Trouble and Turmoil At Every Corner

This week has especially been one that was filled with trouble and turmoil. To the North in Kabul, on yesterday, two suicide bombers killed many legislators and civilians at the opening of a new facility. To the East of us, Pakistan, they are in a state of emergency, with so many of its people unsure about the future, as President Musharif continues his single rule over the country. To the South of us, Iran continues to defy NATO with its desire to become a nuclear state. To the West of us, the Taliban continues its offensive. It really makes me wonder what God is saying to us!!! No matter what we may want, or what we do, God continues to let us know that He is the One that is in control. As for the ARSIC, we memorialized two of our great soldiers, SGT Philpot and SSG Bullard. No matter what we may think of the war, it is having a tremendous impact on our soldiers and families. That is no more evident than the below picture, this is a picture taken after the Memorial Service we had for Bullard and Philpot last week. SSG James David Bullard was 28, and left behind a wife and new born child, as well as a Mother and Father.

The very next day following this ceremony, we were informed that we had another casualty. SFC Johnny C. Walls, 41 of Bremerton, Washington died Nov. 2, 2007 in Uruzgan, Afghanistan of wounds suffered during insurgent attack in the conduct of combat operations. SFC Walls was assigned to 1st Brigade, 1st ID, at Fort Riley, KS. Please keep SFC Walls and his family in your prayers. We are definitely in a new phase of combat operations, our PMT mission is only six months old and the Taliban has adapted their tactics. This is a growing insurgency, we are killing many of them, but there are quite a few of them out there.... and they are recruiting faster than we can gain forces. What is wrong with the picture below.

During a recent trip to the JDCC, the Afghan Police Headquarters, I captured this picture of a local Afghan Policeman on his cell... Is this suspicious? do you think he was letting the Taliban know that we were there? This is why we have to keep our head on the 360..... It would not surprise me if he was not calling Taliban. These are the same forces that our PMTs have to trust on missions. What do you think? Our teams not only have to worry about the Taliban, but would you not worry about the people traveling with you. It is well-known that many of the ANP have ties to the Taliban. It is very difficult to ask our troops to TRUST these forces.... what we find, is that our trust lies with our other team members.

We are operating in a Coalition environment with a mixed staff. We have a Canadian Chief of Staff, Canadian J-5, a British S-3 an US Commander and other staff. Above is a picture of the COS, Cdr Mike Burke conducting one of our staff meetings, with Canadian Cdr Keith Moody and MAJ Shy Warner our J-1. This theatre is not US run, it is a Coalition operation, we are just a part of that operation. I wish that I could tell you that I feel good about where we are in this mission, but I can't, the enemy has some say so in it too.... As soon as we make significant end-roads, the situation changes... I am saying all of this to say, that it is my belief that it is quite difficult to put a mark on the wall and say this is done, our mission is over, bring the troops home. We try to pin Generals down on this, but this is a fluid environment, that constantly changes. It is going to take a lot for this mission to reap the rewards that the American society will feel good about, honestly in my opinion we are years away... Not to mention Ol' Ben is still out there and he is definitely doing his best to regain control.

I have two other family members here in Afghanistan, SFC Chris Coleman pictured above and Sam Bowser working with Dynacorp as a contractor for Police Mentoring. I have been here for six months and this past week was my first time running into Chris.... Either way, I was glad to see him doing well.

The children are wonderful, I don't blame them for what others do. It is crazy for us to believe that we can change a culture overnight... They are many years behind, most are illiterate, poor, and simply surviving the best way they know how.... I understand why corruption is so prevalent, that is their survivable mechanism.... God Bless These People..... especially our soldiers and families that have paid so dearly.....

218th Inf Bde First Casualty

It is with great sadness that I write this entry into the blog. All of us know the danger we face every day, but even yet, the loss of life still has a devastating impact on not only the soldier's family, but the unit that he/she leaves behind. The mood changes, and getting back in the game takes constant effort by so many folks.... There are so many things that happens when you lose a soldier, from counseling, after action reviews, safety investigations, to AR 15-6 investigation as well. All of these are a part of the system, including a Ramp Ceremony for soldiers to pay their final respects to a fallen comrade before departing theatre . The Army does well in this process, what does not happen is time to grieve. Soldiers have to keep their heads in the game, "Stay on the 360" This is also the time that leaders are challenged even more, as we try to ensure that everyone remains focused, but understanding that emotions are quite evident. I simply pray. When I heard of what happened, I went straight to the chapel for some quality time with God.

