I'll be putting together a piece on ISAF troops and how they are teaching the Afghan National Army to detect mines and safety remove them.

If you don't hear from me for a week or so, that's where I am. This training is taking place at a remote Forward Operating Base (FOB) and odds are they have little to no Internet connection. I'll be posting pictures and a story when I get back.

Our new Commander & Chief

2009-01-23T17:38:00.000-08:00

I am optimistic for our new President and the future of our country. This is my new Commander and Chief and I have sworn an oath to follow his orders. But as an American, I am also blessed with freedom of speech and the rights of a citizen to criticize authority. As I watched the inauguration, I was disappointed to see our country spend $150 MILLION DOLLARS on this changing of the guard.

I would have been really impressed with the new administration if they would have simply said, "we can't afford the pomp and circumstance right now. We're in the middle of an economic crisis." A simple swearing in live on television from the Oval Office would have been much more appropriate and fiscally responsable.

Just my opinion.

Another refugee camp

2009-01-23T16:58:00.000-08:00

News Release

International Security Assistance Force

ISAF joins Sozo International to provide relief to Afghan refugees

By: LT Dave Hecht

KABUL, Afghanistan – They are the poorest of the poor. Nearly 70 families, more than 100 young children; all displaced Afghans forced to move to this tent city near downtown Kabul because of intense fighting taking place in Helmand Province. Life in this camp is hard, but it got a little easier thanks to supplies delivered by ISAF troops and Sozo International, Jan. 24.

“There is a lot of desperation here,” said Abdul Wakil of the non-governmental organization Sozo International “I came here last night and all the people were cold and sitting in their tents gathered around a small candle for heat.”

For security reasons, refugees at the camp were unaware that a convoy of relief supplies would be coming. When the four vehicles arrived, ISAF troops helped distribute three blankets to every family, winter clothes and food. For the refugees, the donations literally mean the difference between life and death which explains why the crowd began fighting over the last boxes to be handed out.

“It’s a different world,” said U.S. Navy CDR Harold Roy of Bishop, Texas. “I guess a different mentality when survival is at stake and definitely these people are trying to survive. It’s an eye opening experience but it feels good to provide some kind of support.”

The tents the refugees call home are simply pieces of wood lashed together to create a frame with plastic tarps, sheets or rugs thrown over the top for shelter. While most appeared to have coats to battle the cold overnight temperatures, what refugees didn’t have on hand were hats and gloves, particularly for the children. It’s the same case for shoes as most wore a pair but with no socks.

“Can these people really change their future, can they really work their way up” asked U.S. Army Major Linda Sue Schwartz of Milwaukee, WI. “Unfortunately, I think their future is already determined for them.”

Donations from abroad are the lifeblood of Sozo International’s efforts across Afghanistan. The organization delivers supplies to not only refugee camps, but also hospitals, schools and orphanages. To keep those donations coming, ISAF’s Chaplain, U.S. Air Force Captain Eric Whitmore coordinates with military members and civilian personnel from all ISAF contributing countries to participate in these deliveries.

“They’re not going to change the world,” said Whitmore of Denton, Texas. “They’re not going to change Afghanistan in one night. I want them see firsthand what’s happening here and to take this story back to their local church, local school, local community and together, that’s how we fix the problem.”

B-I-N-G-O!!!!!!

2009-01-22T18:36:00.001-08:00

The MWR (Moral Welfare & Recreation) team on base hosts events throughout the month to help keep the troops happy. They run the base theater and hold a special birthday dinner each month. But the BIGGEST event they coordinate is Bingo Night which is held every other Wednesday. I have never seen so many people get into Bingo like they do here. It’s an intense competition between nations. When an American wins, the Americans go wild. When the Brits win, the Brits go wild. It’s really a riot to watch. They also give out some pretty good prizes like cash, portable DVDs and Afghan rugs. So far… I’m winless. I’ve been close, but still winless.

The first wave out

2009-01-22T18:05:00.000-08:00

For several people in my office, their tour in Afghanistan is now over. At the same time, their relief have arrived. To celebrate the new arrivals and the latest departures, we held a "Hail and Fairwell" last night in true Royal Navy style. Our outgoing boss, Captain Mark Windsor is a Royal Navy officer and he commanded the formal event which began with the national anthem of each nation represented in the room. There were speeches and award presentations, a grand evening for the public affairs team.

