Signal Conference - Kabul, Afghanistan

The primary focus for me this past week has been preparation for the J-6 Conference in Kabul. With the 27th BCT from New York National Guard in-coming, this was an excellent opportunity for the signaleers to get together to discuss our issues/challenges and the road ahead. We have made some significant achievements during this past year, that I am so proud to have been a part of. I truly feel that I have made a huge impact on the future of this country and our US and Coalition forces. I have met some of the most intriguing people one can meet, some famous, some just ordinary and some simply amazing. You never know where God wants you, one must just be obedient and trust in Him. That is what I have done this past year. I completely put my trust in God and allowed Him to use me in whatever way He saw fit. This deployment though tough on the families and soldiers alike has been a necessary thing. Who else is going to stand in the gap? We must all remember that WE were attacked on September 11, 2001, and many of the folks that carried out this attack are still around. I applaud every soldier and their families for their sacrifice, their love for our country and their service to this great nation. I was able to present SSG Antonio Vaught an Army Commendation Award for his contribution to the success of the section.

As Antonio leave, we also honored our Chaplain for all that he has done for this command spiritually. Chaplain Roy Butler has been a God-send to our soldiers, this command and a friend to me. Below his assistant SSG McNeil presents him with several gifts.

While I was in Kabul this past week I ran into one of my soldiers from the 228th Signal Brigade SSG Mary Bailey. Mary worked for me while I was the 228th S-1. I was extremely proud to see her and know that she has been successful in supporting the 218th's administrative needs. Mary works for the Postal Service back in South Carolina.

Below is a picture of the signal leadership from throughout Afghanistan, many of which are from South Carolina. Communications is the bedrock of any mission or organization, if they don't have reliable communications they cannot perform their mission. Our efforts greatly contributed to the success of command's mission here in Afghanistan, which is so rewarding.

Below is a picture of LTC Spyros Spanos from the Connecticut National Guard and MAJ William Parks from the 228th Signal Brigade in Spartanburg, South Carolina. The three of us really made a great team as we collaborated on many comms issues and truly bonded as a team. What was particularly good about us, was the fact that non of us cared about any personal glory, that we cared about signal.

I want to personally thank my Willow Creek neighbors Patt Gleason and family for the many care packages provided to us here, as well as those of you that also sent packages to us. When you are in war, you just can't go to town to get you a steak, you are forced to eat what is available, good or bad... and for us here in Kandahar mostly bad.... I have eaten food that I don't even know and probably don't want to know... This tour is winding down for most of us, but what we have done here will never be forgotten. Many of our soldiers have experienced a great deal of mental stress and the re-integration back into day to day life will take some patience..... Again, thanks for the prayers and support....

Easter in Kandahar

This has been a week of reflection, loss of life - in terms of soldiers and family members, a week of remembrance and celebration in the birth and resurrection of Jesus Christ on this Easter Holiday. For me, this week has been one requiring strength. My wife lost her aunt, Helena Morgan this week and the toll was emotionally tough on the family. Her mother, who is not in good health, required medical, emotional and physical assistance that again left my wife alone to manage. These long deployments have a huge affect on not only the soldier, but their families as well.. By the time I arrive back home, I would have been away for 15months. Most deployments now are a total of 12 months total deployment time, which is an improvement over the 15 months. Leadership has to take in consideration the impact of long deployments on the troops as well as the families and employers. Most NATO nations maintain a 6 or 7 month deployment. The US Marines only deploy for 7 months, the Air Force for 6 months.... In my opinion, we need to re-look these lengthy deployments. As a leader I am not complaining but as a husband and father acknowledging the impact on my loved ones.




I was able to meet the Canadian Chief of Defense, GEN Rick Hillier, he is the Canadian equivalent to our Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. GEN Hillier is an awesome leader, one that I have the utmost respect for. As a leader he calls it like it is, he advocated for more NATO support long before the US and other nations got on the band wagon. He is a true leader, one that is greatly respected in the Canadian military.

The ARSIC had the opportunity to have a cook-out to down-shift a bit to relax and somewhat enjoy the Easter holiday. Operations never stop, but we took the time to bond and interact as an organization on a social level. This cook-out allowed us to take a much needed break.



What a great event, plus we did not have to eat in Supreme DFAC.... WOW.... Anytime soldiers can relax their minds a bit, helps.... and that is exactly what we did..... The rigors of war is not easy, there is a constant threat of attack by the insurgents, either by rockets, IED or other deceptive means. As mentioned earlier, we have lost some US and Coalition soldiers this week, which makes this week one filled with reflection and a keen sense of patriotism... These soldiers paid the ultimate price, right before Easter......



The above photo is MAJ Christopher Reisdorff's section... "Reisdorff's Raiders"





Me and some of my section personnel...... McNeil and Walsh..... Below is a picture of ARSIC Commander Thomas L. McGrath and myself.

Lastly, this Easter was a very special day for me. I was able to see one of my soldiers accept God and baptized in faith. SGT Lee Bruner, one of my commo personnel gave his life to God. What better Easter can one have.... God is still changing soldier's lives in such a wonderful way, even in this place. The picture was taken outside the chapel in an make-shift baptismal. Chaplain MAJ Roy Butler presided over the occasion.

Navy RIP

This week has been another busy week, as our Navy personnel are under-going a RIP, (Relief in Place) meaning, it is time for them to go home.... In a few months, this entire place will look different. My group is the next group scheduled to leave... WOW, time has really flown by. I am so proud of what we have accomplished since we have arrived here. The guys pictured above make up my J-6 section. It is all about the team... They really helped to make my deployment a success.

