Swamped and Trying to Catch-up

I have been back for two weeks now, and I have yet to catch up on all the things that went undone since my departure. There are a lot of reasons for this, one of which being most every one's plate is full and it is difficult enough to take care of their assigned tasks without the added ones brought about by the absence of someone else. That being said, I not only was faced with unprecedented Jet-lag, but there was a great deal of communications work that needed my attention. It literally took me one week to get over the jet-lag, getting back to some normal clock with my body.... The good thing was that I left competent people back to maintain the J-6 duties and responsibilities. I was so glad to know that my ANA counterparts truly missed me a great deal. They were extremely sensitive and concerned to the fact that I had a family issue that took me away. They are a very family oriented people, whom places family next to their relationship with God. Below is a picture of the Assistant 205th Corp G-6 LTC Asif, pictured with the new 205th CORP Commander BG Niebe, (centered with the green hat). His mentor is COL Cory Cannon. Also pictured is CPT Mike McKinney a member of the Canadian Army assigned to mentor the Corp G-6. The United States has nearly turned over all mentoring functions to the Canadian military. This tour has afforded me the opportunity to work with some great people for so many different countries all on a common goal to help the people of Afghanistan.

In the Aghan culture males holding hands is sign of friendship and is quite common to see. Just think how COL Cannon reacted when the General grabbed his hand to go for a walk!!! Wish I could have seen his expression.... The truth of the matter that you gain a sense of tolerance and acceptance to their culture, as this is their country. However, if I can get a picture of COL Cannon holding hands with the General, I will post it....it is just hard to get....

Kandahar is pretty good size base, that has a wooden Boardwalk with shops and restaurants like Pizza Hut and Subway, to include a Burger King.... There is a Tim Horton's Coffee Shop that the Canadians simply love. It is always busy.... Also pictured below is a fuzzy picture of an Hockey rink that the Canadians own. They really love hockey too....

As you see below, the British sponsored a concert for their soldiers on the boardwalk that was so professional. They do well at trying to break the monotony of war, by trying to find ways for soldiers to down-shift. It is so important for soldiers to have time away from stress. Thanks to the British....

Returning From Leave

As most of you know, leaving home to return to war is not easy. However in the back of your mind you know that it is simply a must. It was also good to come home to find things in order and without too many issues. But the return is what I am focusing this issue of my blog on. My return to Afghanistan initially took me to the Atlanta Airport, where I found many re-deploying soldiers awaiting transportation to either Iraq or Afghanistan. We all were to board the same flight. It was simply a joy that I can't express to walk through that airport and have people stand up and clap for us. What a tremendous show of support!!! I know that all of us felt like our sacrifice was really worth it, I know that I had that lump in my throat. The flight was a long and tiring process, by the time I landed in Afghanistan three days had passed and I was simply dogg tired. I landed in Bagram, Afghanistan awaiting a flight to Kandahar, which took another two days. It literally took me a week to get back to KAF. Bagram is an US base north of Kabul, which was substantially cooler in temperature than what I was use to in Kandahar. The temperature was in the mid 70s, amazing enough that they have an outdoor gym. We definitely can't have that in KAF, we would pass out.

The gym was nice, but I was too tired to go there.... WOW.... Bagram sits in the middle of the mountains and is a picturesque place. They also have a USO dedicated to the NFL Player "Pat Tillman" that was killed during combat operations.

Pat Tillman's NFL Jersey.....

I did not realize the impact of jet-lag on my body. I have been back for three days and I still wake up at odd hours and sleep intermittently. Arriving back, has been great but I can't believe the changes that can happen in three weeks. There is a constant rotation of troops in and out of theatre. Now, I am having to get used to new faces and positions. The good thing about this is knowing that you are closer to re-deployment. Most of the new arrivals are Air Force personnel that have six month deployments. What a novel idea!! WOW, I will see still be here when they go home..... We all gathered to see the last remaining members of the 41st BCT out of Oregon receive their deployment medals. Below is a picture of COL Cannon and SGM Elvington trying to look cool.... Being there to see them receive their award is a great show of support to these outstanding soldiers for leading the way and for doing an outstanding job.

The below picture is COL Thomas McGrath, ARSIC (S) Commander and CSM Bobby Albert, awarding out-going 41st BCT soldiers their deployment awards. I can only imagine how wonderful they are feeling, and how ready they are to go home to their families...

Pictured below is MAJ Paul Waldron the out-going JAG, and a wonderful friend. I wish all of these soldiers the best as they head home.... Being deployed, I have met and worked with some great leaders and soldiers from both the active and reserve forces. MAJ Waldron is a very spiritual person and has seven children, WOW "Old School". He always talked with me about his family, which helped me to remain focused on what is really important. That is the love of God, family and friends. I will miss these soldiers but they made an indelible mark on those of us that they left behind, to include our Afghan counterparts...

