The Unsung Heros

I proudly serve in the USAF. I do what I do for my own reasons. None of this would be possible without the unwavering support of my wife and children. They don't always understand, but they have NEVER left my side, let me forget how proud they are, and how much they love me. I stumbled across this poem and couldn't think of a better way to say thank you. I love you guys.

The Silent Ranks
Author: Unknown
I wear no uniforms, no blues or army greens But I am in the Air Force in the ranks rarely seen

I have no rank upon my shoulders - salutes I do not give But the military world is the place where I live

I'm not in the chain of command, orders I do not get But my husband is the one who does, this I can not forget

I'm not the one who fires the weapon, who puts my life on the line But my job is just as tough. I'm the one that's left behind

My husband is a patriot, a brave and prideful man And the call to serve his country not all can understand

Behind the lines I see the things needed to keep this country free My husband makes the sacrifice, but so do our kids and me

I love the man I married, Soldiering is his life But I stand among the silent ranks known as the Air Force Wife

Life With My New Team

Old Glory

Very common way of life here

Burned out trucks from an attack

Me

We just finished our longest mission to date and it is good to be home again. We covered about 650 miles in 7 days. That doesn’t sound like much, but a lot of that was done at less than 15 mph. If you saw some of the “roads” over here you would understand why. I spent the trip in the gunner’s turret again so I got some good pictures. We provided security to the ANA troops who were taking soft shelled ambulances downrange to different locations. Driving with the ANA is something that I would describe as interesting if I was using a polite term. We had several unscheduled stops for bathroom breaks, stops for sodas and water, or just to say “Hi” to someone they recognized walking on the side of the road. We even stopped so they could pick up passengers. The problem is they would stop unannounced in the middle of town or nowhere, and we would have to block traffic and do security halts. That makes for some unhappy commuters. It got better as our commander would have conversations with the ANA commander at the end of every day. This is just part of their culture. Outside the wire our senses are heightened as we feel threatened. This is their home and they feel comfortable. Family and friends are very important to them, so it’s natural for them to stop and say hello. It was a lesson for all of us.
We have been working on a big project for the last 2 months and it has finally come to a close. We put together the first annual ANA combat medic competition for the entire country. We had medics from all over the country come and compete in a 4 day competition that included medical lectures and exercises to firing at the range. I was in charge of the range and put together a program for them to shoot their AK-47s. Some of them did really well while it was obvious that some of them had never fired a weapon before. Even so, they all said they enjoyed it.
We had a CSAR team come in and educate them on the proper way to approach a helicopter and load and unload patients. Hopefully this will keep anyone else from walking into a chopper blade. They also learned how to mark a landing zone in case they had to call in a medevac.
The competition ended with a mountain run carrying their medic bag and completing 3 medical scenarios along the way. I was part of the security team that climbed the mountain and set up the station at the top. We had to take a crew serve weapon with us and I carried the ammo for it. With my IBA, weapon, ammo and supplies I had at least 100 extra pounds on my back on a climb from 8000 to just over 9600 feet. It smoked me and I consider myself to be in decent shape. It was something that was on my “to do” list while I was here and I’m glad I did it. The ANA medics that ran the course made it look easy. They gained my respect in a big way. Not only during the mountain run, but during the entire competition. They are smart, eager to learn, and some of the heartiest, smallest guys I have ever met.
After everything was over we had a big feast to celebrate. Their hospitality was second to none as we dined on goat, vegetables, and Nan bread. They would not eat until our entire team went through and served ourselves first. We brought a huge cake and bunch of sodas to share with them. They loved the cake. Some of them went through the line just to get cake and nothing else.
The last week has been a blur and I enjoyed every minute of it. It may be over, but I take every handshake, smile, and thank you with me. I feel good about what we accomplished as a team. More importantly I feel good about what they learned and what they take away from the competition. After some much needed sleep it’s back to work with my new team and on to our next mission.