Outgoing staff include:

Capt. Mark Windsor - Chief PAO

Col. K - Deputy Chief PAO

Lt. Col. Dave Honchul - Media Analysis

LCDR James Gater - Deputy Operations

1LT Yuksel Kilic- Planning

MC1 David Hamilton - Media Analysis asst.

1st Sgt Ramazan - Planning

Gentlemen, I wish each of you "fare winds and following seas."

Welcome aboard:

Major Chris Sergeant - Royal Navy

LCDR Chris Hall - Royal Navy

TSgt Bobby Maki - ISAF

Do American still care - think not

2009-01-19T08:36:00.000-08:00

While I'm in Afghanistan doing public affairs for NATO, my friend James is doing the same for U. S. Forces in Iraq. The article below is from James. Interesting stuff.

CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- A national survey released last month listed the news stories Americans followed most closely in 2008. Number one was the U.S. economy. Second were gasoline prices. Third, the Wall Street bailout.

Missing from the list of 15 topics? The Iraq war, where more than 4,200 Americans and at least 90,000 Iraqis have died. It was the first time since the war started in 2003 that Iraq didn't make the list, which is put out by the Pew Research Center for the People & the Press.

"People have gotten lost in the economy," said the Rev. Jim Lewis, a founder of West Virginia Patriots for Peace. "People have gotten lost in the elections."

In 2007, Iraq made up about a fifth of the print, online and broadcast news content analyzed at Pew's Project for Excellence in Journalism, said Mark Jurkowitz, associate director of the project.
In 2008, war coverage dropped by 75 percent, dwarfed by stories on the economy and the presidential election, he said.

For the week of Jan. 5, the war made up less than 1 percent of news content -- behind stories like the death of John Travolta's son, Jurkowitz said.

It's getting harder for many media organizations to cover Iraq, Jurkowitz said.

I can dig it

2009-01-18T17:13:00.000-08:00

If Afghans are the world's leading producers of anything... it's holes. They are incredible diggers. They dig holes all over this base. Why? I have no idea. I think they just like to dig. They don't use any heavy machinery, just picks and shovels.

The guy in this picture dug this hole all by himself in about five hours. The hole has to be atleast 6' deep and 8' across. In the Tennessee clay, it would take me a month to dig the same size hole.

Good job hole digging guy!

Thank you for your donations

2009-01-18T16:14:00.000-08:00

While I said our next delivery of hospital donations wouldn't be until February, an opportunity opened on Friday morning to deliver the supplies. Above are pictures of the delivery and the difference you helped to make.

I'd like to thank the following people for caring:

William Frazier, Tucson, AZ

Rick and Dena Lentz, Oconomowol, WI

Gloria Stuart, Topsham, ME

Kim Treber, Mount Vernon, OH

J.T. Lohrer, Batavia, OH

W. Bivins, Lexington, KY

Beth Fowler, Cincinnati, OH

Mike & Rosie Scherb, Tucson, AZ

Merkel Family, Cincinnati, OH

Byron & Jolene Masson, Monroe, MI

Joe West, Butler, KY

Castalneri Family, Anada, CO

William Wilder, West Chester, OH

Michelle & Scott Sloan, Mason, OH

John Donnelly, Melba, ID

Halfway there!!!

2009-01-18T16:00:00.000-08:00

This month marks the halfway point for my deployment here in Afghanistan. Three months down… three months to go. Actually, it’s four months down, but the one month of training back at Camp McCrady doesn’t count as part of my six month orders.

I’ve found the best way to make time fly is to have something to look forward to. With a little more than 100 days left, I’m now counting down the seconds to our family vacation at Disney World. My wife and I just made reservations over Skype for eight fun-filled days at the Magic Kingdom.

This kids have been very good while Daddy has been away and deserve a big reward like a trip to Mickey’s place. And while I play with the kids, Mrs. (Blank) is more than welcome to relax poolside, get a massage, go shopping… whatever she wants! She too has well earned this vacation.

I encourage my fellow military members to contact Disney about their “Red, White & Blue Salute” package. Not only are there good discounts on rooms, military members get a free five day pass to the park and your family members get five day passes for just $99 apiece.