In closing this posting, I arrived back to find several care packages and I want to especially thank Pat and Rita Smith, my great neighbors lead by the DiMarcos, Co B, 111th Signal Battalion Lori Caldwell and my wonderful family. Know that I am doing fine, and will be home soon. Thanks to everyone who reads this blog for your support, your love and for what you do for others, especially soldiers. I say Thank-You for them all....

There Is No Place Like Home

Easy to understand why I titled this particular update "There is no place Like Home". Arriving home from Afghanistan with such a short time to visit, you realize what is special and meaningful to you. You also understand the intense feelings that family and friends have for you. I have truly been so fortunate to have the great neighbors, friends, and family that I do have. From the Blue Star Mothers, (Mona & Lynn) that are so faithful, to my neighbor Thomas Samoros of TMK Enterprises, who takes care of my lawn, I am in awe of the big hearts of these individuals. They give so unselfishly of their time, money and love to others. They really show us that Agape Love that Christ has for us all. That is what God wants us all to do, Love One Another. I remember my Great-grandmother Arie Bell Worthy's last words to my family, "Love One Another". These words though intended to tie us as a family closer, really is the way she lived her life, loving others through action not mere words. This is the example that was instilled in me early in life, and for that I am thankful. There are so many emotions that one deals with during these two-week breaks from war. The family can't wait to just touch you to make sure you are really OK, not only physically but mentally. They are eager to talk about your experiences and what you do or have done in country, as well as to see how you interact with them, looking for the smallest of changes. Below is a picture of one of my daughters and her son, Little Ray.








Don't worry, I didn't eat but a few of those Krispy Kreme's!!!!!! (Hard to pass up on that Hot doughnuts now light).

It really is God's Grace that has sustained me and my troops. It is amazing analyzing the thoughts of others. For my wife, she had a list of Honey Do's, so it took patience on my part to realize that her priority and mine were different. I had to recognize that these things though small were important to her, so being a good husband I complied.

Arriving home under such unforeseen circumstances, (funeral), sort of changes your priorities of your visit/leave. You want to take a short vacation and spend some quality time with your spouse, but your kids want some of that time, your mom wants some of that time, your friends feel slighted if you don't spend some time with them, so you feel compelled to make your rounds, thus really not taking a true relaxing break. But it is always great to spend time with family. That is the bond that many families have lost. This is the tie that binds.

Our annual Family Day Cook-out in Union.

Even for my family, so many were not present. It is a struggle to keep family traditions, which so much impacts it, (jobs, travel distances, the military etc). I say all of this to you all, to encourage you to make a concerted effort to keep those family ties. But also do what thus says the Lord, Love your neighbors. Work hard at bridging any issue that prevents your families from being as close as is should be. Life is really too short. Being deployed this issue really hits close to home. I see this charge extending to Afghanistan, charging me to love these people as I love the United States. I really feel that I live in the greatest country, state, and neighborhood. My neighborhood is probably the friendliest in the world. Everyone that drives by, walks by or strolls by on their golf carts speak. This sincere display of affection is infectious and a wonderful display of how WE as a people should live and love. Willow Creek is the best subdivision in South Carolina, just one visit and you will see. I am not a salesman for the property, but wanted others to know that there are some locations/neighborhoods out there, that truly deserving of recognition and I am proud of mine.... As I prepare to depart for my trip back to country, I am ready, physically and mentally to get done and get back home, as There is Truly No Place Like Home!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

General Pace Visit

Since my last post, much has happened, for me one of the best things that happened was a visit to KAF, (Kandahar Airfield), by Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Gen Peter Pace. I was so excited to meet him and talk to him. Gen Pace is leaving his post as Chairman of the Joint Chief of Staff soon, and chose to visit soldiers and sailors down-range to say "Thanks for your service to this nation" I was truly impressed with his sincerity and care and concern for soldiers. He also gave many of us his COIN. This i will cherish!!!!! For those that don't know General Pace,

General Peter Pace was sworn in as sixteenth Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff on Sep. 30, 2005. In this capacity, he serves as the principal military advisor to the President, the Secretary of Defense, the National Security Council, and the Homeland Security Council. Prior to becoming Chairman, he served as Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. General Pace holds the distinction of being the first Marine to have served in either of these positions.

"Notice the Big Smile!!!!!!!!!!!!"

Traveling with General Pace was a Medal of Honor Recipient Harvey C. Barnum Jr, who distinguished himself during the Vietnam War for his courageous acts. 18 December 1965, U.S. Marine Corps, Company H, 2d Battalion, 9th Marines, 3d Marine Division (Rein). Place and date: Ky Phu in Quang Tin Province, Republic of Vietnam 18 Dec 1965.

