Task Force Phoenix 5

Follow Me

2009-11-15T18:55:00.001-08:00

If you are looking for a place to get great movie and television reviews look no further. I will be writing for www.weekinrewind.com, reviewing some of my favorite shows.. Check out the site I'm sure you will enjoy it just as much as I do! Feel free to comment and let me know if there is something you would like to see reviewed.

No Friend of Mine

2008-09-26T09:15:00.000-07:00

John McCain's no friend to veterans
BY ROBERT DIAMOND

Friday, September 26th 2008, 4:00 AM

As soon as Thursday night, Barack Obama and John McCain are scheduled to meet for their first presidential debate. They will talk about national security, Iraq, Afghanistan, the strains on our military readiness and, I hope, they will talk about our veterans.
As both an Iraq war veteran and a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, I am intimately familiar with John McCain's valiant and honorable military service. McCain, as far as I am concerned, is a true American hero. Unfortunately, his heroism in the Vietnam War has been allowed to morph into a patently false "record" - ceaselessly touted by his campaign - that McCain is a strong advocate for veterans. That could not be further from the truth.
Earlier this month, McCain delivered his acceptance speech at the Republican National Convention - the most important speech of his long political career. In a nearly 50-minute address, with millions of Americans watching, McCain could not find 10 seconds to talk about one of the most important issues facing this country - caring for our returning veterans. He did not mention the word "veteran" once.
In fact, the only time the issue of veterans came up during that speech was when McCain was interrupted by protesters from the group Iraq Veterans Against the War. McCain dismissed them as "ground noise and static."
Yes, that was just the convention - and, you might argue, more about symbolism than substance. But it only gets worse when one looks at McCain's voting record. The nation's largest Iraq veterans organization, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, a nonpartisan organization, grades members of Congress on how they vote on legislation that "affect[s] troops, veterans or military families." This includes votes on such issues as expanded health care services for veterans and reservists, military death benefits, traumatic brain injury research and adequate rest for service members between deployments, just to name a few.
Of the 155 votes tracked by IAVA since 9/11, John McCain received a grade of "D." While no senator earned a grade of "A," Barack Obama got a "B ."
A separate veterans group, Disabled American Veterans - with over 1.4 million members - maintains a "Federal Vote Scorecard." DAV is also a nonpartisan organization and says the purpose of its scorecard is "simply to report the facts - how [legislators] voted on issues important to us and our members."
McCain's score in the last Congress? 20%. Obama's? 80%. (In the previous two Congresses, McCain's record goes a little bit higher - to 25% and 33%, respectively; Obama's is 92% for 2006; in 2004 he was not yet elected to the Senate.)
What led to these scores? Among other things, McCain's vote in March of 2006 against increasing veterans' medical services funding by $1.5 billion by closing corporate tax loopholes. Obama voted for it. Another was in April 2006, when McCain was one of only 13 senators to vote against an amendment to add $430 million for the Department of Veteran Affairs for medical services for outpatient care and treatment for veterans. Obama voted in favor of it.
But McCain says he has a perfect record on veterans issues. He said so on the campaign trail. FactCheck.org decided to examine this claim. What did it find? "[McCain] said that he had 'a perfect voting record from organizations like the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the American Legion.' But we called both of those groups, and they told us they don't even release congressional scorecards. In fact, the American Legion's constitution prohibits it."
My favorite was McCain's opposition to the new GI Bill that President Bush - after originally threatening to veto - signed into law this past June 30. The new GI Bill will cover veterans for the full cost of education at any public school in the country and many private schools (it's capped at the cost of the most expensive public school in the respective state). It provides upfront tuition payments directly to the school, a book/supply stipend of $1,000 per year and a monthly living stipend.
When it came time to vote on this legislation, McCain didn't show up. He stayed in California to attend a fund-raiser.
I would never challenge John McCain's proud record of service to his country. But his voting record has not helped address the shoddy state of our VA system, the lack of preparation to handle today's combat wounded who have returned home with blast-trauma injuries or the failure to provide adequate posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) screening and treatment for all our service members.
It's time for Americans to look past rhetoric and biography. In the past seven years, this country has sent our military to fight in two major wars. John McCain has stood up to defend those wars. He has yet to stand up for veterans once they've returned home.
Diamond, a native New Yorker, is the chairman of New York Veterans for Obama. He served in Operation Iraqi Freedom and is a fellow with the Truman National Security Project.