Here’s a link to their website: http://www.shadesofgreen.org/salute.htm

Stupid things make me laugh!

2009-01-18T15:54:00.000-08:00

Two cannibals are eating a clown. One says to the other, “Does this taste funny to you?”

- I'm sorry, but I think this is just hilarious.

Car bombing near ISAF

2009-01-18T15:26:00.000-08:00

On Saturday, the Taliban exploded a vehicle born suicide IED near our base. Two Americans and four Afghans were killed while dozens of others were seriously wounded. The explosion rocked my building less than a mile away. Above are a couple photos of the scene shot by one of my photographers, TSgt Brenda Nipper.

Please keep the innocent victims of this attack in your thoughts and prayers.

ISAF News Release 1/15

2009-01-18T15:19:00.000-08:00

International Security Assistance Force

Afghan contractor kidnapped, murdered in Kapisa

KABUL, Afghanistan – A local-national contractor who worked on road construction projects for ISAF forces was found murdered three days after being kidnapped by insurgents in Kapisa Province last week.

The local-national contractor was kidnapped on Jan. 6. During his captivity, he was shot three times and killed. Afghan police found the contractor’s body hanging from a tree near Feroza, Jan. 9.

The contractor was part of a road construction project in the Afghanya valley of Kapisa, in Regional Command East.

ISAF Spokesperson, Brigadier General Richard Blanchette, condemned the kidnapping and murder of the local contractor and said “this local national man was merely trying to do his job and help build his country and, in doing so, was mercilessly killed by insurgents.”

An MPPAT update

2009-01-12T06:02:00.000-08:00

Three months ago when I arrived, my first goal was to deploy teams to three different regional commands. If news happened, we were there to cover it. Moving a team to RC South and West proved to be very easy with the guys producing outstanding work in these theatres since late November. But the German’s in RC North put up a fight and resisted support from my team. Why? I still have no clue.

But that resistance came to an end this weekend when Cpl. Rafoss finally received permission to move to Mazar-e Sharif. He’s already turned two very good stories from there and is quickly changing the opinion the German’s have regarding our benefit to their mission. TSgt Cole will be joining him in the north in a couple of day.

So with our teams firmly in place, I can now focus on the goals I have set for the second half of this tour. The MPPAT still has no video or still photography equipment. The gear the teams are using is their own. When they leave, so goes our gear. NATO has to open its wallet and provide us with equipment. We also need a professional studio… a place to conduct live interviews, ISAF Update, Ask ISAF. And finally, we have DVIDS here at the HQ and one in Kandahar. These are critical for getting video out to the world as soon as it happens. But we also need DVIDS in RC North and West.

If I can just achieve one of these, I will consider my last three months in Afghanistan as successful as my first three.

Hospital visit scheduled

2009-01-12T05:56:00.000-08:00

It’s official… A date has been set to delivery your donations to the Indira Ghandi Children’s Hospital… so please, get them in the mail as soon as possible. For security reasons, I cannot give you an exact date, but if your donations arrive by mid next month, they’ll make the trip. If they’re late, don’t worry. I plan to make a second and FINAL run in April.

Me and my new pal

2009-01-10T19:25:00.000-08:00

On Saturday, the Vice-President elect came to ISAF HQ to get a security breifing from Gen. David McKiernan, COMISAF. After that briefing, he took a few minutes to talk with the troops. In this picture, my new pal Joe and I talked for a brief moment about our service here in Afghanistan.

Joe took a swing at the Karzi Administration when he told us, "thank you for your service. It's tough here. It's tough serving in a country where the government you're protecting isn't protecting you." He was obviously reacting to the recent death of five Americans soldiers here.

He may be a democrat, but I like him holding the Afghans president's feet to the fire!

A rough week for ISAF

2009-01-10T19:12:00.000-08:00

It's been a rough week for the United States here in Afghanistan. Over the past couple of days, five US service members have been killed in action here. Their deaths should be remembered in the hearts and minds of every American safe on the home front.

In addition, this week we also lost a Canadian, an Australian and a couple of British soldiers. All here appreciate these countries, their contributions and the sacrifice their people have made.

