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.

ARSIC Wall Dedication to Fallen Heroes

This past week has been one of reflection and of some much needed rest.... The command decided to dedicate a wall in the ARSIC-S Headquarters to all the fallen heroes that have died in combat since the implementation of the command. The wall is a tribute to the supreme sacrifices paid by these warriors. I take my hat off to CSM Bobby Albert and COL Thomas McGrath for establishing such a fitting tribute to these warriors. (SSG Roy Lewsader, CPT Joshua Steele, SFC Christopher Henderson, SFC John Hennen, SGT Edward Philpot, SSG David Bullard, and SFC Johnny Walls).

COL McGrath, Chaplain Roy Butler and CSM Bobby Albert officiated in this tribute. They really made this dedication special, as they reminded us of why we are here, and why these warriors lives will not be forgotten. What a great tribute to quote GEN George S. Patton as we honor not their death, but their lives.

I was finally granted a much needed Rest and Recuperation pass to Doha, Qatar. This place is Iraq and Afghanistan premier destination for soldiers to get away from the stress and rigors of war and down-shift a bit..... I am so thankful to have had this opportunity.... I truly feel rejuvenated for the next and final leg of this deployment. Pictured below is yours truly in Qatar.





More pictures of Qatar, the famous Clam Shell.... Qatar is famous for its history in pearls, both fresh and salt water pearls are in abundance here. Prior to their wealth as an oil nation, they were a country with a huge fishing industry, but mostly famous for its pearls.




Here in Doha, you go casual. The post have tours that soldiers can sign up for like golf, water sports (jet ski rides and other boating activities), Doha City Tour, Island Sea Picnic, Shopping Malls, and an assortment of restaurants. The tours are priced between $25-35 dollars depending on the tour. It is just great to allow troops this opportunity to relax for four days. With the advent of oil, Qatar is a rich country. Its citizens are spoiled, they do not work, have maids, drive luxurious cars, pay no electric bills or medical bills, and free college education for every citizen. The government shares its wealth with those that are Qatarian, they give them a monthly stipend in excess of $7,000 a month in many cases. They are a closed nit society, in order for a company to come in and do business one of their citizens must sponsor the company and be the principal owner with 51% of the business, you get 49% and do all the work... WOW, what an arrangement.... and what a novel idea.



This country is largely Islamic and even though you see the lavish lifestyles of its people, you can also see how women are treated as well.... I respect this country, for what they do for its people, but there is still "no place like home" The workers are imported here from the Philippines, Pakistan, India, and other places. They are like slaves, they make so little, they live in terrible conditions, doing what no one else wants to do, but realize that it is better than the alternative, (no job, no food, and no way to provide for their families)....



The large camels smelled really bad and had a tendency to slobber and spit, so I kept my distance. I did get to feed a new born camel, that still have part of his umbilical cord attached....







Qatar has so much construction going on which is a sign of progress. They are trying to get the Olympic games in 2016, so you see new buildings and roads going up everywhere. Above is the cross sabers leading into downtown. Though the malls are very Western, with US style restaurants and clothing shops, most Qatarians have only the white robe for the men and the black robe with hood for the women. Most of the females have nice designer handbags to go with the robe. I got a kick out of this store, I had to take this picture....





I am on my final day in Qatar... I went to the mall for a break, mainly for the restaurants, (McDonalds, KFC, Krispy Kreme, etc). The Villagio Mall was really majestic, designed on the Italian theme with its buildings, gondola rides, a nice break...

LTG Samuel T. Helland's Visit

Life in combat is never slow. This week was definitely fast paced, which makes the time past so much faster. We had a visit by LTG Samuel T. Helland, the Commanding General for Marine Forces Central Command. His visit was to check on the progress made in preparation of his forces arrival to Southern Afghanistan, our area of operation. It was truly an honor to brief him on the communications status of his forces. Pictured above with ARSIC-S Commander COL Thomas L. McGrath and yours truly below.... I am elated that the Marines/additional troops are coming. This is a large region, and we can definitely use the help...

We recently conducted a Humanitarian Mission at a local village near Kandahar City. It is so rewarding going on these missions and really seeing the needs of the community being met. It may seem trivial, but any help is better than no help. Notice the joy on the kids faces.


