A Mixed Week Emotionally

This has been a mixed week, emotionally for the 205th RSAC. It began with a Memorial Service for our fallen soldiers. As reported in last week's update, we lost 4 soldiers to combat operations. Traveling here is very dangerous, we as leaders try to minimize putting soldiers on the road, thus minimizing the risk as much as possible, IEDs/Suicide Bombers have been one of our biggest threats, besides the occassional ambush. We are being as safe as we can, but no operation is full-proof. We are currently undergoing an impending organizational change to staff other critical positions. This change will direct some of my Fort Riley team into other positions. The prospect of not knowing who or where you will work has many of us in a state of uncertainty. But in the military you become accustomed to change. So when the time comes, we will adjust. On a good note, I received a Letter of Appreciation from the Afghan military, in particular, COL Nasim, the CORP G-6, for assisting them in improving the security of their communications network from the Ministry of Defense down to the CORP level. Below is a picture of COL Nasim presenting me with this award.

One thing that is certain here that it is very dangerous for not only US soldiers, but for normal Afghans as well. This place is littered with mines, many Afghans have lost limbs due to stepping on mines,left over from the Soviets... My heart truly goes out to them,as we have signs indicating mines, but there are so many, that just litters this country, and the average Afghan cannot read. So educating them about the dangers of mines is a challenge. There has been many agencies focused on the mine problem in Afghanistan. Even Princess Diana worked hard to bring this issue to the forefront... So traveling here is strictly to the normal roadways, which the Taliban know....

The other thing that is taking some adjustment is the heat. We average daily temperatures in excess of 110, most days in excess of 120 -130 degrees, and they say that this is not the hottest part of the summer... so it will take some getting used to this weather.. Just driving around in a hot vehicle dehydrates you, so we are constantly consuming water...... Now I know why the local Afghans always ask for water, before they ask for anything else... The below temperature was taken about 2:00 pm in the shade.... This day it was about 112degrees in the shade. By the way, there are no trees, shade is only what you can make....

WOW!!!!!!!!!!

I want to say a huge thanks to everyone for all the care packages I received here. It is like Christmas opening every package. Please convey my heart-felt Thanks to everyone that aided in sending care packages to us here... Clarence

Mental Toughness

I titled this week's update Mental Toughness, as We, soldiers and families have had to dig down and find that mental toughness that helps you get through the day, in this case week. We all knew that RC-South was the most active and dangerous part of Afghanistan, and this week really took its toll. I experienced my first Ramp Ceremony, (this is where we honor a fallen comrade's exit from combat, onto an awaiting plane). This ceremony though filled with Honor and Respect and Soldiers lined up to pay our final respects, was quite solemn and required that extra mental toughness that is within. Not even twenty-four hours from this ceremony, we were notified of other casualties. A good friend of mine, COL Eric Gladman gave me a book called "Minute Meditations for Each Day" Not a day go by, where I don't feed my spirit with the word of God. It is the strength that I draw upon during times like these. As leaders you have to not dwell upon unfortunate events, but find that strength to pick your spirit up and go on. Soldiers look for that strength and draw upon it.

This week also celebrated the Army's 232nd Birthday with a cookout and fellowship amongst the services, (Army, Navy and Air Force). Pictured below is COL Cannon, CPT Bulwinkle and myself, taking time to digress and fellowship.

Also, since my last post, I have had the opportunity to meet with Mr. Isah, the Headmaster of the Russian Village School. There are 520 school kids from 1st to 11th grade, of the 520, 230 are girls. For the Kandahar area, girls were not allowed to attend school under the Taliban rule. The actual name of the school is Siad Pacha High School. Currently the kids are out of school for the summer, they are out for two months. The Russians built these buildings to house their soldiers after the War with Afghanistan. After the Russians left, the Taliban took over the area and buildings to house their troops. It became a Taliban Training Ground. After Sep 11, the US bombed the buildings/area to remove the Taliban and the local Afghans took over, mostly home to families of the Afghan Military. The school is as we say far from the flag pole and does not get the necessary supplies that other schools receive that are close to Kabul. The principal needs Notebooks, Pens, Pencils, etc for the beginning of the school year, August 01. I would like your assistance in gathering these items, so that I can present them in person to the children when they return. I will collect boxes and store them until August, so please send what you can. There is a great need here.... I am under the opinion that in order to change a generation, you have to start with the children.

Even in the chaos, I am still so prove of what we are doing here. Life is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you're gonna get. I know I took a page from Forest Gump, but that is they way each day is here. You never settle down to a routine, because there is always something to change that thought. These kids live day by day, hoping for tomorrow....

The below picture is of me and my commo NCO SFC Spencer an active duty soldier from Fort Gordon, GA. I am so proud to have him on my team, he brings a great deal of experience and knowledge to the section.