5 years Later

2008-03-18T14:36:00.000-07:00

ESPN is honoring the five-year anniversary of the U.S. invasion of Iraq, by telling stories of 2 soldiers and their families. Their life before and after war and what tolls war takes including life. These are great stories and its great to see ESPN doing such a great thing by honoring these guys. One tells of a Soldier who lost his arm and returned home, the other didn't make it home and left behind a wife and daughter.

http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/eticket/story?page=conley

http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/eticket/story?page=homuth

My View on a new President..

2008-03-05T08:39:00.001-08:00

This is my own view as a person, an individual. This is not the view of the military or a Soldier, my view as an American, taxpaying citizen. (Just making myself clear and covering bases)

I have watched the Democratic Primaries slide back and forth from Barack to Hillary and then last night my biggest worry/fear came true and I have this nervous feeling about it. John McCain is now the Republican Presidential candidate. WOW he's worse than what we have now for a President and if he wins the whole thing we are in for another long 4 years and with the way things are now what will our future hold as Americans? It's honestly scary to me, I mean look at the issues we are facing now recession is looking like the wave of the future, gas prices, the price of everything is going up and most important of all the war. McCain is a true supporter of keeping us in Iraq and I personally disagree with that.

It's time for an end and time for a change and if its Barack or Hillary I will vote either way but we do not need another Bush in the White House we need someone who will make this country better and lead us to a better future. If you have children or grandchildren you need to vote for a change in the future. McCain will not give Americans change it will be the hell we've been living for the last 8 years. I want my daughter to grow up like I grew up not worrying about problems and current issues that adults worry about. These days too many children ask if we will be at war forever, that's all they know because that's all they see and here.

I'm voting for the best candidate the person who will make the biggest change in America and the biggest change me. I do not care if they are white, black, red yellow or green. I don't care if they are male or female I just want someone who will lead us in the right direction for the right reasons.

Back Home and the forgotten WAR

2007-06-03T19:26:00.000-07:00

Well a month back home and things are going pretty well for my family. We got a new house and did the moving process within the first couple weeks of being home so things have been busy and finally settling down and getting bored with staying home and I guess getting ready to go back to work, then there are times I want to continue to be lazy. I plan on starting back the 11th and will receive a promotion to full time reporter by the end of the month and I'm looking pretty forward to that.

I was planning on waiting awhile to do another Blog until after I started back to work. I decided last night I couldn't wait to get a few things off my chest. I have seen and heard a few things that I just wouldn't let go without saying a few things about it, because I knew you guys would give me a few words of encouragement and would be just as upset as I was when I experienced my recent rants.

I guess there are somethings I shouldn't gripe about or complain about but I feel I've earned the right to gripe about this and I've been very disappointed in all the people back home after all the wonderful support I got from all of you guys. I guess I got spoiled by you guys, sending all the kind words and great encouraging emails. I just returned home and things were so different with how the people treat the military and how they show their appreciation.

Here are my examples..

My disappointments started the day I flew home, we were sitting in the airport at Colorado Springs and one of the Flight Attendants asked if we were coming back from Iraq. I leaned over and told her "No we just spent a year in Afghanistan and where heading home." She leaned back over to ask me without skipping a beat "whats going on over there?" WOW I was stunned and when I started to explain a little thing called 9/11 an elderly couple stepped in and proceeded to tell her what was going on over there and did so ever so kindly!!

A few hours later I landed in Oklahoma and was as happy as I could be for the next few minutes. Well let me back up a few days, my wife didn't know what day I was actually planning on coming home. So I wanted to surprising my wife and daughter. I had made all the plans including renting a car and driving down to Ardmore to surprise Jodi and Bayleigh. Well now I can fast forward to the day I landing in OK. I was greeted at the airport by one of my best friends Jake. It was great being able to see a friendly face as soon as I landed in beautiful Oklahoma. I grabbed my bags and headed to get my rental car from a "wonderful" company Enterprise. I spoke with the clerk at the front desk and he started getting me ready to head on my way.. Well that wouldn't be the case, after showing my ID the clerk as for 2 utility bills because I was returning the car to the Ardmore Enterprise lot. I stood there wondering what 2 utility bills I would use considering I had just got back from Afghanistan. I tried my best to get past the request and after 15 minutes of no help from the clerk I lost my cool. The week long trip home and spending the day flying from Colorado was just a bit much and I lost my cool. But please give me a break where do you expect me to get a bill or how could you even expect me to bring one or expect to show one. Maybe I was just stressed or to excited to get home..