As most of you know, the loss that I am speaking of is Sgt. Edward O. Philpot, 38, of Latta, S.C., died October 23rd 2007 in Afghanistan, from a non-combat related Humvee rollover accident. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 263rd Armor Regiment, South Carolina National Guard, Dillon, S.C. SGT Philpot was two months from completing his tour here in Afghanistan. He is also the first combat casualty for the 218th Infantry Brigade supporting Operation Enduring Freedom VI.

Not a day after we lost SGT Philpot, we were informed that we had another soldier severely injured during combat operations. This soldier was shot in the head, but not mortally wounded, he will require extensive reconstructive surgery, but should survive. These events reminds us all that we are not only here mentoring but we are in the line of fire and in many cases, fighting. Secretary of Defense Robert Gates has been vigorously fighting to increase troop levels here and get our Coalition partners to pony-up and provide adequate forces to Afghanistan and take off these ridiculous caveats on how they can be used.... i.e. German forces are only deployed in the safer northern area, and do not patrol at night. I know the Taliban likes that...... There are several other nations with similar caveats that simply weaken our resolve to maximize our combat power.

The Taliban has seemingly better organized their attack and efforts in Afghanistan. This means a change in how we deal with this threat. When you have less than 40,000 troops for the entire country of Afghanistan and over 156,000 in Iraq, you can see why feel so less important. Bottom line is we desperately need more forces here to deal with a growing threat.

The picture above is of a Kuchi Tribe, (Nomads), whom have been very US friendly... They move from place to place, so they don't normally have time to establish relationships with the Taliban. You know it is very difficult to blame an entire race of people for what a few does. Most Afghans want peace, they want a better life, it is just going to take some time to get there. Rome was not built in a day, and the US cannot shoulder this burden alone. We should do all we can to assist them, but this is a UN issue and an Afghan leadership issue.

Many nations are paying a huge price here in Afghanistan, many families are torn apart, soldiers are wounded and lives are forever changed. But God has a plan. It becomes increasingly hard during times of death and injury, but I ask for your continued support of troops, especially the families of SGT Philpot and SPC Romano. We are sacrificing so much. I do believe that this is a noble cause, but it is definitely one that should be shared by more than the few countries that are shouldering this burden right now.

Mullah Omar & Osama Bin Laden's Hide-away

A few weeks ago I had the opportunity to visit FOB Maholic, Maholic is located in the middle of Kandahar City.... It is named after a Special Ops soldier that gave his life in service to his nation. This particular location was home to Mullah Omar, Osama Bin Laden's Number One man. The home was built by Osama and he spent a great deal of time there. It also had a cave complex very near the home built into the mountain, close enough to retreat to if they needed shelter. Maholic is nestled in the valley, surrounded by mountains. It is so picturesque, I can see why we made it a base, not to mention having a pool built by Osama.... WOW....

This is a downed Russian Chopper that still lies on the side of the mountain. As you travel around this base, you can feel the history of this place. This place undoubtedly was quite strategic for Bin Laden and Mulah Omar. It was not only used for planning and shelter, but also for relaxation.

MAJ Shannon Goad and I at the entrance to Mullah Omar's cave. This cave was very well constructed, it had a toilet & shower, several rooms and three entry ways/exits. MAJ Goad mentors the Afghan National Police in the Kandahar Province. Shannon is also from South Carolina. These teams are constantly out in the city, facing danger everyday, interacting with the local populus and the police. They have been in numerous TICs (Troops in Contact) with the Taliban.. The entire US should be proud of these teams and what they do day in and day out. I was there to conduct a communications assessment, where I plan to extend the communications network that exist there, better improving the internet and communications access of these teams down-range. Oh, back to the cave.... going in this cave was just awesome, aside from an occasional bat and the darkness.

The hole in the floor below is the toilet, don't think I could get use to that kind of toilet... That squatting thing just is not American.... This cave not only had a toilet and shower, but electricity throughout as well.

Pictured below on the side of this mountain is a fuel tank that powered his underground cave. It had rocks laid all around it to disguise it. They undoubtedly could remain in this cave for months.

One of the multiple exits out of the cave, it is re-inforced with and inch and a half diameter reebar.

Below is a picture of the garden area re-designed by Special Forces. This is really a nicely designed compound with many connecting rooms. It is truly an Oasis in the middle of the desert.

My ride back to KAF. Afghanistan can be so beautiful, with the many years of war and impoverishment of its people, hurts bringing out how beautiful this place can be.

Now you see why the Taliban wants this place back. Just beyond the borders of this FOB is a city filled with danger. A few days ago the Taliban conducted an ambush down the road from this location where several US Special Forces were injured, some of which were flown to Germany to the hospital. We have adopted a phrase that captures how we focus. "Keep your head on the 360 swivel" Meaning always remain vigilant and alert, never let your guard down, because danger is a door-step away.

