Afghanistan Tour 2010

Late Update

2011-10-02T16:51:00.002+04:30

I've looked at the site recently after not making any updates after I left Afghanistan and was very surprised to see how many people were viewing the site.

Are there any questions I can answer for anyone?

Ramstein Air Base Now

2010-11-06T17:07:00.000+04:30

We are now at Ramstein Air Base, Germany. Met a good friend here and he took me for a German beer. I ordered a large...forgetting that a large could be two liters or more...I couldn't finish before I had to board the plane. It was good to see Paul again...hope to visit him again in Germany for a little longer than 15-20 minutes.

Next stop BWI airport.

Happily sent from my iPad ;)

Landed in Adana, Turkey

2010-11-06T09:22:00.000+04:30

This morning we landed in Adana, Turkey this morning after finally departing Kyrgyzstan. Not sure how long we'll be here, but hopefully not long. I'm ready to get going.

I've made a reservation at BWI airport for a room with a king sized bed...can't wait...I'll have my own bathroom & shower with steady hot water, privacy, and it'll be clean.

Happily sent from my iPad ;)

Last Night in Afghanistan

2010-11-05T12:47:00.002+04:30

Here you can see my last night with the Afghan National Army personnel I worked with. I showed up to say goodbye to the Colonel, sitting to my right...your left, and he invited all the main people over to have chai and say their farewells. There were a couple others that weren't in the picture unfortunately...they had guard duty and left before I took the picture.
It was a sad occasion, but also a happy one. I was leaving my Afghan family to rejoin my family. Over the time I spent with the Colonel, I did see him grow and make more decisions to support the mission than when I first arrived. He became more of a commander, decision wise, just as I was leaving. I'm happy to going home, but will miss all the friends I made here.
I do hope in my lifetime, it'll be safe to be a tourist in Afghanistan. I'd like to bring my wife here to show her all the interesting places I've seen. There's so much beauty to see and the culture is so different...it'd be nice to be able to share it with the world without worrying about attacks.

Stuck in Kyrgyzstan

2010-11-04T19:37:00.001+04:30

All,
I've tried to send updates to my blog for the past few days with no success. I've resorted to the email update option.
I'm sitting in Manas AB, Kyrgyzstan, which I can say is the worst place I've had to stay in my seventeen years of service...we get two alcoholic beverages every twenty hours, but that's the only benefit. The food is bad, the toilets (90 percent stopped up) only have curtains...no doors, the showers don't drain and the tents have 100 to 200 people in them...not a great way to sleep. I'm Air Force and am disappointed at the way we treat the transient personnel when the people stationed here have new buildings to stay in with showers, toilets, cable tv, and washers/dryers in each building. I prefer anywhere I was in Afghanistan to here. The two drinks a day aren't worth it.
We are scheduled to leave Saturday. I was looking forward to being back in Kyrgyzstan, since I was here in 2004 for my first deployment. I find it hard to believe we were doing it so much better then than we are now.
I'm really looking forward to getting home...only a little over 48 hours now...yahoo.
Happily sent from my iPad ;)

Next to last day in Afghanistan

2010-10-31T23:18:00.002+04:30

Rocket status: none tonight.

First I have to wish my wife a happy 18th Anniversary...still only seems like we've been married for a couple years...can't wait to get home and see you!!!

This morning I presented the ANA Colonel with a plaque and he presented me with two small rugs with Afghanistan designs on them...he said one was for me and one for my wife...it was a very nice gesture. He made sure that all the soldiers were present to shake my hand and take pictures. I do feel like I'm leaving a family, albeit a dysfunctional one...I will miss the challenges and also the friendly conversations.

Today my replacement saw these three items in the ground that looked like mines sticking up...but we didn't really think they were, since trucks drive over them almost daily. We discussed calling EOD, but then he popped the cover off of one of them...I ran clear and was yelling I've only got two days left and I'm not coming anywhere near that...LOL. Anyway, we'll have an EOD person take a look tomorrow.

It's Halloween here too...there were some people that did get dressed up.

For the record, this chap is a UK soldier. He's a great guy and enjoys having a good time...if you can tell.

Not a bad day...still doesn't seem like I'm leaving. I guess because I have to sit in Kyrgyzstan for a few days.