Combat Patch Presentation

On 6 June 1944, the US began its invasion off the beaches of Normandy. US and allied forces commenced its combat operations now known as World War II. On 6 June 2007, some 63 years later, the 218th Brigade Combat Team received our combat patch. For so many of us, this was a very fulfilling day, one that we all were so proud to be a part of.. The combat patch symbolizes a soldiers participation in combat operations. There is a level of respect that comes with wearing that "Right Shoulder Patch". I have always admired those that had their "Right Shoulder Patch" I respected their service, I appreciated their willingness to support and defend this country. It is a very noble act. War/combat operations is not pretty or easy, it is what we train so hard to be proficient at, so that when our country calls we will be able to answer that call with confidence. Below is a picture of COL Cannon and CSM Albert presenting the 205th RSAC their "Combat/Right Shoulder Patch"

After pinning the soldiers, they take turns pinning each other. I know that award of the 218th BCT Combat Patch is particularly special to COL Cannon, his roots run deep in this distinct unit. Having this patch awarded is very special to all of us. With the happiness of this award all around, there are also so many signs that reminds us that we are in a combat zone, and that it is deadly. The US flag is flown more half-mask than it is flown to the top of the flag pole. This means that a U.S. or Coalition soldier has paid the ultimate price. Knowing that danger and death surrounds us, I have found solace in knowing the goodness that folks and supporters back home provide. While I have been here, I have received several care packages, one of which had some letters from an elementary school class and a football. Below, I am presenting the football to one of the kids in a local village.

I find it very difficult to recognize the needs of these people and not do something to show them that we care. Part of our focus here in Afghanistan is to attempt to win over the hearts and minds of the people. In my mind it begins with showing them we truly care, I believe it is the little things we do. As the kids tell me "Thank You Mister" they are really saying to the American people that donated these items "Thank You" Their parents sit afar watching over them recognize that we are not here to take, but to give and to help them help themselves.

While I was in this village with my interpreter, a military convoy showed up bearing gifts as well. As they opened the back door of the HUMVEE, the children swarmed the vehicle knowing that they had something for them.. Next time I come, I will try to bring a box of ice cream bars, as it was about 120degrees that day...

There are a lot of kids in this village, most Afghan households average 10 or more children. Now this is not a validated statistic, this info comes from my interpreter... who should know.. Notice the little girl in the blue dress... A beautiful little girl in a beautiful dress, but without shoes. That is the custom that I have seen here, or with flip flops...

It doesn't take much for you to recognize how blessed we are to live in America, just being here and seeing how these people survive day by day. I know that God has blessed America so richly. I look upon their homes, many made of mud. This village has a mixture of mud houses called 'Kalats" and apartment homes. The apartment homes were old Russian barracks that were destroyed years ago, that these Afghans utilize the part of the facility that is not damaged. it is a roof over their heads..

Just to be clear to those that are viewing these pictures, I do not know who destroyed these buildings, my interpreter is not sure either. So when I find out, I will let you know....

I will leave you all with this picture and a quote. "Freedom is not Free, it is Paid with a Price" I see this so vividly here, as many soldiers, as well as Afghans are paying a heavy price for the freedom that many Americans choose to ignore, or to say "Thank You" to those that provide it.

Transfer of Authority

We finally arrived at our assigned location, 205th CORPs in (Kandahar). The Kandahar Province was the birthplace of the Taliban, and a large part of the current Taliban resistance is within the Kandahar Provincial Districts. I have titled this blog update as the Transfer of Authority, as we replace and assume operational control from the 41st BCT out of Oregon. The below picture depicts the TOA, (Transfer of Authority) of the 205th RSAC between COL Tan of the 41st Brigade and COL Cannon of the 218th Infantry Brigade. The TOA is an official release of command and authority between an outgoing command to an incoming command.

The ceremony was conducted by COL Greg Batts, Deputy Commander of the 218th Brigade Combat Team. It was attended by a host of dignitaries from Afghanistan and US Forces. As COL Cannon takes command, his staff works diligently to learn as much from the outgoing 41st personnel as possible. Below, we are having an Hail for the incoming G-6, (LTC Bowser), and Farewell for CPT J. W. Beatty the outgoing G-6. This event was attended by many of the ANA officers and NCOs. LTC Asif, the Asst. G-6 hosted the event on the ANA compound.

I know that CPT Beatty enjoyed his year in Afghanistan, every staff officer had nothing but great things to say about him and what he did to help their country.. I also know that he is ready to go home, having done his part. 1LT Hampton McNeil also pictured above has shown his maturity as an officer and his experience as a Signaler. He is a 1LT being assigned to be the G-6 for a CORP, which is normally held by a Field Grade Officer. I have nothing but the utmost respect and admiration for such an outstanding officer.

The 205th Corp Assistant G-6 for the ANA is LTC Asif, during this past week, he and I have fostered a mutual respect for each other, which is quite uncanny for the short period of time that we have known each other. He is trying to figure me out, as I am him.

I have had my first official Afghan dinner. I was invited to lunch at General Shir Zai's home. General Shir Zai's staff prepared a wonderful meal for us. The food and hospitality was really great. They gave us an appetizer of assorted nuts and raisins. The meal was lamb kabob with rice and beans, and mixed vegetables and bread. It was a really tasty meal, one that I will never forget......

I finally got the opportunity to meet with COL Nasim, the G-6 for the 205th Corps. He has 30 years signal experience, his experience is on Russian equipment and tactics. He is in the midst of transforming his section to more US tactics and automation. He has embraced change, he and his soldiers thirst for a better military, one that is better equipped, trained, and ready. I am very excited to help him bring about that change... Pictured below is COL Nasim, LTC Asif and me.