ARSIC-S Reunion

I have now been home for almost six months. For me life at home has returned to a sense of normalcy. However, for many of my comrades, are having difficulty adjusting. Many are having serious financial difficulties, as well as experiencing PTSD, (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder). I knew many would have a tough time adjusting, but never would have guessed the numbers that I am seeing. Afghanistan is continuing to be a very volatile country. Our troops there are still short in numbers, and the Taliban is proving to be resilient. The command that I served under in Afghanistan held a Reunion or get-together in Myrtle Beach, SC, and of course, I would not miss it. Pictured with me below is the ARSIC Commander COL Thomas J. McGrath. COL McGrath was given the toughest area in Afghanistan and did an outstanding job. I was very honored to be his communications officer.

It was truly exciting to see so many of our command return for this event. Our Chief of Staff in the Canadian Navy, Cdr Michael Burke also attended.... Mike Burke was simply a joy to work with. He kept us laughing and provided us with great leadership and a true team player. Cdr Burke help us to remain focused, but allowed us to make the best out of the situation we were placed in. Pictured below is EJ Walsh, myself, Cdr Burke, Chaplain Butler, and our CSM Bobby Albert.

There is a bond that we found, our staff was quite multi-national, we had a US Commander, French Deputy Commander, Canadian Chief of Staff, British Operations Officer, Canadian Civil Military Operations Officer, with the rest all US. We had Naval personnel, active and reserve, Air Force, Active Army and National Guard. Creating a functional warfighting element was definitely a challenge to our leadership, but they made it work.

Many of our soldiers brought their wives along. CPT Liza Dillard also found her way from Florida to SC... It really was an opportunity for us to get together, reminisce, and relax. We formed the best team in Afghanistan out of all the ARSICs that was deployed. We simply got it done....

It was good to see so many of our Navy team present, LT Senay, LCDR Stephanie Hartstern and others. COL Corey Cannon also attended. He is returning to Afghanistan as a contractor with MPRI, please keep him and his wife in your prayers. We plan to continue our Reunions, more to follow... Next time may be in Canada....

The Transition Back Home

I have been home for three months now, and I am slowly making the transition from warrior to life at home and at the office... My community Willow Creek, friends and this nation have truly stood behind the troops, and for that I say a huge "Thank You" on behalf of all warriors. Very few truly understand all that we went through there, but it is truly nice to be appreciated. The National Guard implemented a program called Yellow Ribbon, designed to ease the transition for soldiers back into civilian life..... The program is great, but nothing is perfect. As for me, I continue to worry about those that I left behind and for their safety..... The war in Afghanistan is gaining in recognition, where our political leaders now want to increase troop levels there.... WOW!!! Thanks...... So let's get on with it.... Bureaucracy should not dictate how we fight, if we are fighting for a just cause.... We should be given the resources and forces necessary to fight and win in battle, not crumbs to just get by.... We have lost 500 lives in Afghanistan and many more wounded, and scores more mentally scarred. We truly don't know the toll this war is going to have on our great nation, but we should dedicate the right resources, so that we can say that we TRULY have given it our best....

In my new position, I am the State Family Programs Director for the State of South Carolina. This is a position that I feel truly fits me... I enjoy getting up and going to the office, where I have the opportunity to impact so many lives and families in a positive way. I have begun reaching out to those warriors in transition units that are not yet home, because of injuries sustained in war. They are hurting, in many cases, their units are home and back with families, but they did not celebrate the heroes return or welcome home. They feel abandoned in many cases, by a system designed to help them return as healthy as possible back to their pre-deployment stage. This past weekend Mrs. Mona Johnson put on an Injured Soldier's Retreat at Clarks Hill, designed to reach out to our injured as well as their families. She had many support organizations there to help, to name a few (American Red Cross, TAPs, VA, SC National Guard Family Programs, Congress Gresham Barrett, and others there). This wonderful event was outstanding and a huge thanks to every person and organization that supported this event. Thanks Mona for your heart for our Soldiers and Families. Below is a picture of some of my family on St Croix, Virgin Island... yours truly took the photo... but it was truly great to be able enjoy the splendor of a Caribbean Cruise. We have so much to be thankful for!!!!

I will never forget my deployment to Afghanistan. I am so Thankful that God saw fit to keep His hands on me and my troops throughout the year in Afghanistan. In many cases there, most Afghans are so detached from reality and politics, that their focus is on simply surviving day by day. My heart continues to go out to the children of Afghanistan, whom suffers so greatly there. You are not forgotten!!!