Before we could pass anything out, we had to obtain the approval of the village elder, some may call him the village chief... turns out this elder is the cousin of Afghanistan's President Harmid Karzai. The British forces were the lead on this mission, and we tagged along with our supplies. As you can see we had plenty to give out... The village population was somewhere between 500 - 1000 people. Obviously, we did not see that amount on this mission.


It is amazing to me how primitive they remain. Women here are second class citizens, they have no say or privilege to basic human/civil rights here. Only a few brave widows came, but sat at a distance until the elder permitted them to participate.


It will surely take quite awhile to change this culture, only God can. We generally only are able to interact with the men and the children.

This day began quite chilly, notice the kids without shoes, socks and the baby out there like this. Many of the little girls are tasked with the responsibility to take care of the babies.... WOW.....

They can't even take care of themselves yet.......... The below picture is of the local elder, whom happens to be related to President Karzai.



After some convincing we were able to talk him into allowing a few of the women to come and get some of the supplies... Our fear was that the supplies would go to only a few of the people and not spread throughout the village. He did allow two of the village widows to come.



The Afghans have a long way to go..... What was particularly heart-wrenching was our stop at a local Kuchi camp. The Kuchis live in tents, twenty or so to a tent, they are nomads, they roam the country side and set up camp where ever they stop. The conditions of this camp was really terrible. Kids/families without basic health care necessities, the women had to walk some distance for water. Education is non-existent, they simply struggle to survive. This is the life they know, they seem content, but we know so much more can be done..



I want to personally thank Gateway Elementary School (Mrs Cindy Howard) the school counselor and Mrs Loretta Blakely and her golf group for providing clothing, gloves and other items to these kids.






When you see these Kuchi villages all over, you know that so many are in need.... many animals live better than some of these people. They have lived this way for generations and know of no other way to live. I am so thankful for the opportunity to have experienced this, and so appreciative for the life that God has blessed me with.....

Secretary of State Dr. Condoleezza Rice

This past week has been a memorable one indeed, I was able to meet and talk to the United States Secretary of State Dr. Condoleezza Rice, as well as being treated to a concert by American Idol runner up Mr. Bo Bice. With that being said, I have had a wonderful week. It began by a trip to Kabul, to attend a Communication's Conference. As many of you know, I am not a friend of the cold weather, and Kabul definitely was a lot colder than Kandahar. I love the snow, but the cold temperature that goes with it..... WOW....


Dutch MAJ Fred Sijnhorst is his mentor from the Coalition side of the house. Pictured below is myself, MAJ Sijhnorst-towering above us all, and Italian G-6 Mentor CPT Escerito for the 207th CORP.
I guess you all know, that I got out of there as quickly as possible..... The highlight of my week was not only seeing our Secretary of State, Dr. Condoleezza Rice, but actually having a brief conversation with her. She thanked me personally for my work here and my sacrifice. (Made My Day). She was very personable and truly appreciative of the work done here in the South. What is so pleasing to me, is the effort by the State Department to get more troops here in the south. Something that I have been preaching for quite some time. Southern Afghanistan is the most volatile part of the country, and one that many nations that are supporting the effort refuse to put their troops.. This really hurts the ability to fight the insurgency in the most effective manner. For the US, Dutch, Canadian, and British forces, a big thank you to your nations...... who is accepting the greatest loss/risk.






I am so proud of the increased emphasis in Afghanistan, we felt that we were in a "Forgotten War". But this is changing and fast.... She and other officials are wanting other NATO nations to pony up and fully support this effort. "Is it fair for a few to bear the load for the entire NATO?" NO!!!!!!



After meeting one of the most powerful women in the world, we had the distinct pleasure of being entertained by recording artist Bo Bice, the American Idol runner up for the 4th season..... What a powerful singer. We don't get many visitors here in Kandahar, especially stars and high profile entertainers, so it was quite special to us that he took the time out to come sing for us and sign some autographs....



I can understand why he went as far as he did on American Idol. He could sing country, blues, hard rock or any mixture thereof..... The below picture is of several folks in the ARSIC...