NEWS RELEASE

International Security Assistance Force – Afghanistan

Five ISAF soldiers killed in southern Afghanistan

KABUL, Afghanistan (January 9) — Five ISAF soldiers were killed today in southern Afghanistan. “We offer our sincere condolences to the family and friends of the soldiers who died while working to bring peace and stability to Afghanistan,” said Brigadier General Richard Blanchette, ISAF Spokesperson. “We have lost five valuable members of our team and these losses will be felt across ISAF.”

Hospital Update

2009-01-10T18:58:00.000-08:00

Take a look at the stack of donations I've received so far. Thank you everyone. These boxes are packed with medical supplies and stuffed animals for the children at the Indira Gandhi Children's Hospital here in Kabul.

While I'm thrilled with what I've gotten so far, without sound ungrateful, my e-mail went out to more than 100 people. If everyone sends a box, together we can solve their supply problems for months, not days.

Send you donations to:

Dave Hecht / US NSE (PAO) / HQ ISAF / APO AE 09356

A day at KMTC

2009-01-05T07:59:00.001-08:00

I spent the day at KMTC, the Kabul Military Training Center. I was there to escort a British television crew and monitor ISAF's number two man, Major General Jim Dutton being interviewed.

This base is home to hundreds and hundreds of Afghan National Army soldiers going through training. These guys are hard chargers. They run, don't walk. They seem full of hope and excitment. This is a busy place as the goal is to double the size of the Afghan Army within the next three years.

These soldiers will most likely find themselves in combat... but it's a better life than anything else a young man could find here in this very poor country. Clothes, food and money... they even teach them to read and write. So how much does an Afghan soldier make? A whopping $125... per MONTH!

It's a dangerous job

2009-01-05T07:46:00.000-08:00

Just before I sent my guys out to their permanent locations in the west and south, I wrote how I feared for their safety. Some people may have thought I was being overly dramatic. Well, don’t tell that to my Marine who has been working in Helmand documenting the British on an operation. John just got back a couple days ago and told us the story of how the buddy he made on the trip was killed right next to him on Christmas Eve. It happened during a firefight when they were on a rooftop setting up equipment. John bent over to pick something up and when he turned around, the soldier was laying there motionless; shot through the neck. Before he went on this mission, John was a cocky young Marine ready to kill. Today he tells me he’d be happy if he never hears a gunshot again as long as he lives. I’m now redeploying him to the quieter RC North for the remainder of his tour.

Snow!

2009-01-05T06:50:00.000-08:00

A couple of weeks ago I noted the arrival of the chilly weather and the rain. Now the first official snowfall has occurred. Yesterday, we got at least two inches of powder. Can you guess which one of us loves the snow, and which one of us hates it?

Thanks Scott!

2009-01-01T02:33:00.000-08:00

Scott Sloan is an old friend of mine from when I used to live in Toledo, Ohio. He now is on the radio is Cincinnati, Ohio on 700 WLW, "The Big One." Scott and his wife Michelle have been very generous in sending box after box full of medical supplies to me here in Afghanistan. I want to thank them for their support. Scott has also told his thousands of listeners about my cause posting my "Christmas Wish" letter on his web site. That has sparked even more donations from across the country.

Scott and Michelle, and all you have heard about my cause... thank you and I hope you have a very blessed 2009.

The ball is rolling

2009-01-01T02:02:00.000-08:00

A couple weeks ago I wrote that all I wanted for Christmas was medical supplies for the local pediatric hospital here in Kabul. They're really hurting for just the basics and I requested your support.

I'm happy to say that so far, six boxes have arrived here at ISAF HQ. Ironically, not a single box came from anyone on the original e-mail list. It's all from total stangers who many of you contacted. Thank you for passing the message to your friends and families. I'm also getting plenty of e-mails from people I've never met.

Below are a few excerpts from those e-mails.

Dave,

I heard you on 700 WLW the other evening and was appalled at what is going on in this hospital. I wrote down the items from your blog that are needed. I will be going back to college in a week and meeting with a group I am involved in that does community service. I think this would be a great project for us to do. Merry Christmas.

- Liz

Hi Dave,

I heard you last night on 700, pretty interesting stuff. I have a lot of business contacts over here, and want to see if we can help with the kids. Our rugby team also raises money for charities so that is another avenue we could generate some funds. Are their specific types of medical items you need? Thanks again for your service, we appreciate it.