As we enter this highly contested political season, it is my prayer that our leaders reach deep within their hearts and find the courage to do what is right by our Soldiers, that we put political meandering and partisan politics aside and agree as a nation that we need each other, as we all are Americans who love this great country of ours.

END OF THE JOURNEY

I am so sorry that I have not been able to post for the past two weeks. I have been in transit and without adequate bandwidth to update this site. Since my last post, I have re-deployed back to South Carolina, awaiting the next phase of my life. Being away from home has truly made me more appreciative of the time I have with my family and friends... Life is too short to not appreciate every moment we have on this earth, especially in this great country that we all love... Being in Afghanistan and deployed as long as I was, (one full year), makes you so cognizant of the small things. Pictured below is a group of jubilant soldiers heading home from a long deployment.

The Afghan people are totally different in many ways, it is just the way they were raised. We, (US and NATO), will find it very difficult and a long road ahead to try to establish a similar democracy as we enjoy. The truth of the matter is that though democracy is our way of life, should we be so obstinate to force or push this style of governance to every nation, especially those that don't have a desire to change. The people of Afghanistan must take a stance to decide how they want to live, and we should respect that choice... However, I am not blind to know that our national security interest should be considered... however, we have an amicable relationship with countries that do not have a democratic way of life, i.e. China and many others.... We have to find a way to co-exist... many countries feel that we are an arrogant nation, but we can't change the world, that is and should be left to a higher power... This deployment has forever changed me, I see things totally different... I understand and recognize the complexities of governance, and most of all I appreciate life. Many of our South Carolina guard soldiers will be eternally affected by the experiences of combat action. I pray that family and others will recognize and understand that patience is required, and that they are able to recognize and know when help is needed... On our long flight home, we passed over Dubai and was able to see the renowned "Palm Island", which is a man-made island in the shape of a Palm Tree.....

As we made the long trip home, it was not without controversy. We were told that our flight got changed and that we would have to remain in Kuwait for an extended period of time, which was not pleasing to us at all...After being in combat, we were ready to see our families and staying extra days because someone failed to ensure our flight was complete was not something we enjoyed hearing.... Thankfully, our plight gained the attention and action it deserved.... We were able to leave as previously scheduled........ WOW.... Arriving home and seeing the reception of so many supporters, families and friends brought smiles to our faces... The Welcome Home Ceremony was short and sweet to every ones liking.... I was equally happy at the support and welcome expressed by the Willow Creek Community.... At the entrances to the community they had signs and banners of appreciation.... How wonderful it is to deploy, return home safely to outstanding public support... soldiers appreciate this so much.... it is a huge sacrifice to do what we do.....

As this journey comes to an end for me, please remember that this war continues and we still have soldiers in danger.... Continue to pray for wisdom for our leaders, both military and civilian, as well as for the continued safety of our troops. I personally want to thank each of you for your support of me and our troops... God has truly Blessed America!!!!!!!!!!!

A Resilient and Re-emergent Talib

Talib is Afghan for Taliban. This week has been one filled with the Taliban re-emerging in a big way. They made another attempt on the life of Afghan President Zarzai and members of his cabinet, claiming the life of one person and injuring several of his cabinet members. President Zarzai escaped without harm, but a staunch reminder to the world that the Taliban is alive and well, and able to conduct a coordinated attack on the country's president in the heart of the capital. What is so strange about this is that President Zarzai, this week has called on the U.S. and Britain to stop arresting leaders of the Insurgency... WOW, are these the same people that tried to take his life...... Why is he playing both sides? Is this his attempt to show the Taliban that he is not controlled by the Coalition? Politics.... Either way, the Taliban has grown and shown the world that they are resilient and no matter the number we kill or capture, they are able to maintain some semblance of a leadership structure. Of particular note, we had a USO concert sponsoring singer Toby Keith. Everyone was so excited about him coming South to play for us, but the event was not without disruption. The Taliban obviously had intel that he was coming as well, not twenty minutes into the concert they launched rockets at the base, causing the concert to end, sending everyone to the bunkers, to include Mr. Toby Keith..... What that tells me, is that we have spies amongst us.... My gut tells me that one or some of the workers on the base passed this information on to the Taliban.. Luckily I was able to get some photos of him prior to the attack.