I am constantly reminded each day of how wonderful and blessed we are... God surrounded me with not only great leaders like COL Thomas McGrath, but so many other folks to help me stay grounded. Like one of our 2008 Presidential candidates, I too grew up without a father figure, raised by my mother Mae Frances and my Grandmother Earline, and Great Grandmother Arie Bell. They enstilled the values in me to love one another, no matter who or where they come from, honor and integrity. I am eternally grateful to them for not giving up on me and doing without so that we could have. I am where I am in life due to the sacrifices of so many folks. God also blessed me with three wonderful children Ronardo, LaTasha and Breghanna and an amazing wife Linda of 26 years. I know this is quite personal, but being here in Afghanistan has given me a renewed focus on setting the right example, humble, and being the best leader, mentor, dad and husband that I can be. I speak a lot about hope, largely because that is what has carried me through life. My faith is what keeps me grounded and hoping for a better life for others, especially the people of Afghanistan. I can see the hope in their faces, the lack of education, poverty and lack of health care is disheartening, but a fact of life... Thanks always for the prayers, the care packages, and for allowing me to be your eyes into this war. Together we can make a difference.....

Al Qaeda's Training Ground "Tarnak Farms"

This past week, I had the opportunity to visit one of Al Qaeda's Old Training Facilities, called "Tarnak Farms". This place is located just outside Kandahar Airfield. To me, it was an eerie occasion to be there... Tarnak Farms is now a deserted al Qaeda training outpost. This site was featured in released Al Qaeda training videos, showing Taliban soldiers training there. It was the third largest Al Qaeda training center in Afghanistan, next to Tora Bora in Nangrahar Province and Zaewara in Paktia Province. Tarnak Farms was the Headquarters for al Qaeda, which is now converted into a firing range, where many Afghan and Coalition soldiers train.

The above picture is of the Afghan National Police's Outpost atop one of the destroyed buildings on Tarnak Farms. Notice the RPGs laying atop the bunker. This site has about 4-6 police guarding the facility. They live there in very austere living conditions, they also have a few dogs that look as though they are starved. Tarnak Farms got its name many years ago from a canal that flows nearby the facility from Tarnak River, which brought water and farming to the surrounding areas. These buildings housed living quarters and offices of Al Qaeda's leadership including the notorious Osama Bin Laden. Below is what happens when we drop 500lb bombs....

In 1979 the Soviet Union invaded Afghanistan and turned the site into a housing and training station for the 3rd Afghan Division and a base for the communist regime. In 1989, some ten years later, after fighting the Afghan resistance, or mujahiddin, the Soviets withdrew and the fate of the country fell into the hands of the malitiamen. By 1994, the mujahiddin had come into great power through civil war. Afghanistan was carved up among various factions with many mujahidding commanders establishing themselves as virtual warlords. Many of which still exist today.

Navy Warrant Officer Vincent Avera and Petty Officer James Kuehn accompanied me on this trip. They work for me in the J-6 section, Avera is my Information Management Officer and Kuehn is my Information Technician. We all were amazed at being in such a historic place, you could actually envision Al Qaeda being there.... A dozen former mujahiddin soldiers and refugees in Pakistan took up arms to liberate Kandahar from anarchy. Most of them were religious students who earned the title of "Talib" These liberators of Kandahar became known as the Taliban meaning "students" or seekers of knowledge. The Taliban was later supported by Osama Bin Laden as a part of the Al Qaeda Terror Network. Below I am standing on one of the training obstacles built by Al Qaeda. We were standing in the same place that Bin Laden and his terrorist trained.....

Al Qaeda built this facility with a bomb shelter within arms distance from the facility, but that place too was destroyed... They literally had no place to hide...... Our bombs penetrated the bomb shelter like a knife slicing through hot butter....

In 1994, al Qaeda moved into the Soviet barracks and Tarnak Farms and used the compound as a training area for their soldiers. The neighboring airfield became a Taliban operations base. Which is the compound that I am assigned... Kandahar Airfield... After the 1998 bombing of US embassies in Tanzania and Kenya, then President Clinton ordered the attack by cruise missiles against suspected terrorist training camps. Many believe that the attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon were planned and rehearsed at Tarnak Farms. Unfortunately, Bin Laden survived the attacks and continued to hide out in Afghanistan, until bombing raids and ground troops drove the Taliban out of the area by Dec 7, 2001. Tarnak Farms was deserted, and the building known as "Taliban Last Stand" is now the place where US and Coalition soldiers utilize as an airport.