- Mark

Dear Mr. Hecht,

My name is Terri, I am the sister of a woman who goes to church with your wife. We are also military stationed at Nellis AFB in Nevada. Your story touched my heart and I took my son with me today and we bought gauze, neosporin, tape and my son insisted on the band aids. I mailed it priority so you should get it within 6 days. Thank you for caring about people you don't know.

- Terri

Please continue to support this cause. Help pass the word and feel free to give out my e-mail and mailing address. Now that the ball is rolling... let's keep it rolling.

My address is:

Dave Hecht

US NSE (PAO)

HQ ISAF

APO AE 09356

GREAT STORY... you'll never see in the news!

2008-12-28T07:10:00.000-08:00

Injured Afghan Civilian Returns Home a Hero after fighting off Taliban Intruders
BYLINE: U.S. Air Force TSgt Laura K. Smith

HERAT, Afghanistan—An injured Afghan civilian returned to his home in Baghdis province after two weeks of treatment in the Spanish medical facility at Camp Arena, Dec. 24.

The 25-year-old Afghan, referred to as Mohammad to protect him from retaliation, was shot in the leg during an attack on his village by Taliban insurgents who were looking to steal supplies of food and clothing. On Dec. 10, six armed insurgents entered the village that morning, but did not accomplish their mission.

“The Taliban came to my home looking for supplies. We didn’t want to give them our food,” said Mohammad. “They were trying to steal our assets, but we refused to give anything to them.”
Mohammad and other members of the village put up a fight, a fight the insurgents did not expect. They used stones and other weapons to defend their families from the terrorists.

“We captured them and took their weapons,” said Mohammad. “We shot one of the Taliban in the shoulder and we hit the others with stones and made them unconscious. Finally other Taliban came and took them away, probably to be treated across the border.”

During the fight, Mohammad was shot in the knee. His father took him to a nearby ISAF Forward Operating Base for treatment. “I did not have any another option to care for my son,” said Mohammad’s father. “We took him to the base, and then they flew him to Herat for further treatment.”

Mohammad was treated at the FOB by American and Italian medical teams then evacuated by a Spanish unit to Camp Arena. They found a 7cm gap in a major artery that was impossible to suture, and a severe break of the distal end of the femur. After immobilizing the leg and giving him blood transfusions overnight, the medical team made the decision to amputate.

“After we found that the foot was not viable, we performed a second operation for amputation of the lower leg above the knee,” stated Getzov. “We tried all the measures to save the leg, but it was not possible.”

Mohammad recovered in the Camp Arena hospital until he was flown home on a Spanish Air Force Super Puma Helicopter on Dec. 24.

Watch where you step

2008-12-27T08:17:00.000-08:00

If Afghans do one thing well, it's dig holes. They do a lot of digging on base here. One minute there's solid Earth, and the next there's a 10 foot hole with one guy at the bottom swinging a pick and shovel.

It may not sound like dangerous work, but this is Afghanistan. Yesterday, all digging (roughly 100 feet from my room) had to stop because the diggers unearthed an unexploded Russian handgrenade. And today they came across three Russian tank shells.

According to the French EOD soldier I talked to, this is a daily occurance for him and his team to dispose of this 30 year old ordinance. Major Levy told me, "I could be here for 100 years and not get rid of it all, it's everywhere."

How I spent my Christmas vacation

2008-12-26T15:25:00.000-08:00

It was a great Christmas here in Kabul with my "military family." Above are some of the images from our holiday festivities. They include a candlelight vigil on Christmas Eve, Catholic mass on Christmas morning and a drive up "TV Hill" for a great view of Kabul on Christmas day. A photographer from Reuters shot a picture of me which was picked up by a newspaper in Trenton, New Jersey. Also you can see my roommate Liam watching his kids open their gifts over Skype. I ended the night singing Karoke with my girls, TSgt Nipper, TSgt Smith and MC1 Nelson but those pictures have… disappeared!

Submitted by our Marine

2008-12-26T15:05:00.000-08:00

Sent to me by our Marine, Sgt. Kevin Healy

Murphy's Laws of Combat Operations:

Friendly fire - isn't.