I want to personally thank Mr Toby Keith for coming to Kandahar, when so many others choose to go elsewhere, places safer. In this case he got a small piece of our lives here, but I admire and appreciate his willingness to come to the soldiers down-range.

In the below photo LTC Blake Storey is pictured with one of our Interpreters Noori, whom the Taliban shot him five times coming out of his home, and Thank God he survived. Not only did he move, but he is still supporting/interpreting for US and Coalition forces, WOW, what a guy.... Many of our Afghan interpreters place their lives and that of their families in danger should the Taliban find out they are supporting us.... Many of them serve in areas away from their home....they are brave and want desperately for their country to be one of prosperity for all its people.

I took the time to visit and say goodbye to my Afghan military communicators that I have worked so diligently with this past year to help improve their ability to communicate. What was so rewarding for me was to walk in and see one of the NCO's, in computer training. Only a third, if that much, of the Afghan populous can read or write, so hands-on is one of the ways they pass training on to others. Below is a picture of me with two Afghan Signal officers, their Network Officer and Radio Officer. There is no doubt in my mind that they are better today than they were a year ago. This is not only due to my efforts, but so many of our mentors, who work day in and day out with them.

Even though the Talib is re-emerging, we have not lost faith, but are more determined, they are showing that they are determined and have the tenacity to fight on, despite significant losses. Are we so determined, (US & Coalition Partners). We need to be as tenacious and forthright as the Taliban. We need to flood this country with forces and despite Zarzai's call for leniency on the Taliban, continue to take the fight to them, without letting up.... We must understand that this enemy has influence throughout this region, we need to keep them on their heels HERE and not in the US..... We need to adapt our tactics, and we need our allies to support the fight fully or go home.....!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Never Forget!!!

This edition of my blog is devoted to the warriors that have paid the ultimate price. Since my deployment to Afghanistan back in May 2007, we have lost seven soldiers. Some say that is not bad, but any loss is significant in my mind. Seven families are eternally altered, not to mention their extended families, mother, grandmothers, etc. As we remember those that died, I also remember the many that were wounded, whose life too is forever changed. As a fellow warrior, I pay homage to these soldiers, their families, and those that cared so much about them. When you deploy to war, one never knows the outcome, how soldiers will return, scarred physically and many emotionally. We all must understand that this is real, soldiers have given all, for this country and for this mission. This particular week the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit lost its first two marines, since deploying here. I hope and pray that I don't see another flag draped coffin before I finally leave this theatre. Seeing your fellow soldiers go home in a box is hard, you thank God for your life, but you also pray for their families. You all should be proud of your servicemen, they are serving proudly and doing what is expected of them. What we need is support. We have begun to receive MRAPs here, which should have been here long before now, but I am glad we are getting them. Many countries are sitting back and allowing a few countries to carry the load. Many countries refuse to deploy their troops into the south, because of the degree of danger and the political ramifications back home of having soldiers killed in battle.... Is this fair!!! Why should ISAF, (International Security Assistance Forces), have caveats on managing this war. The General in charge of this theatre should be able to deploy his forces as needed. So we fight the war the best way possible with the forces we have available. We have only 30,000 US forces in Afghanistan, and 156,000 in Iraq. If we had half that number we could have greater affects against the Insurgency/Taliban....

Staff Sergeant Roy P. Lewsader, 10May1971 - 16June2007.

Captain Joshua Steele 8July1980 - 17June2007

Sergeant First Class Christopher Henderson 18May1972 - 17June2007

Sergeant First Class John Hennen 9Jan1981 - 17June2007

Sergeant Edward Philpot 16May1969 - 23October2007

Staff Sergeant James Bullard 10June1979 - 30October2007

Sergeant First Class Johnny Walls 15November1965 - 2November2007

I honor these fallen warriors!!! They deserve our gratitude and our respect. Our troops are constantly engaged with the enemy, especially here in the south. Having the right equipment can and has saved lives. As pictured below, one of our teams was attacked by an SVEID, (Suicide Bomber in a vehicle)the HUMVV with its armor is what protected these soldiers and not one of them were injured as a result of having armor protection. Understand that nothing is full proof, but many soldiers are alive today because of having uparmored vehicles and with the addition of MRAPs, we are increasingly providing our soldiers the best we have available as far as protective vehicles. As I end this edition of the blog, I encourage each of you to pray for our leaders, our soldiers and for our families who endure so much. God Bless!!!!