I personally can see how someone can hide in Afghanistan for years and not be found. In a land where tribes and warlords continue to rule, and little to no rule of law exist to flush crime out. Savage crimes happen here everyday and noone enforces the travesties of injustice here. Once such injustice is the story of Nazia Hookum Darr, a 16 year old girl brutally attacked by her husband whom is 40 years of age, in December 2007. Nazia was beaten and disfigured by her husband of three months on Christmas Day. The man whom is still on the loose, broke 16 of her teeth, shaved her head, cut off her nose and ears and poured scalding water on her hands and feet.



Nazia's mother had died and her stepmother arrainged the marriage, partly due to their need for money, their need to survive. Nazia was still only a child.. Nazia stated that she had no choice but to go with him, she was afraid of him because he was Talib, (Taliban), strangely, his first wife died a mysterious death a year prior and Nazia was his second wife. This event though tragic, has received an enormous outpouring of media attention and support and concern throughout Afghanistan. Nazia is scheduled to receive the plastic surgery she requires to regain her dignity and have an opportunity for a normal life. Despite advances in women's rights since the fall in 2001 of the Taliban regime that barred education and employment for females, reports suggest that at least one out of three Afghan women has been beaten, coerced into sex or otherwise abused. The abuser is usually a family member or someone she knows. Rarely is anyone prosecuted or even reprimanded.Reports from Herat, in western Afghanistan, show about 90 women set fire to themselves last year there and more than 70 percent died. Afghanistan' s poor health system can do little for the badly burnt.



The US and Afghan government is supporting Nazia in this case. I just pray for the other Nazia's that exist that noone knows about.

Life in Kandahar

Life here in Kandahar is not simple or easy... This past week an American Aide Worker was kidnapped as she rode through Kandahar City with here driver/Linguist. She did not have any security with her... Which continue to show how dangerous this place continues to be. It is very difficult to change a culture, especially one filled with folks that can't read or write, and where force is the one who rules the land. During a recent trip to the Zhari/Panj Way District, we came across so many complex situations.... I take my hat off to the teams and SECFOR that routinely travel these dangerous roads.... Below is a picture of the HUMVV in front of me.

When we roll, we roll with a lot of fire power in most cases, so the chances of attacks, though still there are diminished somewhat. This particular day while en route I saw folks standing along the roadway with weapons in civilian clothing, I was not sure if they were policemen, a local villager, or the Taliban. It is very difficult to tell the difference in most cases... The below vehicle is one that we passed, filled with men and what I thought was an RPG in plain sight... they kept rolling and so did we...

The below picture is of an Afghan market in downtown Kandahar. In this country they don't have refrigeration, they just hang the meat outside and cut what is needed. When I saw this, I said thank God for a strong stomach.. because the Afghans are intent on us eating what they eat. They really try to get us to become/learn a part of their culture..... Just the thought of what we eat unknowingly is something else.....

On this particular day it was very cold outside. Pictured below is an Afghan family sitting outside the market.



Vehicle traffic in Kandahar in the traffic circle in downtown Kandahar... Notice the types of vehicles and their cargo. Very difficult to tell if they have something in their cargo beds... This is why we have to keep on the 360. Even the passengers are alert have a significant role to play in the safety of that convoy.


Some of the local people.
There are many widows in Afghanistan, many of which are poor and destitute. They litter the highway begging for help from anyone.... They are there in the cold, day in and day out. Many women are illiterate and jobless. There just is not many places to employ women in Afghanistan.. If the widows husband's family do not support her, then she is left on her own.



We have had many Afghan posing as police officers, they show up on pay day and disappear until the next pay day. The Minister of Interior has directed that all police officers have badges and ID cards. The below picture is of the police trying to accomplish this task. How archaic is this?
But they are getting it done by whatever means they can.... Keep in mind that even though automation exist to help them with this, most of the locations lack power, so they resort to what works...... Don't get me wrong, even though many cannot read or write, they are very resourceful people. I understand their plight, their reasoning for some of the things they do and why they act the way they do in some cases...


I wanted this edition of my blog to give you a view of the environment here, the people, culture, their method of living day to day, as well as how resourceful these people are. I have all the confidence in the world that they will get better, but we are talking generations literally. I know that it is hard to gleam much from the media, but a picture is worth a thousand words.



Also during this time my good friend LTC Kailon Dickens has re-deployed. He really helped to make this tour as pleasant as it can be. He also went out of his way to support me and this command in every way possible. A funny, wise, and experienced officer and friend. I hate to see him go, but glad that he was here and a part of my life.