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
Saturday, August 8, 2009
Monday, August 3, 2009
I gotta get out of here!
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.
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
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.
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.
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Back from Helmand
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.
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.
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Odd but true
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.
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
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.
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.
Sunday, July 26, 2009
A walk in the moon dust
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.
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
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.
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.
Sunday, July 19, 2009
So now what?
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
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
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.
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Back in the U.S.A.
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
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.
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!!!!
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
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.
Monday, May 11, 2009
Very interesting
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…
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.
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!
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!
Friday, May 1, 2009
Run for the Roses
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.
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.
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Goodbye MC1 & MC2
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.
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.
Friday, April 24, 2009
Navy pride takes a backseat to the Army
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.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)