After the next few days passed and I got home I would notice things more and more, one day it was the local paper The Daily Ardmoreite. They had several articles about the Iraq War and how people needed to support the Troops over there and how so much needs to be focused on Iraq. A couple days later in the same paper a local car dealership was taking thank you cards and care packages to send to Troops in Iraq.

Please forgive me if I sound a bit jealous or even mean or just whatever you think I might mean. I am having a huge problem right now with all of the support for Iraq and not an ounce for Afghanistan. I know its an American War and Soldiers are Soldiers but Iraq is not Afghanistan and by far not the same War by any means. We need to be in Afghanistan and I'm leaving that one there.

Anytime a Soldier is home its from Iraq every time a Soldier dies its in Iraq, every time a Soldier gets deployed its to Iraq. There is another War out there and we have our Americans losing their life over there as well. I can't see how things are so forgotten and just passed over like there is nothing going on.

I'm not sure if these Wars are turning into Vietnam but things are not the way they should be. These last 2 weekends have really bothered me and just adding more to my rants and raves.. The Memorial Day weekend was more about sales at the mall and parties than it was about remembering our Hero's. My Mom planned a welcome home party for me just for that weekend and it seemed that there was nothing going on around town to remember the Troops. This last weekend just pushed me over the edge when my wife and I went to a concert. While we were at the concert Jodi decided to ask one of the ushers if there was anything they could do since I just got back home a couple weeks ago. The lady was nice with Jodi and got back with us to inform us that she told the Promotions Director and he would see what he could do for us. So they allow some people backstage for a meet and greet and hand out some free meet and greet passes and we sit there. The show starts and a DJ from a local radio station comes out and says "I just found out that we have a couple Soldiers in the audience who just got back home from Iraq and I just want to welcome them home." Half the audience stood up and gave us a standing ovation and that was it. So I didn't just get home from Iraq and that was all they could do for us. I don't expect much and I'm not complaining about not getting things. I just know what we've seen and what we've done and I think Soldiers deserve more than a small amount of appreciation. I've always asked for just a simple thank you and that was it and it seems like that's even a very big price for some people to pay considering the price the Soldiers have paid for them.

Anyway I will stop the complaining and move on and just see how things go for the next few weeks. We get about 6 months off from drill so as much vacation from the Army will be pretty good and Monday I will start back to the TV Station. My vacation is coming to an end but its been a good one and I hope to keep people up to date and write at least one blog a week about our life and how things are going. Thanks again for continuing to read my Blog and I hope you all continue to enjoy it.

Bye from Afghanistan

2007-04-27T00:12:00.000-07:00

Well my last Blog from Afghanistan, there were times I never thought this would happen and times I wanted it to happen that day. It’s been an experience and an adventure I will never forget and will always remember some of the things I’ve seen and done for the last year. I never thought it would be like this and never thought I would do and see the things I’ve done or seen. So a year in Afghanistan and I’m heading home, at times it seems the year went by fast and then I think about how much Bayleigh has grown and I realize its been along time and I’ve missed a lot in her life and my family’s life.. So the next year you can bet I will be making up for every minute...

My Mom asked me if I could go back to the day I signed my contract with the Army and if I would do it again. I’m not really sure what I would do, I’ve learned a lot and done a lot of things only a few civilians can say they’ve done and seen, but I’ve missed a lot of things as well. It’s hard to decide but I’m glad I did this and I’m glad I had the opportunities I’ve had over here. I will miss the people I’ve made friends with. I will miss the “good kids” and the Elders. I can’t say I will miss them enough to stay any longer but its time to be with my family and friends back home. Its time to continue on with my life back in the States, there is so much I have missed and ready to do all those things as much as I can.

