CSTC-A

CSTC-A is Combined Security Transition Command - Afghanistan. Since my last post, I had the distinct opportunity to visit TF Phoenix's Higher Headquarters CSTC-A located in Kabul City. BG Thomas Sinclair taught me that it is very beneficial to frequent your higher headquarters from time to time and this trip proves him right. Not only was I able to meet the key personnel making decisions that affect the entire country of Afghanistan, but I now have a relationship with them which enables me to know and fully understand the direction and initiatives being pushed at the highest levels. I also had the distinct pleasure of visiting the Ministry of Interior to meet and talk to the Director of ICT, (Information, Communications and Technology) for Afghanistan, BG Hasim. He has a staff of about 157 people.

I found him to be quite intelligent, speaks a little English, so he required a translator to be present during our meeting. Afghans are naturally hospitable, it is a part of their culture to treat you well and with respect. During this meeting we were treated to a full-course Afghan meal, with all the trimmings. I just wish I knew what I was eating. (Some things are better left unsaid or unknown). Below is a picture of some of the food, they bring the food out in stages, much as they do in Italy. It truly was delectable.

BG Hasim has not taken a vacation in years, due to the country's focus on re-building. Undoubtedly, there is so much to be done, as there is so much that has been done. Afghanistan has come a long way, but it has a long way to go. There are many challenges the country face, such as improving the social services needed in outlying areas, to bringing them such things as electricity, phones and schools. BG Hasim's job is to improve the information and communications infrastructure of the country. However, everything is built around funding, in a country riddled with corruption, things are quite costly and slow. But I must say that he is getting it done quite quickly with the assistance of the US and our Coalition partners. The below picture is of members of CSTC-A Communications section that deals with improving comms for the Afghan National Police.

As you can see they are a team of Marines, Navy, Air Force and Army personnel. Life in Afghanistan is hard. Re-building in not an easy task, but necessary. As you know, I have a heart for kids and for people. In most cases these kids never get to enjoy playing in a playground or going to an amusement park. In most cases their total life surrounds their home, village and family. There is an aura of hopelessness that encamps so many kids and adults of this country.

This week begins Ramadan, a time of fasting and reflection for most Afghans. I has truly been educational being here, learning about these people, their culture and their country. I just wish it wasn't so hot.....

Kandahar City

Since my last post we have continued to be attacked by enemy rockets, even as I write this post, I had to quit and head to the bunker. As we get closer to Muslim holy month of Ramadan, attacks seem to increase not only here is Southern Afghanistan, but the entire region. The southern region is still run in most parts by Tribal elders. Kandahar City is a large town with a huge Taliban influence. I recently went on a mission to down-town Kandahar to access Afghan Police Communications. This was a very dangerous mission in broad daylight, especially not knowing who or where the enemy might be. Only trusting in your team, your own survival skills and instincts and most of all God. The below picture is of a JPCC (Joint Provincial Coordination Center), which manages the coordination of Police actions and needs for the Kandahar Province. Do you think we can get another antennae on the top of the building?? I am so grateful and honored to be the J-6 for the southern region, my efforts have such an impact on so many US, Coalition and Afghan forces.

The Canadians mann this small outpost. they are dead in the middle of Kandahar City. They are contributing so much to the stability of this country, as well as other nations. The below picture is of an ANP, (Afghan National Police) vehicle that was hit by an RPG, killing several police officers. While we don't hear much about the Afghan loss of life and sacrifice, they are fighting along side US and Coalition forces and in most cases are killed in greater numbers due to the lack of armored protection. In this region IEDs are still the weapon of choice for the Taliban against US and Coalition forces, and RPGs, (rocket propelled grenades) are used during most ambushes on both Afghan and US forces... These are two of the Afghan National Police, as you can see, one of them is quite young, no where near the age of 21. Not all of them wear complete uniforms, so it can be very difficult to distinguish actual Police from the Taliban that stole a uniform. The Taliban rules by fear and intimidation, so as we better equip and train these forces, they become better able to combat these enemy forces. The more that they are able to fight and win against the Taliban increases their confidence, so that they feel able to take care of their own problems and not rely so heavily on the Coalition.