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Next to last day in Afghanistan

2010-10-31T23:08:00.001+04:30

Rocket status: none tonight.

I first have to with my wife a happy 18th Anniversary...still only seems like we've been married for a couple years...can't wait to get home and see you!!!

This morning I presented the ANA Colonel with a plaque and he presented me with two small rugs with Afghanistan designs on them...he said one was for me and one for my wife...it was a very nice gesture. He made sure that all the soldiers were present to shake my hand and take pictures. I do feel like I'm leaving a family, albeit a dysfunctional one...I will miss the challenges and also the friendly conversations.

Today my replacement saw these three items in the ground that looked like mines sticking up...but we didn't really think they were, since trucks drive over them almost daily. We discussed calling EOD, but then he popped the cover off of one of them...I ran clear and was yelling I've only got two days left and I'm not coming anywhere near that...LOL. Anyway, we'll have an EOD person take a look tomorrow.

It's Halloween here too...they were some people that did get dressed up.

For the record, this chap is a UK soldier. He's a great guy and enjoys having a good time...if you can tell.

Not a bad day...still doesn't seem like I'm leaving. I guess because I have to sit in Kyrgyzstan for a few days.

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Lunch with ANA Colonel

2010-10-30T23:41:00.001+04:30

Rocket status: none today.

Today was standard type stuff, but we did arrange a luncheon with our ANA Colonel and the Afghan Air Force Colonel...we got them pizza and then had coffee with them. The meeting was a first step to open dialogue.

The colonel is still working on his pizza eating technique...LOL. He said it was delicious.

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Day off

2010-10-29T23:45:00.001+04:30

Rocket status: none tonight.

Nothing going on today...just packing and mailing.

I did sell my MacBook this morning...now I'm 100% on my iPad.

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Couple Interesting Photos

2010-10-28T23:34:00.001+04:30

Rocket Status: None tonight, but one heck of a sudden sand storm.

The sand storm is so intense I can't see 20 feet and it's blocked out light 100 feet away. It's penetrating the small unsealed areas of my room and I can smell the dust and taste it. This is the worst sand storm I've been in, since I've been in the middle east area. Felt like the winds were gusting to 80 mph or more. Glad I'm not outside...feel sorry for the guards. I guess this is why we get those goggles they issue us... :)

Nothing too special today, but when I went to main base KAF to take my replacement to a training class, I spotted these vehicles with special emblems on them...too funny.

Something tells me that's not a real Chevy...LOL.

And this is surely not a Cadillac...where did they get that giant emblem?

Getting closer to home

2010-10-27T23:22:00.001+04:30

Rocket status: None tonight.

This morning we met with the base contractors that were working on our generators. These guys have bent over backwards to help us every time we needed it. They've been working really hard to get our new generators up and running...we help by getting special parts that are hard to find, so they can make the connections, but they do all the physical part. These guys work 12-18 hours a day and never get a day off and are on call 24 hours a day...I know they get paid, but they do it with heart...nice to see.

The ANA Colonel was walking around when we showed up this morning, so we talked about all the progress his guys were making in every area. He was very pleased that everyone was so busy. The warehouse, containers, weapons, and ammunition are now inventoried and organized...which is quite a feat considering we/they did it in about 30 days. We also got the computer classroom up and running as well.

The Colonel had to run to the bank in downtown Kandahar, so we took the opportunity to go over to main base KAF to do another meet and greet and take care of some administrative paperwork. My replacement also got a hair cut and I looked at carpets...of course I'd never buy another :)

Our main group of people we work with had a group pic today, so at 3pm we had to be back for that. Immediately following, the US Army Colonel wanted to go to the Logistics Depot to see all that we'd done with the ANA. He was pretty happy and presented me with a command coin in appreciation of my efforts.

I really need to start packing...time is running out and I haven't mailed a thing...gotta get busy.

Computer work, mentoring, & transitioning

2010-10-26T21:49:00.001+04:30

Rocket attack: none tonight.

Today was computer work until 10:30am and sitting with the ANA Colonel until a little after 12:00pm, lunch, then over to main base KAF to introduce my replacement to other people and do some running around to get some much needed parts for our generator...no power is not much fun.