I have a lot of memories I will take with me, from all the Med Caps to all the lunches with the Elders. It’s been fun and I have a great story to tell when I get home and can’t wait to tell it. I will always remember the smiles from the kids when we gave them something or when we returned their thumbs up... There is still a lot of work to be done over here but I know people will continue my goal and hopefully things will continue to change for the better and will one day be the Afghanistan of the 60’s and 70’s.

I hope all of you know how much help you gave and how much easier you made my job and time over here. If you weren’t sending boxes of clothes you were sending goodies for me. I appreciate everything all of you did more than you know. I never thought I would receive so much support but you guys are heroes and I’m so glad I had the chance to talk with so many amazing people. You guys are great and I hope you continue to help support the troops and the people of Afghanistan. Thank you all for everything you have done...

Well I guess its time for my final sign off from Afghanistan; I plan to keep writing in my Blog about my family, friends and everything going on in my life. I hope you all keep reading and stay in touch. Thanks again for everything and thanks so much for reading my Blog. You are all great Americans and I’m so glad I live in a country that supports its military as much as all of you do.

So long from Afghanistan...
Todd

2007-04-14T01:24:00.000-07:00

Wrapping Up!

2007-04-14T01:22:00.000-07:00

Well my days are numbered and I love every minute that counts off the clock. We’ve been staying pretty busy the last couple weeks and I haven’t had a chance to get on here but I’m glad we are keeping busy cause its passing the time away pretty fast. I got an email a few days ago from Shaun Pierce who is the Promotions Director at 101.5 The Word. The Word is a Christian station out of Pittsburgh, PA http://www.wordfm.com/ and they want me to do an interview about my experience over here and the things we’ve done to help the people. I was pretty shocked to say the least that a station so far from home was enjoying what I do and the goal we are trying to reach. I got to thinking though and that’s the reason all of you read this, not because you know me but because you appreciate what we do as Soldiers and as Humanitarians. I enjoy what I do and glad that all of you enjoy reading what I do and the life I live over here.

So back to my busy week, we had 3 backpack drops mostly from the donations that all of you guys have brought in. I’m still getting box after box each day!! I’ve received stuff from Boys and Girl Scouts from around the country and things from people on other Deployments themselves. It’s over whelming what we can do as a Nation and Americans. We are the best Country in the world and I think once we get together we show that in so many ways. (I drift a lot don’t I?) So my Hero for this Blog will be all the Boys and Girl Scouts that have donated so much stuff. Cookies, clothes, shoes, school supplies. Thank you all so much for being such a big help. I hope you guys know how great it is to see kids helping in our cause and getting involved in World Problems. When I was a kid I never thought I would be sitting here today and I never knew much about the problems outside of my own, but I’m glad you kids are learning now. So thanks for the wonderful cookies the Thin Mints are the best!! And thanks for helping me out and sending all the stuff for the kids here…

We had a big Humanitarians drop last week as well giving out food and clothing to 20 families who lost their homes with all the recent rain and flooding the country has received, but the rain is really a good thing for the country, they have had over 30 years of drought. So we handed out oil and beans, rice, flour and then shoes and clothes and blankets. Most of the shoes we gave out were what we had left over from all the shoes we bought this winter. We are trying our hardest to get rid of all the stuff we had in our Conex.

If you still want to keep sending things here is the new address. I will be leaving within the next 2 weeks so Major Roper will fall on the privilege of picking up all the mail!! Once his replacement gets here from South Carolina I will give you his address.

SECFOR CERP
Mark Roper
41BCT HHC 1-180 SECFOR
Camp Phoenix
APO, AE 09320

Well a short Blog but I just wanted to give you an update and I’ve been getting lots of questions on the address. Anyway I will have one more entry before I leave country and will keep you all updated when I get home.

2007-03-31T23:24:00.000-07:00

Counting the days!

2007-03-31T22:37:00.000-07:00

Less than a month and I will be headed home! I’m sure these next few weeks are going to be the slowest days of my life… I am ready just as ready as all the other Soldiers but holding my wife and that beautiful little girl is gonna be great. That’s all I think about just spending time with them as much as I can. If I didn’t have to go back to KXII, I wouldn’t but nothing is free so we would need money sometime... ; )

Well the last week has been busy as I’m sure the rest of my time will be just as busy so hopefully time will go by fast with us being busy. We had another Med Cap last week and treated over 600 people. I decided not to take a whole lot of pictures and instead stay outside and help with the crowds and make sure people aren’t trying to sneak back in. I did get the picture of the baby playing on the front of one of our Hummvee’s just something that caught my eye as different but cute. Anyway we have been getting in lots of school supplies and we are doing a backpack drop today for a school with over 3000 kids. They go in 2 shifts, 8am-12noon about 2000 kids go and then from 1pm-5pm there are around 1400 kids. So lots of school supplies will be handed out within the next few days.