Village Medical Outreach (VMO)

Recently we conducted a VMO at a village north of Kandahar called "Sawza Da Qalacha" As we arrived there, it became apparent that they were definitely not use to US forces in their village. They were deadly afraid to show their faces, but as the day went on, they lightened up and became more comfortable with us and what we were trying to do for their people. Many of the people felt as though if they were found to be American supporters, that the Taliban would come and cut off their heads. So this fear permeated this village.

As you see pictured above the women mirrored the men in their fear of US forces. Nearby Sawza Da Qalacha village was a Kuchie Tribe, (whom are Nomads), wanderers. They live in tents and move from the mountains down to warmer climates of the desert during winter and back up during the summer. As you arrive you see open tents all over the desert. These people live the same way as they did thousands of years ago, by very meager means. It was also obvious that they had little to no means to obtain medical supplies or services.

In this culture the men and the women separate for almost everything. They do not socialize together, this includes seeing the doctor's. You have to have been there to see how much these people needed just the basic of medical care. It was so apparent that regular baths were not a part of their practices... This just was the way they lived. We were there just to, in some small way better their lives. And this day, I think we did. We were there only for a few hours, but what medical services we provided was truly needed.

This child was very shy and a beautiful little girl. She watched us from a distance and did not approach us, like most of the other children. She caught my eye because she stood out from the crowd.

As we go into these villages we carry along the Afghan National Police to assist in managing the populous and for added security. They were in awe of our equipment, the M-4 simple amazed them.

As Chuck Crombo of the South Carolina State Newspaper entertained the children, you notice a local Afghan being searched prior to going in to see the medical staff. The kids were simply amazed at looking at a digital picture of themselves. They probably have never seen a picture of themselves. It not only amazed the kids, the adults were equally amazed, but they were shy about asking to see the display on the camera.

This child really represents most of the children in the village. No shoes, dirty clothes and an obvious lack of hygiene. I don't say this in a negative manner, only to state the reality of how these kids live every day. There is no school, so no education, only a few of the men in the village had the means to ride a donkey or some other conveyance to town, so many were left lacking basic necessities. Most of the children patients that were seen were infected with worms, diarrhoea, all of which is due to a lack of running water and proper hygiene.

The women and young girls line up for medical care on the opposite side of the facility away from the men. It really was amazing to see how much of an impact we had on this village by simply trying to bring some level of medical care to them, that they could not get elsewhere.

Above, women from the Kuchi Village head back to their tents after being seen by the doctors. We had to have women docs for the women and men for the men.... That is the only way we could administer appropriate care to them...

The above picture speaks for itself. These Kuchi women came that best way they could, here another Kuchi woman carries an elderly woman and child in a wheel-borrow. For years the Taliban told these people how bad the US forces were, and today we left them with a different picture of us. It truly was a wonderful feeling to be a part of this event. We are really doing great things here in Afghanistan, but the information is not being spread like it should... CPT Maureen Sevilla and MAJ Charles Blankman were the attending physician assistants that made this event a huge success.

Security is one thing that is very important, but these folks need HOPE!!!!

McCormick, SC Supports School in Afghanistan

Ms. Nasareem the Assistant Principle of the Said Pache School holds a Thank-You note to the Citizens of McCormick, South Carolina. The teachers/educators earn on average of $40-80 per month. They were so grateful for the hospitality that McCormick showed their people. She said over and over again how grateful she was for this. And I was proud to be an extension of McCormick to do this. Standing beside Mrs Nasareem is Air Force Officer CPT Christina Reyes and SPC Fawn Wilson who assisted us in this Humanitarian Assistance Drop, as well as 1LT Hampton McNeil pictured below.

Several months ago I asked my readers for their support of a local school and its children, by sending school supplies. This particular school lacked basic supplies that were so desperately needed. We received support and supplies from Co B, 111th Signal Battalion in N. Charleston, SC, but a huge outpouring of support came from the town of McCormick, SC. This effort, lead by Mrs Rita Smith was nothing more that outstanding. I received box after box of supplies for this school in a place 7,000 miles away. The school is known to the locals as the Russian Village School, but it's real name is Said Pacha School. With a total of over 520 students, 230 of which are girls, whom were forbidden to attend school under Taliban rule. The school has 19 teachers, of which 16 are female. Ninety-eight percent of the country is illiterate, which truly limits their ability to compete on a world-wide scale... As we drove to the school/village, all I could think about was how happy I was to deliver these supplies on-behalf of our South Carolina citizens.