When I was sitting with the Colonel, I asked him what he dreams about. He told me that he doesn't dream of being a Colonel or General, but of living in a peaceful place and to have it like the USA, Europe and other countries...a place where tourist could come with their families and would want to come with their families. He also wants to see his family get a good education and spend time with them. He does not dream about money and is discouraged by the amount of corruption he sees.

I thought it was interesting, since it's very similar to what most people want. I know that I don't care about money, cars, or where I live, as long as I get to spend every day with my wife. I'd like to have enough money to travel with her and I'd be content.

I'm down to six days before I depart...then to Kyrgyzstan for a few days, then BWI for a night, then finally home. I'm definitely getting excited.

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Back to Turnover

2010-10-25T23:48:00.001+04:30

Rocket status: None today.

This morning we had breakfast and went to pickup laundry. When we went to the laundry building it said Medical Clinic on the door...the personnel inside told us they moved and opened a new laundry facility. Here's the picture of the new place. It is pretty nice, considering we're in a war zone. They even decorated for the grand opening.

We spent the rest of the morning chatting with the ANA Colonel...talking a little and drinking a little chai. He told us about some more detergent that was coming in and had no where to store it but in the main warehouse. Here we go again I thought...I asked if he could store it in an outdoor area that's fenced off and that was no good either. Then I asked if he had another container we could store it in and he said he had a place to put it...I really should have pressed him to tell me. I'm concerned at where it might end up, but at least it's not in the main warehouse. He's been great to work with these last 4-6 weeks.

In the afternoon, we went to main base Kandahar to meet the Air Force advisor, so he could meet my replacement. We met at Tim Hortons and had iced cappuccinos while we chatted.

After that, I had just enough time to drop off the order for the ANA Colonel's plaque. I wanted to get him something for being a great host and friend.

Here's the pic of the rug I've been after for the last few weeks. It's hard to capture a rug's true look in a photo, since it changes color at different angles. The texture is also part of the beauty of it, which can't be seen. I think I'm officially done buying carpets now.

Traveled back from Kabul Today

2010-10-24T23:26:00.000+04:30

Rocket status: none tonight.

We slept in a little at the military side of the Kabul Airport. One of my friends put us up in a regular room on regular beds...we could even walk down the hall to the restroom and shower...we were very happy and slept great.

We didn't do much today, other than eat and shop for movies at the Afghan shops while we waited for our check-in time of 3:50PM.

I'll try to post some pics tomorrow. The internet is not cooperating with uploading pictures.

Kabul trip

2010-10-23T19:36:00.001+04:30

Rocket status: none tonight.

Today we went to the logistics command and I introduced my replacement to the key personnel that he'll be working with during his deployment.

It went fairly well, but we did run a little short on time. For the most part we accomplished what we set out to do.

For me, I got the carpet I desperately wanted. It's called a four seasons carpet. It's a beautiful velvety wool called Belgique wool. It's the only time I've ever seen this pattern, so I'm glad i had the time to get it. Last time I had to depart on a late night flight and didn't have the opportunity to purchase it.

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Off to Kabul

2010-10-22T20:39:00.001+04:30

Rocket status in Kabul: none tonight.

My replacement and I showed up for our flight at 6:30am, which means we got up at 5am. The flight departed on time, so we made it to Kabul at around 10am. We luckily timed it just right and their was a ride there waiting for us. We made it to Camp Phoenix by lunch time and one of the people we know offered us two cots and an office to sleep in, which is far better than a tent.

Not much to tell today. We wanted to look at rugs, but the shops were closed for Friday. I plan on buying the four seasons rug tomorrow, so I'll post pics of it tomorrow if the internet cooperates here in Kabul.

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Doing Change-Over Day 2

2010-10-21T23:24:00.000+04:30

Rocket Status: none tonight.

This morning we met with the ANA Colonel for a little while, then I noticed there was a vendor with a full truck of liquid detergent and they were headed for the warehouse. I spoke to the Colonel about putting it somewhere else, since we just cleaned out the warehouse. He said he had no where to put it and didn't have an empty container. I told him he had a container with scrap metal in it and he said he didn't know the container, so we went for a walk. When we got to the container, he asked the vendors to remove all the scrap and to offload their detergent into the container...thank goodness. This is the very first time I've ever convinced him to change his mind on where he was going to store something and also the very first time to get him to remove scrap from a container. I told him thank you and a big hug to show my appreciation. Today was a good day.