Transition

This week I have been training my replacement, Navy LCDR Joel Whittington on communications in ARSIC-South. My sole focus has been to ensure that he understands all the history and how things are done in this theatre as it relates to the communications architecture. Not only am I transitioning, but the majority of Task Force Phoenix is in transition as well... The above photo is MAJ William Parks the J-6 for Task Force Phoenix and the incoming J-6 LTC Dana Whaley. It is a wonderful feeling to see the smiles the sense of accomplishment and the happiness in knowing that a job well done.... What is always present is the enemy. He has a vote, troops cannot get complacent as we wind down, this past week we had three soldiers on their last convoy to be struck by a suicide bomber, luckily, none were injured....

Pictured above is many of the signaleers that support this theatre, all of which were under my direction and guidance. I could not have been as successful without the hard work of these soldiers.

This country has a long way to go and the future will surely lie in the hands of many of these kids above. This can be a beautiful nation. We, (The US) and our allies cannot affect a change in culture, it takes time. One thing that I have learned is that patience is truly a virtue. Seeing these children smile warms my heart, I see the hope in their eyes and also the despair in how they live. What I have learned from this deployment is that nothing happens quick in this theatre, and true change takes generations. We are providing them with an opportunity for change, they have to grab hold and not release. Many of you have assisted us in spreading some of that joy to these children by your donations of clothing, gifts, toys, etc. On behalf of Afghanistan, I say a huge thank you. We have also built wells, roads, schools and many other things that positively impact their society. When you have 70% illiteracy, change is really challenging..

These kids live hard, they work to provide essentials for the family.. They tend sheep, goats, or whatever animals they own. The older women are kept at a distance from US and Coalition soldiers, just a part of their custom.

You can look at this picture and see the hard life that these ladies have had. I have only experienced a small portion of their life. Their customs and religion really makes it hard for women, and change is not easy. I ask my fellow Americans to continue to pray for our great soldiers, as well as for these people.

Photos provided by myself and LCDR Steven Parks.

What a week!!!!

This week has been filled with so many good moments and some sad ones as well... We lost another Canadian Coalition member to an IED strike...the toll on us, to include our Coalition partners have been quite sobering. In my region, since my deployment we have lost seven soldiers and another 35 have been injured, some quite seriously. As for TF Phoenix, they have lost a total of 23 soldiers since the 218th took over. I pray daily for our troops, as this insurgency continues to fight on. They cannot fight toe to toe, so they fight us by ambush and by IED or suicide bombings. But thank God, our will has not been broken. Our spirit is strong and our determination is even stronger even when we hear how badly things are going. We know the true status of our efforts here, we just need complete support to get the job done. Sometimes I feel as though we are putting a band aide on someone with his arm amputated. I am proud of our troops, their service to this great nation and their sacrifice, to include that of their families. We try to make the best of this deployment by engaging in some team-building activities. I pitted my section against the J-1, (administrative section) in volleyball. Of course, we won.... but most of all we were able to forget about the war and have a chance to bond. Some of our pics below...

Above Tampasi made a good try at it... and obviously below, Mr J.P Floyd made a good dive, but unsuccessful in returning that ball... But what fun did we have...

What was even better this week was our customs inspection. Having our boxes inspected for shipment home brought a huge smile to so many faces.... It was truly an exciting time.... What you don't see is the sense of pride of mission accomplishment that these soldiers feel. We came into this tough region and took on a tough mission and really made a difference.......

Below is a picture of MAJ Shannon Goad, as he readies his box for inspection.... He has really done a wonderful job... as many of our warriors...

On a personal note, I was Blessed to be awarded a Bronze Star Medal for my actions in support of Operations Enduring Freedom.... It was very humbling to me to receive this award, as so many others helped to make that possible..... I am not only humbled but so thankful that leadership recognized what all we have accomplished and felt that I was deserving of this prestigious award.... Below, COL Thomas McGrath, the ARSIC-South Commander presents me with this award.

Thou I have experienced a great week professionally, I hate to end it on a sad note, but I need the prayers of the righteous. My spiritual father Mr. Eric Bedenbaugh's wife passed away this week. Mr. Bedenbaugh has been there for me and my family throughout this deployment, he is a true man of God and one of great strength and wisdom. He is a man that you know epitomizes a Godly man. I cannot be there for him, as he has been for me, please keep him and the Hendley family in your prayers. It is hard for me to see him hurting and cannot be there to show him that love and encouragement that he always gives me and so many others. I am so thankful for him, his guidance and his love.....