Four Day Roadtrip

Dowtown Kabul
Me

My office

Women with children begging in the middle of the highway

My truck

Downtown Gardez

Round About in Gardez

Terra Pass

These kids didn't throw rocks so they got Gummy Bears

We just got back from a four day mission that included stops at five different FOBs, covered three different battle spaces, represented every branch of service except the Marines, and included people from the US and Romania. It was successful as everyone came back safely and the trucks are still in one piece. We did have some issues, but it was really cool to get out and see parts of this country from the ground. It’s hard to wrap your mind around this culture and way of life. It would be neat to explore some of the cities and geographical features, but that won’t happen anytime soon. We got a lot of thumbs up, but there were still people that would spit on our truck as we drove by.
This trip I got to do something I never would have imagined doing six months ago. I was the only one qualified on both weapons systems in our truck so I ended up being the gunner. The longer I’m over here the more my training at Ft Riley gets used. I had an M-2 (.50 cal), a 249 SAW, an M-4, and an M-9 at my disposal with more ammunition than I knew what to do with. My driver was a medic and boy could he wheel that big truck. The streets of Afghanistan really aren’t made for big trucks like that, but he made it look easy and took good care of me.
Our first day was pretty uneventful and we made really good time. Kids would line the streets when they saw us coming and most gave us the thumbs up sign. I did a lot of waving and gave a lot of thumbs up back. A lot of the adults would wave too, and that makes me feel like we are making some kind of progress. I saw literally thousands of goats, a bunch of donkeys and even a few camels. I guess some of the donkeys and goats were special because some of them had varies parts dyed different colors. The best one was a white donkey with a pink mane.
The second day we headed out on a road that made a plowed field seem smooth. I was really surprised I wasn’t peeing blood by the time we made our destination. We had some green passengers, but no activity during our trip there. On the way back it was a different story. We weren’t more than 15 minutes into the ride and someone lost their lunch in the back of our truck. I was really glad I was up top and didn’t see it or have to smell it. I felt bad for my driver so I helped him clean things up at the wash rack when we stopped for the day.
The third day we made a few stops at some really interesting places. One of the FOBs was like a little Italian village that had little court yards and mazes of walk ways between the buildings. They even had a Thai restaurant we ate at. It wasn’t the best, but it was a nice change from the DFAC. After our meetings were done at this location we headed out to a French FOB. Our Romanian friends had some business to attend to and I bought some gummy bears, to be used later, and some chocolate. Day four began with a trip to the education center. I have been doing my course 14 online for Master Sergeant and I needed to take a test. One of the officers that was with me needed to take a test also so we both figured why not since we were there anyway. We both passed and then got ready to head back to our home FOB. I got my “office” ready with all my essentials like water, soda, pop tarts, and my gummy bears. I made good use of the candy by tossing them to the kids that lined the road on the way back. It was the same reaction as I see in my kids’ faces when they open presents at X-mas. If all it takes is some candy and a tattoo here and there it is well worth the effort. We had a few tense moments on the trip home, but managed to make it back safe and not fire a single shot. And I know this place is only temporary, but until the day comes when I rip out there is no place like home.

Taking a Break

Our new promotee with her "bling."

The ANA sure travel "light."

Afghanistan sunset


"Heater" for pool.

Going for a swim.

Steps to the pool.

My team has had the opportunity to partake in some special occasions recently. It’s nice because for a while you can forget where you are. There are plenty of daily reminders to let us know this isn’t Kansas, so the chance to get away from it for a while is always well received.
Our first opportunity was a BBQ put on by a group of guys that have a camp close to ours. We were invited to hang out, listen to music, and enjoy some good food and good company. We had hamburgers, brats, chicken kabobs, and corn on the cob right off the grill. We also got to go for a swim in their homemade pool made out of a fuel bladder. It was complete with a 12ft deep end, filter system, and very unique heating system. After our Afghan swim we tossed a football around and even broke out a Frisbee! For most this does not sound like a big deal right? Well, for us this was like kicking back in the backyard with some friends. Something we all miss and haven’t done for a while.
The second occasion was a promotion party for one of the Navy people on our team. We had the traditional military ceremony with an Afghan flair to it. We invited our ANA counterparts and interpreters and they gave her some “bling” to go with her promotion. After the ceremony we were invited to feast on authentic Pilipino cuisine at their little compound. This was some of the best food I have had and I had to come to Afghanistan to get it!
I am really glad to be part of this Med ETT. On an average day we exhaust ourselves trying to squeeze out one small improvement over the performance of the previous day. We deal with death and destruction of the human body on a daily basis and still seem to keep our spirits up. It is in no way, shape, or form as fierce as combat, but the elements of danger and stress are still there. My hat is off to the guys out there fighting the fight. That goes for my American brothers in arms and our ANA soldiers. I don’t think the people back home realize how dedicated the ANA soldiers are to riding this country of Taliban trash. I see their war torn bodies come in on helicopters and I see their medical staff work on them every day. They may not be up to American standards in either area, but the look on their faces say that they would really like to be and we are doing our damnedest to show them how.

Struggle For Progress

One of my rides
Our version of Wal-Mart

Our trauma team at work

Have you had your dose of retard today?

My experience as a mentor continues to amaze me a does the excitement level of such a little base. There are days when my job is very similar to herding cats. Other days little miracles happen in the form of progress and we celebrate them like a Super Bowl win. I seem to be in a constant struggle with my original "problem child." His idea and my idea of what needs to be done don't always match. I have taught him an American saying that I use quite often. I call it raising the BS flag. Half my day is spent at the hospital working with my ANA counterparts and the other is spent back on the FOB taking care of administrative duties. I have made a lot of contacts in the two months I have been here and hope it will help the Med ETT that will take our place. I have seen many different FOBs and it gives me a good idea where I need to take my counterparts to teach them the skills they need to break into modern medicine. I think that is one of the best parts of my job. It helps break up the routine and helicopter rides are way cool!