The rest of the day was spent running around doing in-processing. Not much to tell.

Here are some pics of the ANA Colonel when we visited the base the other day...

I'll get him to be a modern guy yet with his iced cappuccino from Tim Hortons...next thing you know, he'll be eating pizza.

Here he is eating pizza! LOL.

These old tools were found in a container. Some type of pans to carry dirt and panes of glass packed in wood framing with hay as cushioning...interesting.

These are Afghan snow shovels...they look kind of like pizza spatulas though.

1st Day with my replacement

2010-10-21T00:39:00.000+04:30

Rocket status: none tonight.

Took my replacement to meet the ANA Colonel. The Colonel gave him the grand tour of the facility and then we had chai. We sat with him for a couple hours and it went well. My replacement was a little concerned over what the ANA Colonel would be like...he didn't know what to expect. He said he was not concerned at all after this morning.

Then I took him to do in-processing on main base KAF and to get a special access badge. I also took him to the boardwalk to see the shops, the main base exchange, and of course Tim Hortons for an iced cappuccino.

We then spent time visiting key personnel he needed to know at the mainbase. Mainly personnel that help get projects funded or to purchase items.

Today I handed over my phone and tomorrow he'll do all the driving.

I also found out that I don't depart now until the 2nd of November to Manas, Kyrgyzstan and then depart Kyrgyzstan on 6 November...about a week longer than I was expecting. At least I know I'm going home now.

My Replacement Arrived Today :)

2010-10-19T23:58:00.000+04:30

Rocket Status: none tonight.

This morning I met with my ANA Colonel and we discussed leadership for a little bit...then he wanted tell me a story about a boy that was sick from one tribe that was treated by his tribe, but he lost me somewhere...It's the first story I didn't understand. I'll have to ask my interpreter tomorrow what it meant.

Anyway, inventory & order is still ongoing in the warehouse and will be until after I'm gone. It was nice to see the ANA Colonel has asked the soldiers to move the body armor to containers, so we can clean up the warehouse; our supply personnel were especially pleased to see it being hauled out of there.

Then I took the ANA Colonel to Tim Hortons for an iced cappuccino and a couple Tim Bits (doughnut holes)...he loved them. Next he wanted pizza for lunch, so we went to Mamma Mia's Pizzeria. He had a nice chicken pizza...I never realized how much pork is associated with pizza. Finally we went carpet shopping...he was looking for an Afghan rug with the country of Afghanistan and the flags of the coalition partners on it...he ended up buying two small ones.

Got back to base and immediately started working on the interpreter village air conditioning so they the transients would have A/C. We hooked up this large unit that had been sitting outside for 4 months and surprisingly it worked and worked well. We used a forklift to put it in place and then I wired it up temporarily until we could get it done permanently tomorrow. I stopped in tonight to see if they were happy with the A/C and they all were very happy and said, thankfully, it was still working well.

The validation team needed to be taken to the airport, so I took them over since my replacement was supposed to arrive in the evening sometime. I was planning on staying there for a while, but he arrived before I departed with the validation team...perfect timing.

I bombarded him with lots of things to prepare him for taking over. I'm sure it'll be a blur, but it is now started. Tomorrow I'll re-emphasize things we discussed tonight. Later in the week we'll head to Kabul to tour Logistics Command to give him, hopefully, a solid understanding of the ordering process, what the problems are, and how we might fix them or alleviate them.

Running Around

2010-10-18T23:00:00.000+04:30

Rocket status: none tonight.

Today I ran all over trying to tie up loose ends before my replacement gets here...contracting to try to finalize some payments to vendors and a follow up on our construction project; also went shopping for a present for my ANA Colonel, but I didn't see anything yet. My replacement arrives tomorrow. Funny, I haven't packed a thing. I don't like to think about leaving, because there are things I've started that I won't see to fruition. I am very excited to go home though :)

This morning I went to meet with the ANA Colonel to catch up, since the inspectors were there until about 5pm yesterday asking questions. He told me about his trip and some of the things he did while in Kabul. He was doing some serious networking.