Recoilless rifles - aren't.

Suppressive fires - won't.

You are not Superman; Marines and fighter pilots take note.

If it's stupid but it works, it isn't stupid.

Try to look unimportant; the enemy may be low on ammo and not want to waste a bullet on you.

If at first you don't succeed, call in an airstrike.

Never share a foxhole with anyone braver than yourself.

Never go to bed with anyone crazier than yourself.

Never forget that your weapon was made by the lowest bidder.

If your attack is going really well, it's an ambush.

The enemy diversion you're ignoring is their main attack.

The enemy invariably attacks on two occasions: when they're ready. when you're not.

There is no such thing as a perfect plan.

Five second fuzes always burn three seconds.

There is no such thing as an atheist in a foxhole.

A retreating enemy is probably just falling back and regrouping.

The important things are always simple; the simple are always hard.

Teamwork is essential; it gives the enemy other people to shoot at.

Never draw fire; it irritates everyone around you.

When you have secured the area, make sure the enemy knows it too.

Incoming fire has the right of way.

No combat ready unit has ever passed inspection. No inspection ready unit has ever passed combat.

If the enemy is within range, so are you.

A Christmas Thank you!

2008-12-26T07:45:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas everyone!

Despite being a planet apart, the Hecht family managed to make this a very Merry Christmas. My wife did a fantastic job decorating the house and filling our home with an overflow of presents and joy. The new toys should keep the kids busy until I return home in May.

I want to thank a couple of patriots who stepped up to the bat and supported my family this holiday.

Lieutenant Commander John Bernard put on my red suit and was my substitute Santa on Christmas Eve. Without John filling in for me, an important family tradition would have been absent, leaving a gap in our memories of these most precious years in the lives of our children. John, thank you for not only being our Santa, but for Santa telling my son, “I’m very proud of your Daddy.”

Bryan Mitchell was on the receiving end of two huge boxes from Target and assembled my kid’s big Christmas surprise; a pair of battery powered four wheelers. Bryan put in numerous hours on this while also trying to coordinate Christmas for his own family. On Christmas morning, he not only delivered them to our front door, but he then also offered to fix our broken fence. To top things off, he wants to buy me a steak dinner for my service to our country. Bryan, I’m the one who owes you a big juicy steak dinner!

I guess I should also thank my mother-in-law for keeping my wife sane throughout this holiday. Thanks Mom!

Lastly, I want to thank Al Gore for inventing the Internet. Also a big thank you to the person behind Skype. On Christmas morning I was able to watch the kids open every present and they watched me as I opened mine. I heard every “owwwww” and “aweeeee.” It was just like being there… minus the fruitcake, the in-laws and the mess to clean up.

Thanks everyone!!!

A Kabul Christmas

2008-12-23T16:08:00.000-08:00

Twas the night before Christmas... in my bunk I'm laying alone. My wife and kids are getting ready to open presents far, far away back at home.

My M9 in its holster is hanging next to my bed with care. I'd love to use it on a Taliban as he gives me that cold "infidel" stare.

My roommate is also in the Navy... an American asleep in his rack. While down the hall... a coalition of nations slumbers through another midnight rocket attack.

This Christmas is different, we're away from the ones we love the most. But being here is a gift to the Afghans... a gift of something called "hope."

No, I'm not a warrior, a soldier who fights in the field. On patrol... always in danger... a cold M-R-E for a Christmas Eve meal. Me... I'm just a public affairs officer... a PAO and now the truth is revealed.

My contribution isn't as important as the guys in the convoys... the moutains... the troops looking for a fight. I fight the war writing stories and editing video until the wee hours of the night.

But when you hear of their glory and their sacrifice in the Times, the Gazette or live on CNN... It was I who passed the word of these brave women and men. I am the messanger with an important story to tell... so history never forgets this coalition and the missions they led.

To my wife and children, Daddy misses you with all his heart. Christmas Susan just isn't the same when we're apart.

And to my band of brothers whom this Christmas we share... you are your nation's finest... I would serve with you again... anytime, anywhere.

So on this Christmas Eve while I lay nestled in my bed... and visions of my children on Santa's lap dance in my head... I count my blessings... my family, my country, a cause that is right.

And while I may be far, far away... a Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night.