The bad guys continue to surprise us with attacks in the night. I have been through five attacks in two months and have seen everything from mortars to VIEDs. They are a crafty bunch and they are almost impossible to identify. This has got to be how it felt in Vietnam. I pass hundreds of locals in a day’s time. Some of them work on the FOB and you can’t help but wonder if one of them had anything to do with the last attack.

I LOVE MY WIFE!!!!!!!!! She is the best and has been sending me care packages since day one. It’s amazing how a box from home can make a person’s day. I told my boss I wouldn’t care if it was full of TP I would still be happy as hell to get it. The elections had interrupted our mail runs for a while and it was beginning to show on people’s faces. The good news is the elections are over and the mail has resumed a “normal” schedule. The elections went better than planned. We were really expecting some nasty stuff, but business was not as good as we thought it would be. In this case bad business is good business.

A Few Things I have Learned

Leaving Phoenix-again
My adopted Norman-awesome kid


Lots-o-bling

BAF accomodations

Chinook gunner

Here's your sign

Luncheon and end of the line for the goat

I can tell the difference between five different helicopters and five different MRAPs by sound.

I can determine whether the mortars are inbound or out bound by the sound of the thud. I also know what kind of damage an RPG will do when aimed properly.

I smell good compared to the general population over here.

There are some people that genuinely appreciate us being here and I hope that is contagious.

Taliban are not easy to pick out of a crowd. Taliban are also spineless pieces of fecal matter. The horror they inflict on their own people is quite disturbing.

Goat meat tastes like…steak (you thought I was going to say chicken).

Our interpreters are under rated. They work long hours for what would be peanuts to us. I have learned more from them then I thought possible.

IEDs are non-discriminating regardless of race, religion, age or sex.

MRAPs do exactly what they are designed to do. Let’s hope this continues.

Afghanis are extremely hospitable and very loyal. Their word is as good as a contract and they expect the same in return.

Most Afghanis drive everywhere like it’s a life or death situation. Sometimes it is; they just don’t know it’s theirs.

My CST training at Ft. Riley was not a total waste of time. Friends you make at training become family.

Afghanistan children can throw rocks like nothing I have ever seen before with great accuracy. This talent is usually displayed after telling them you don’t have any candy.

Afghanistan is the leading opium producer in the world yet they refuse to prescribe pain medication to patients that desperately need it.

Inshallah (God willing) is really a way of life over here…with everything!

Weapon safety is not a high priority with the Afghan Army, but blinging their truck, tractor, trailer, or weapon out is.

If you don’t like tea when you get here you will by the time you leave.

On top of being badasses, ODA guys throw an awesome BBQ and they can make a 15ft deep pool out of a fuel bladder, complete with heater and filter system.

Every person that “plays” professional sports needs to donate their salary from one game to one of the gunners, route clearers, or EOD guys over here.

Anyone that says they like to deploy and they don’t miss their family needs to have their head examined, or they don’t like their family. Not a second goes by that I don’t think about mine and how much this sucks being away from them.

First Site Visit

A shot from the Chinook

Here comes my ride

This is my favorite picture

This sure beats a convoy

I just realized that I have been here for about a month and a half. Time seems to run together here and it is very hard to stay on top of what day it is. In a way that is good because it seems to be going by fast. In a way it’s bad because it is easy to lose a day and each day is a slow but steady step towards progress. If one is lost valuable mentoring time is gone.

I recently made a trip to Salerno to do a site visit for a program we are starting. In fact, I just got back today. It is in the eastern province of Khowst. The day before I left Lightning Gardez was exploding (literally) with activity. The day after I get to Salerno Khowst tried to explode. Several suicide bombers were killed in Khowst before they could detonate their bombs. It’s always good to hear they were taken care of before they detonated themselves taking innocent lives with them. The same day we got hit with mortars and RPG’s. When the first one hit I was in my bunk with my headphones in. I literally thought someone was shaking my bed to get my attention…until the sirens started going off. I threw my gear on and headed over to the hospital to see if there was anything I could do. I ended up pulling perimeter security and got to watch another mortar land about 50 meters, plus or minus, in front of me. At the same time this was going on a plane with some of the New England Patriots cheerleaders was trying to take off. I can just imagine what they were thinking. They were at the FOB for a USO tour.
It’s good to get back to my little closet of a room on Lightning. I hit eight different FOBs on my way to Salerno and it's nice to be "home." It may be small, but it has things in it that make it feel somewhat like home. I have enough of my family represented to remind me exactly why I am over here doing this. It does not make it any easier to be away from them, but I have seen enough smiling faces and shook enough hands to know what we are doing here is a good thing. Each day I have a conversation with a different ANA soldier and learn more about this culture and why they live the way they do. It’s amazing how they survive.
We are working on some more big projects. Some may actually make the news. I’ll keep you posted with details as I can. It would be nice to turn on the news and see something positive about this country.