I took a few pics from the past couple days, since I haven't included too many pics lately.

My favorite Captain enjoying ice cream.

These guys are holding up commander's orders...little bigger than normal, but that's the way they do it here.

This is one heck of a jingle truck...look at the front end.

Day 2 with Validation Team!!!

2010-10-17T21:25:00.001+04:30

Rocket status: none tonight. It was funny, I guess there were some explosions and machine gun fire at about 2am and the validation team thought we were under attack. I slept right through it...it was the range...they do that at night. I guess we just get used to it.

We were still waiting for my ANA Colonel to return from Kabul this morning. He finally showed up for the afternoon and the questioning began.

He was doing well until he asked when he thought the advisors could leave. He said he needs the mentors and couldn't give a specific time for when he could operate without them. I know he'd be able to operate without us...it's just easier to have us there...also, it's an easy out to blame us when something is wrong. They usually try to bring us into the decision making process, so they can say "The advisor said to do that."

I'm pleasantly surprised that the team has not found anything they didn't find at the other logistics depots.

That was about all there was for today.

Oh, my replacement is finally in Kabul; I should see him in a day or two.

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NATO Team Validating our ANA for self-sufficiency!!!

2010-10-16T22:47:00.001+04:30

Rocket status: None tonight.

This morning started with the validation team all piling into my vehicle...pretty funny...we had seven crammed in there. When we got to the logistics depot, I tried to open the rear door, but it wouldn't open...they had to crawl over the back seat to get out. Not the perfect start for the day, but it did get better.

I gave up two of my interpreters to help the team. They are nearly done after just one day. They said the ANA are doing things correctly for the most part. The team leader told me he thinks we do too much for them...because they are happy to let us do it. Another funny conversation was when the team asked how they would be if all the advisors left tomorrow...one person said they weren't ready and the other said no problem. I gave him a hard time, joking of course, that he wanted to get rid of me...I know this person is competent though.

I did go to the bazaar today with the Aussies. I've attached some pics for you. Unfortunately, the setting on the camera was bumped and the pics aren't great...they'll have to do.

What's up with that hat? The guy in the hat (Scott or Brownie as he's known by the Aussies) has become a good friend and he leaves in two days...his replacement is closest in the photo.

Day off...peaceful

2010-10-16T00:39:00.001+04:30

Rocket status: none tonight.

Today was a sleep in day...felt great!!!

I went in to the office today and caught up on a few emails and then attended our warrant officer's promotion ceremony. Nice place to do it...it seems to mean more here.

Nothing else exciting.

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Back home at FOB Lindsey

2010-10-14T23:20:00.000+04:30

Rocket attacks: none today.

Well, we are back. We arrived back at the FOB at about 5am. We slept till 9:30, showered and went to work. Not much to do today other than catch up on lovely email. There's nothing more fun than opening your email after being gone for several days...its right up there with opening Christmas presents. :)

I did have a meeting to go to at 2pm, but that was the worst of it today. I received a call at about 1pm saying the validation team was here and their Major would like to go to the meeting with me...anything to add to the excitement :)

The day wrapped up fairly well. I spent some time discussing how and what the validation team would be doing. It's the best thing I've seen out of Kabul, since I've been here. They are assessing the capabilities of each logistics depot around the country to see how far we are from being able to reduce our manning and let them run it. Surprisingly, the news is very positive from the other logistics depot...I hope I'm pleasantly surprised with my depot as well.

My plan for tomorrow is to sleep in and relax, then check email and go to main base KAF to reduce the boredom.

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Last Day of Conference in Kabul

2010-10-13T22:25:00.001+04:30

Rocket status: none tonight.

Today was okay, but most of the learning was done yesterday. Today, the talk was more towards structure and other issues that are not our main problem. We probably could have missed today and it would have been fine.

All in all, I think it was pretty beneficial to bring the ANA officers to hear from their ANA leadership, which were very vocal during the conference...good to see.

We all ate at the Thai restaurant tonight as the our last meal together. It was bitter sweet. We've had a really good time, but I won't see Tony again after I leave unless I fly to Australia.

I'll miss our team. They came out to show their support during my end of tour medal presentation. It was very nice having them there.

Sorry about the pics. I'll post some when I get back to FOB Lindsey.

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