LT Barnum received this honor for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. When the company was suddenly pinned down by a hail of extremely accurate enemy fire and was quickly separated from the remainder of the battalion by over 500 meters of open and fire-swept ground, and casualties mounted rapidly. Lt. Barnum quickly made a hazardous reconnaissance of the area, seeking targets for his artillery. Finding the rifle company commander mortally wounded and the radio operator killed, he, with complete disregard for his safety, gave aid to the dying commander, then removed the radio from the dead operator and strapped it to himself. He immediately assumed command of the rifle company, and moving at once into the midst of the heavy fire, rallying and giving encouragement to all units, reorganized them to replace the loss of key personnel and led their attack on enemy positions from which deadly fire continued to come. His sound and swift decisions and his obvious calm served to stabilize the badly decimated units and his gallant example as he stood exposed repeatedly to point out targets served as an inspiration to all. Provided with 2 armed helicopters, he moved fearlessly through enemy fire to control the air attack against the firmly entrenched enemy while skillfully directing 1 platoon in a successful counterattack on the key enemy positions. Having thus cleared a small area, he requested and directed the landing of 2 transport helicopters for the evacuation of the dead and wounded. He then assisted in the mopping up and final seizure of the battalion's objective. His gallant initiative and heroic conduct reflected great credit upon himself and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the U.S. Naval Service. Pictured below is Retired Capt Harvey C Barnum Jr.

This deployment has afforded me the opportunity to meet and converse with some of the most distinguished and influential people around. People like Lt Barnum risked it all, and he was honored with the highest military award given. The Congressional Medal of Honor.

Not long after being on the greatest high, (meeting Gen Pace and LT Barnum), I was notified of the death of my sister's husband. This kinda took the wind out of me. With this not meeting the definition for "Emergency Leave" status, I had to take my R&R leave to attend the funeral, which I gladly did. I knew that my mom wanted me there, so I was thankful that COL McGrath afforded me the chance to support my family. It is great to have leadership that is sympathetic to families as well as the individual soldier. Thanks COLONEL..... Below is a picture of my sister Terri, whom I love so dearly.... (Please keep her in your prayers)

Pictured below is my daughter Bre standing. She, along with my other children did not want me out of their sight. They are really making it hard to leave, but you know, duty calls....

I guess you can tell from the photo, we are Southerners, we will make a coffee table out of an old TV!!!!!!!!!!!!! funny huh..... While home I took the time to go by and visit family and friends, and a picnic or two.... My church, (Poplar Springs Baptist Church), had a picnic with fish, hotdogs and hamburgers. You know it is hard to pass up a good cook-out, but my wife made sure that I went to the gym later.......

Finally, while I have one more week home, I think of my friends and comrades back in the war zone. I have met and made friends with some great individuals. Pictured below is a few of these friends. In the green uniform are members of the Afghan National Army, as well as US personnel from the Air Force. The Air Force and the Navy has really stepped it up by supporting troops to the war fight. They are sending us some of their best personnel. We, (all the services) are doing our part to supporting this Global War...

I want to say a huge thanks for all your continued prayers and support. We all appreciate it... God Bless.....

Humanitarian Assistance

This past week has truly been great. I am assigned to an awesome staff with great leadership, so I am happy. I want to let you all know that we truly do a great deal for this country. Not only are we fighting the Taliban, but we are trying out very best to show the people of Afghanistan that we truly are here to help them. In saying that we conducted a Humanitarian Mission to one of the local villages called "Alizay Kulay Village" This village housed nearly 40 families consisting of approximately 20 persons per family. Our mission was to take medical supplies and other humanitarian items to the villagers. Many of Afghanistan's villages are a great distance from medical attention, so many of them perish from common diseases or problems. Prior to being accepted into the village, we had to gain approval of the village elders that run the village. Below is a picture of the two elders that our team met with to gain access to their village.

We were able to deliver not only much needed medical supplies, but other nice to have items like toys for the kids and food, as well as school supplies. You could really see the joy on the faces of the children.

In the picture above is a few of the children in their home. These homes are Kalats, made of mud primarily, but they live very meager lives. Very little have changed about their culture since hundreds of years ago. Much of the way they live is they way they have always lived. The girls when they become young ladies must cover their face when in the presence of strangers.

The primary objective of the VMO mission was to unite the Afghan National Army with the local Afghan populace, thereby enhancing their significance with their own people. Having Afghans taking care of Afghans is really where the U.S is trying to get. Conducting these types of operations is vital to success in this country.

These people are very proud, they are also very poor. This particular room have multiple uses, for prayer, for meeting, etc. We were not able to converse with them without the aide of valuable Interpreters. Being here in Afghanistan has truly been a great experience.