Pictured above and below is the village that the children reside, as well as the location of the school. This particular village was built by the Russians during their occupation of Afghanistan. It was later destroyed by US forces to remove the Taliban, where now home to many Afghan civilians and their families.

I could not believe the enthusiasm of these kids, as we drove into the village. They ran to the vehicles as if we were Santa Claus. They nearly mugged us as we attempted to take the supplies from the truck into the school. As we entered the school, it became very clear why they fought so hard for their slice of the supplies.... The teachers used what ever they could to teach the kids from, but the lack of supplies, (notebooks, pens, pencils, etc) was just not seen. These children needed these supplies.

The smiles and joy that this brought to these kids and teachers was simply awesome. I was truly blessed to be a part of this. Just amazing to see the desire for mere school supplies was wonderful. It was very difficult to orderly disburse the supplies due to the pushing and shoving by the kids to get them. They felt they would be excluded from the supplies... Unbeknown to them this display of love came all the way from a little town in South Carolina called McCormick.

As you can see by the photo above, many of the kids are below the age of 13, because the older kids are mostly working trying to help care and feed the family. Below is a picture of SPC Fawn Wilson with one of the students, who had to bring her little sister to school with her.

Due to school being in session, we did not want to stay long, even though our hearts wanted us to. We also found that there is a need for Americans to help teach them English, as well as many of the teachers asked for personal supplies like shampoo and bath towels, soap, etc.

I guess you don't know how blessed you are until you see the conditions of others. the kids have a swing set, but there is no sanitation in the country, so trash is just either thrown on the ground or burned. In many cases as you see thrown on the ground. The kids were so happy to see American forces, because they know that we are really there to help them. The smiles and hand waves speaks for itself. Sadly to say, these kids are more fortunate than most other Afghan children. I want the Town of McCormick and Co B, 111th Signal Battalion to know how happy these folks and kids were, and that I personally am so blessed to have supporters like yourselves. Please express my sincere thanks to everyone that gave and those that wanted to but was not able..... God Bless you all!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

MG Spears Visit to Kandahar

The South Carolina Adjutant General, MG Stanhope Spears along with CSM Eddie Harris the State Command Sergeant Major made the trip south to sunny Kandahar to visit SC soldiers deployed throughout the region of Afghanistan. In ARSIC (S) 40% of the soldiers are from South Carolina, under Spear's command. This trip was not only special for the troops, but for the leaders as well, whom was given the opportunity to update MG Spears on this deployment, in particular what his troops are facing and the job they are doing.

Also accompanying MG Spears on this trip was BG Bob Livingston, Commander TF Phoenix VI, COL Cory Cannon, Commander of RSAC, LTC Ken Braddock and myself.

Pictured above thirteen soldiers from Bravo Company, SECFOR, receiving their CIB/CAB (Combat Infantryman's Badge & Combat Action Badge). These awards stemmed from combat action on May 23, 2007, in which they were ambushed by approximately seventy enemy forces. In this battle two British soldiers were injured and no US forces that provided the escort.

(MG Spears pinning the CIB/CABs)

As we visited the RPAC, (Regional Police Advisory Command), commanded by COL Kornish of W, Va. his senior enlisted member is from South Carolina SGM Andy Bolt. Pictured below SGM Bolt forms the troops for MG Spears presentation of the Afghan Campaign Medal.

Chuck Crombo of the State Newspaper embedded with TF Phoenix writes; Spears and Command Sgt. Maj. Eddie Harris, the S.C. Guard’s top enlisted soldier, sat in on briefings aimed at giving them the latest information on the military situation in Afghanistan. Some of the news wasn’t pleasing to hear. The Taliban controls a majority of the country’s southernmost area — perhaps as much as 70 percent of the region, commanders told Spears. “I just about choked” at that news, Spears said afterward. Fighting between coalition forces and the Taliban also takes place daily, commanders said. “Every time we leave (the base), there’s a chance of being hit by an IED (bomb) or ambushed,” said Maj. Bill Connor of Orangeburg. Connor’s remark was a reminder that while S.C. troops are here to advise and teach Afghan forces, they’re getting shot at. “We were set up to mentor, but we’re fighting,” Connor said.

These comments though not pleasing to hear was exactly what the troops want the leadership to fully understand. Our primary role is mentoring and advising, but the truth is we are fighting just as much as we are mentoring. It is extremely important for leaders to fully understand what they are asking of their soldiers, as they make key decisions.

As MG Spears and CSM Harris arrived at TLS, (Air Terminal on Kandahar called "Taliban Last Stand"). COL Thomas McGrath, Commander of ARSIC (S) arrived to thank them for visiting his troops and handed him a letter. The letter heaped praises upon his SC warriors for doing a great job and thanked him especially for making the trip south, where many choose not to come.