This type of life is common here, they live with it every day. The average police officer makes $75 a month, how do we expect them to not be corrupt.... but it is up to the Afghan government to find ways to improve the pay and the opportunities of their people, but we are assisting them in this endeavor. So you see, this is not a one or two year deal, it takes time.... My heart truly goes out to these people, as they do not know any other way of life. They are so customs and religion guided that change is difficult. As you can see in the picture below, this way of life has been around for hundreds of years, and still prevalent. It is very rare to see a woman in Kandahar that is not fully covered. As you can see in this picture, the husband is being pulled by a donkey, and the wife and child are in a make-shift bucket on wheels. He possibly could have come from miles away, in the above 100 degree temperature. Generally, only the wealthy Afghans have vehicles, so I would assume this man to be a poor farmer.

In the pic below is another Afghan woman, trying to gain permission to enter the Police Headquarters. It is very rare to see a woman alone. So for me, that could have very easily been a man dressed in a burka, so we are always suspicious. This is a very different culture than ours. You see that this Police Station is not too secure, anyone can walk within a cat's hair away from the compound. It is shielded from the street only by a concrete barrier, but very accessible by foot traffic.

Yesterday I attended another ramp ceremony for a fallen US soldier that was killed by a IED. He was 18 years old. It is never easy being there and seeing a soldier being loaded into a plane for his final trip home. It really reminds us the true price of freedom. Our service and sacrifice really stands for something. Everyone of us standing in that formation our hearts went out to the soldier and his family. I ask for your continued prayers and for that of our fallen comrades and their families. I leave you with a picture of one of my cohorts. LTC Blake Storey and myself prior to our trip to Spin B.

Trip To The Border

Since my last post, there has been an increase in enemy activity not only in the southern and eastern region of Afghanistan, but also around the Capital City of Kabul, which is generally a calm place. Not to mention, we have had our first rocket attack on KAF, since our tour began, luckily no one was injured. It was a stanch reminder that this is a combat zone and the enemy is near. For me, it reminds me that God is ever protecting us. My position as the J-6 for the southern region requires me to travel to outlying sites to assess the communications needed of soldiers and teams down range. In the picture below, LTC Blake Storey and myself, along with some other officers from ARSIC-S, traveled to Spin Buldak, near the Pakistan Border. Blake is not only a great Engineer Officer, but a great friend and Christian-brother. For me, it is so great to work with officers and NCOs that love God and carries Him with them daily..... It is a good feeling to know that you are not the only one prayed up, that others are praying just a hard as you.... I pray everyday, especially when I travel.. The reality of this war is this, we have had 11 soldiers to die since we arrived. Families torn apart, and children without a father, the sacrifice is immense. My prayer is that this mission ends soon, but none of us want to leave it undone. Granted, no one wants war, but this mission is achievable if properly resourced. This country and these people need help to win THEIR country back. Please remember, that the same people that attacked us on 911, are still around. We are reminded of it daily.

When we got off the chopper, the Canadians were there to pick us up. They had to secure the landing zone for our chopper to land. In the southern region, there are more Canadians than US forces.... WOW, we are not the only ones sharing the load. Other nations are really engaged in this war and are sacrificing greatly, especially the Canadians and the Brits....

The soldiers here at Spin B are very resourceful. The FOB is so far out, they have to be. I found great leaders there, that care about getting the mission done and taking care of soldiers... MAJ Stewart is a great leader, an active duty officer that has full control over his mission. What you see below is an example of resourcefulness. Homemade weights... We have to keep physically fit, so soldiers find ways to do just that.... The good thing about this, is that he found a gym in New York willing to donate an entire collection of gym equipment, the problem is the cost of shipping. ($30,000). They are trying to find a company willing to pay for the shipping cost.

Flying is definitely the best way to travel, given the threat. I want you all to know that war is not easy or glamorous, it is a call to duty... The below picture is an outdoor shower that is still in use at this FOB. Now, I would be remiss to say that the conditions have not improved, but they have, tremendously. New B-huts are being built, which are supervised by LTC Storey, new showers installed, etc. We are improving the conditions of the soldiers down-range, they have Internet, and phone capability to call home.... They like the little outdoor Tiki shower so much that they still use it... But for a period of time, that was all they had... Not only our soldiers live in austere conditions, this is the norm for most Afghans. This is their life. As we fly over, we see men alone out in an open field tending sheep, with no shade and nothing around for miles. We see homes made of mud with no running water or electricity. This is their daily life.

The below picture is of a small Afghan village, as you can see, it is desolate, in the middle of the desert. Most have no running water, but are far away from the amenities like a store, school, etc.

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.....