The picture above is of a group of Afghan women with a little boy. It is their custom to completely cover themselves with no skin visible. They truly live rough lives, being here clearly helps all of us to stay grounded, knowing that we all are Blessed to be Americans. You can see a book lying behind one of the females, I don't know if they were reading it or looking at the pictures. But in this region of Afghanistan women are forbidden from being educated, but that culture is slowly changing. We have to remember that change does not come overnight. Especially in this area which have a high Taliban influence on the people.

I am very proud of ALL of our servicemen and Coalition partners, whom has shared this great burden. We all are working together to fight this global war. I ask your continued prayers for our soldiers and the Afghan people. Until next week, I ask you to continue to PUSH. "Pray Until Something Happens". Thanks to Lt Cdr Steven Parks for these wonderful pictures.......

Independence Day

This past week has been sort of relaxing. We had a wonderful Fourth of July Celebration here in Kandahar. There were many events to help soldiers bond and take a break to enjoy the festivities, minus the fireworks.... (I missed seeing the beautiful fireworks though). We had a 5k fun run to start the day in which I participated in. Many people don't equate fun to run, but it was great to see several hundred people running around the base. But we all found ourselves reminiscing about the cook-outs back home, the fellowship, the parties, etc. It was great to hear every one's version of how they celebrate the fourth.. As for many of my comrades, they are not all on a base like KAF, to enjoy the festivities, but down-range on a remote FOB, doing the same thing, trying to stay focused on the mission but finding time to reminisce on this special day. I am so pleased to received the numerous emails wishing us a safe and Blessed Fourth. You just don't know how much that support means, we feel that we are not alone, that we are still connected to home. The below picture is LT Hampton McNeil and I following the run. He definitely is a much faster runner than I am, but we all ran the entire way... The command did a great job of reminding us the real meaning of this day. The sacrifices that so many have made and a huge thanks to us for making this sacrifice. I realize that we can not do it alone, it takes a nation/community to fight a war. I am so appreciative for all of those that have gone out of their way to call my family, do things for them, as it really helps us/me to remain focused on the fight we are in. I am truly thankful.....

You all know that I have a heart for children, and these kids are some special children and they will always have a special place in my heart. If we are going to change the minds of these people, what better generation to start. I am so proud of my service here and to this nation. WE all try not to get caught up in the politics of this war, but leave that to the politicians. It is my prayer that WE as a nation do the right thing, that we pray for wisdom for our leadership and our soldiers that are making critical decisions that could impact future lives and generations. I know that God has a plan, and what we are doing here is part of His plan. It is also my wish for a wonderful Fourth for you all as well.....

RC- South

This past week has been dedicated to re-structuring of the RSAC, (my current organization), and the ANP, (Afghan National Police) under the command and guidance of ARSIC, (Afghanistan Regional Security Integration Command). What this basically means is that many of us will have a new boss. RC-South stands for Regional Command- South, that is the area we are conducting operations in, in the southern region of Afghanistan. Very little changes with this structure other than it focuses my duties and responsibilities to a particular area. Instead of being responsible for managing the communications for an organization to managing comms for the entire southern region and all the agencies within that region. So I am glad I have no hair..... just kidding, I look forward to this new challenge. My new boss is a Canadian, so I am getting use to the accent, and he is trying to get use to mine. God is truly in the midst of what we are doing, and I feel his presence all around me. So I thank you all for the prayers. The below pic shows how many nations are here supporting this effort.

As we travel from KAF to one of the outer FOBs, we pass by this local store, many of the troops call it the Afghani Wal-mart, but the truth of the matter is that it services the local area, as it is within walking distance of the nearest village. Though it is a shell of a building, it has managed to support this area for many years. However, the local villagers are in most cases held subject to what these little vendors provide, which is fruits, drinks and a few other items.

With the huge numbers of Coalition partners here, I am meeting and getting to know many other soldiers from different countries. Below is a picture of me standing beside a British QRF, (Quick Reaction Force) vehicle. These guys don't play, they are serious about force protection and support. If something happens, you are glad to see these guys coming.... I would be remiss if I didn't say a huge thanks for all the support we have gotten from South Carolina.... What I am finding out is that many of the National Guard soldiers receive care packages from home, but many of the active duty soldiers do not. This is not a slam on our active duty brothers, but this really shows me how Blessed we are to have the support of our State, friends and family. However, whatever I get, I definitely share with my fellow active duty soldiers, as well as those of us from the great State of South Carolina.

As I complete this week's post, I am reminded to recognize our Independence Day, which is tomorrow. There is a big celebration here on KAF, beginning with a 5K race/run. I will be involved in the run, not race. I just want to finish and be a part of this great event. We are having a Kandahar Idol Contest, and guess what, I am not participating in that one for sure, other than to root on the contestants... So as we celebrate our Independence, I pray that Afghanistan and Iraq years from now can be happy for their independence. You know that word carries a new meaning for me. Enjoy your Independence Day............