Crombo wrote: Spears’ trip to a combat zone, particularly one as contested as southern Afghanistan, impressed the troops. “It’s a morale boost for my guys,” said Staff Sgt. William Simpson of Columbia. “It lets you know the Guard and the people of South Carolina support us.”
Afghanistan is more than 7,000 miles from South Carolina and getting here can take days. Spears and Harris, for example, left the United States on Saturday and arrived in Kabul on Tuesday. Spears, in turn, heaped praise on the troops. “You’re the worker bees. You’re the ones who are out there hoofing it every day,” the two-star leader said. “South Carolina is very proud of what the 218th is doing.” Harris reminded the troops they needed to remember those back home, too. “Take care of yourself. Take care of your buddies, and call home,” Harris said. “That’s important. “And bring everybody home.”

I pray that we are able to bring everybody home, but that is "Enshala" (God's will!!!).

The Heart of the Taliban

Since my last post we have been quite busy here in ARSIC South. In war, time is constant, you never really take a break. You are constantly planning, trying to stay one-step ahead of the enemy and how you can better support this command. During this week, several of the staff and command from ARSIC South visited an out-post recently setup near the FOB, (Forward Operating Base), Spear Wan Gar. Early in the trip we passed by several herds of camels just grazing in the open fields. It really seemed so surreal, almost enjoyable, but you quickly realize that you need remember this is a war zone and to stay perky (alert). Spear was about an hour and a half drive from KAF. While driving there I got the feeling like we were driving straight through Taliban areas. This became more apparent the closer we got, as kids pelted our vehicles with rocks, busting out the light of one of the vehicles traveling behind us. My first thought was, if the kids are doing this, what are the parents teaching these little jokers..

(sorry for the connotation), but that was my first thought....

As we neared the facility, it became quite apparent why we placed an outpost there. We were definitely in the heart of the Taliban. In the picture below, ARSIC (S) Commander COL Thomas McGrath is discussing security with an Afghan Army Officer, while COL Kornish, RPAC, (Regional Police Advisory Command), Commander listens intently ensuring everyone understands how crucial this outpost is to the region. Standing behind them is LTC Blake Storey whom travelled with us to assist with improving the security of the outpost.

I am one that believes that a picture is worth a thousand words. The below picture should speak for itself... If not, I will elaborate.. I am standing in front of a grove of marijuana plants about 6 feet tall. Behind me is a donkey that is used to carry these plants during harvesting time. I wonder who they are for????

Shortly after we arrived we were informed that a large group of Taliban was advancing near our position. The below picture is of the mortar team we brought with us, setting up to defend our position. With these guys, I knew that if they did advance, they would definitely regret it... Needless to say that they quickly realized that they better try something else, as we were prepared for them. Afghanistan is filled with danger, depending upon what region you are in, the threat is either less or greater. We are continually getting rocketed at night by the Taliban, but Thank God, none of them hit anything or anyone... That is God!!!!!

Many of us feel that Afghanistan is the forgotten war. The media is focused on Iraq, we don't have the troop presence as we would like or need, nor the priority of getting supplies/equipment. No wonder we feel that we are forgotten. But we see danger every day, we just get it done, and trust in God above, that is what soldiering is about. Our SecFor, (security forces) from South Carolina continues perform in an exemplary manner. You can be so proud of all your guardsmen, they are doing what is expected of them.

For those of you that was not sure what plant I was standing in front of, this is a close-up, you tell me? Unfortunately, growing drugs is how many Afghan farmers care for their families. In many cases the Taliban fund their operation by the drug trade, whether marijuana or opium and pay the poor farmer to cultivate it for them. I know one thing, that it is plentiful here. In order for the Afghan government to change this, they need to find some agricultural products to replace this practice with. However, it too will take time, as this problem has been around for quite some time, so change will also take time...

I leave you with a picture below of an Afghan soldier trying to cool off and clean up a bit. One problem I saw, was the enclosed fencing that he is sitting next too is used to shield them during bathing, also there were so many up and down the creek bed washing, standing in, as well as cleaning the dishes they use for eating. No drinking out of the creek for me! The reality of this is the Afghans have a long way to go with proper hygiene, but this is their country and the infrastructure is simply not there for so many of its people. No water other than a creek or a well, no sewage, no toilet paper, no land fill/sanitation, they simple open something and drop it on the ground, little to no electricity, so they clean dishes using cold water and their hands as the dish rag. Now you know why we have to take those little malaria pills....