Most of the local Afghans live by an abundance of bread, I recently visited a local bakery. It is amazing how they continue to make bread, as they did hundreds of years ago....

Just not too sanitary though, sometimes you just wish you did not know where and how your food is prepared... but it was interesting to see how it is made... I just pray over it and hope for the best, that it doesn't tear my stomach up..... Below ARSIC-S CSM Bobby Albert talks to the troops about the deployment, thanking them for their service.





One of the guys RIPing out is CWO2 Vincent Avera who served on my staff. Avera is a quite man, but truly a team player and one that I have the utmost respect for. I will really miss him....Below he is pictured with me and LT Hampton McNeil.




Also receiving awards were SPC Cassandra Jolly and SPC Derrick Scurry, both are comms personnel working at the RPAC, (Regional Police Advisory Command). They helped manage the communications infrastructure as well as tactical communications. They really did an outstanding job for me.

Petty Officer Kuehn who works in my automation section also received an award for all his hard work during this deployment. My staff was mixed with civilians, (MPRI), Navy and Army personnel. Below Kuehn received an Army Achievement Award for his outstanding performance of duties assigned.



This deployment as it winds down has been quite memorable.. I have met some of the most amazing people. I have also fostered a relationship with the Afghan people that has not only given me a better perspective on how and why they live and act the way they do. Prayerfully, I have shown them a better side of Americans than what they once believed. Together we have given them food, clothing, helped build roads and schools, created jobs, so that they can enjoy a better life than they had previously. I know we have made a huge difference here, no one wants to be controlled by a renegade organization like the Taliban, but they really had little means to fight such a huge organization. We offer them security and freedoms that they have never known, but they are afraid that we will abandon them and they will once again be at the mercy of the Taliban. Hopefully our leadership will do the honorable thing, give the Afghan people a reason to hope again, by remaining steadfast to our commitment to these people.

Tombstone

This week has been great.... busy but productive. I had the opportunity to visit one of our Forward Operating Bases named Tombstone, located in the Helmand Province of Southern Afghanistan. Tombstone is controlled by the British forces, I actually flew out there with some of Prince Harry's regiment..... The Helmand Province is a very active area, troops are constantly engaged with insurgents. The below picture is of some of the troops that I flew out there with, as you can see a C-130 is not a comfortable plane, but it definitely beats the ride in a HUMVV.

Many of South Carolina's 218th troops are focused on re-deployment, but this can be a very dangerous time... Re-deployment can be distracting, and distraction can kill. The focus has to be on the mission, and accomplishing the mission safely. This tour has been so rewarding, we have truly made a difference in this country. Folks have their own idea of success or failure, but I know we have been successful in many areas. We have given so much to this effort in terms of training, funding for schools, wells, highways, medical assistance, and a great deal of economic support to the local villagers. Things that you just don't see or hear. I see soldiers giving their all time and time again.. They care about what they are doing here, they care about helping this country, WE stand in the gap when so many others hide behind a desk. I proudly serve my nation, as so many have done. As pictured above, other nations are contributing as well, gladly and serving proudly... thanks to them all....

Also with me on this trip was MAJ William Parks, the CJ6 of TF Phoenix in the center and two Marines, Capt Matkins left and MAJ RJ Smith on the right.... I want to thank my great neighbors in Willow Creek for the care packages. There is not a better neighborhood in South Carolina.... Continue to pray for our leaders, and for our troops.

ANCOP Graduation

This week has definitely been a full one. The ANCOP stands for Afghan National Civil Order Police, they support the Ministry of Interior in the management of establishing and maintaining civil order to certain regions/locations in Afghanistan. During a visit to FOB Scorpion, (the Regional Training Center for the Police), I was able to see these new policemen graduate. Understanding that many of them are unable to read or write continues to pose problems. Best case is one out to eight is able to read or write. Even with these inhibitors, they are proving to be quite resourceful and beneficial. They are really trained at a higher standard, and have proven their worth to the positions they are entrusted. Afghanistan has a long way to go to have their country in a stronger position to be able to stand alone. Education and economics play such an important role in the road ahead. Without education they lack the necessary skills to hold technical positions and without a means to support their families they will continue to be vulnerable to outside influences of the Taliban who is willing to provide them with money to support their drug operation.

The above graduates were recognized by BG Zarify, they look like kids. Many of these policemen are merely kids trying to provide for their families. These guys are paying a heavy price as well, we generally don't read much about the toll this war is having on the Afghan Police, but it is significant.

Me in my office... I have been allotted additional personnel in my section. Mr. Jerome Fisher pictured above comes to my as an MPRI contractor and is my Deputy. Jerry has really stepped in and assumed his role and is going to be a tremendous asset to the team.

Pictured above is Chaplain Butler with CSM Albert. CSM Albert has truly been an outstanding leader and motivator. Above he is gathering the ARSIC for a group photo.

This is the ARSIC, don't even try to pick me out, just won't happen... The shooter should have been a bit closer..... but these are the guys and gals that I work with daily..... In theatre, people come and go, there is constant change. Being in a war zone is stressful, it wears on you physically and emotionally. We have been Blessed to have the degree of competent staff we have had in the ARSIC. I am truly proud to have served with all these soldiers, airmen, sailors and soon to be marines.