We had lunch yesterday with some of the elders and they brought up their concern that they haven’t received this much help and support from any Army group that’s been here since the start of the War in 2001. It made me feel good that they know how much we’ve done for them and show us just how much they appreciate it. I know we will make sure our replacements do the same work and hopefully can do the same amount or more.

We also had a pretty cool guest over the last few days. One of our Lieutenants has a friend who is an International IT Coordinator for Build a Bear Workshop.
http://www.buildabear.com/

For those of you who don’t know what Build a Bear is, it’s a store usually in malls. Mainly for kids, you can pick out and design your own bear, monkey, frog whatever kind of stuffed animal you want. I have spent my fair share of money there and I believe Build a Bear has a huge Military following. I like it is because you can put a recorded voice box inside the bear and record whatever you want to say. I bought a couple for Bayleigh before I left just telling her to be a good girl or that daddy loves her very much. For just a little over 30.00 you can have a stuffed kitty cat with clothes of your choice and a voice box of your choice. It’s a pretty amazing place and just a fun 30 minutes for the family. (I should be a Build a Bear salesman!!!!)

Anyway Vadon Willis is Lieutenant Marmen’s best friend and thought he would fly to Afghanistan after he had some work to do in India. Mr. Willis is originally from Oklahoma and thought he would come and check on Oklahoma Soldiers and brought over 200 bears to give out to the Soldiers. Things like that are really what drive us, people showing us how much they appreciate us by taking their time to show us in a big way or a small way by saying thank you. Its important for people to show a little appreciation to every Soldier they can. I’ve had my share of people putting me down or telling me I’m a baby killer or just telling me what we do is wrong. I blow it off and could care less because I know there are wonderful people out there doing the same thing Mr. Willis does. So thank you to everyone who has ever shaken a Soldiers hand or told a Soldier thank you for what they do. I’ve said before we may not all agree with the War or the Politics of War but we go out and do our job like we’re told and we’re not baby killers or murderers. We are stopping terrorism and keeping the U.S.A a free and wonderful country. I really don’t think anyone in their right mind would want to live like Afghanistan has lived the last 30-40 years.

So for my weekly award this weeks Hero is 2 people well 2 people and a group of people so let’s just say a lot of people!! I can’t figure my self out either sometimes!!

1: Mr. Willis for taking his time to come by Camp Phoenix and risk his life to visit us and give out bears to the Soldiers. Thanks for the visit Mr. Willis and thanks for your time and the bears.

2: My Mom for trying her hardest to gather money for all the things I’ve been trying to do over here. She has gathered school supplies and money for shoes. She has been a huge help for my mission. Plus she’s my Mom so if it wasn’t for her I wouldn’t have the passions I have inside or the fight to do the things I do. Thanks for everything Mom and I know this year has been tough on you but I’ve learned a lot and helped a lot of people so thanks for everything you have done for me and these kids.

Also along with my Mom, all the people in her office at the Carter County Child Support Office in Ardmore, OK. Thanks for everything guys I’m sure Mom bugged you a lot for the money and the school supplies but know that they are going to great things.

Well another mission calling so thanks again for all the school supplies coming in!! Oh and Happy April Fools!!

2007-03-19T23:22:00.000-07:00

Steve Bartman or Shawn Gralla?

2007-03-19T23:11:00.000-07:00

So last week I talked about the sun and how nice it had been and well for the last week it’s been raining and chilly. So I guess I can’t get my way oh well home will be coming soon less than 2 months!!! I am so ready and I know every other Soldier is just as ready as I am...

Well I have been getting a lot of emails and comments about the letter to the Governor and I’m glad everyone agrees with me. I think Shawn Gralla is like Steve Bartman who gained notoriety on the evening of October 14, 2003, for preventing a possible play on a foul pop-up in Game 6 of the National League Championship Series between the Chicago Cubs and the Florida Marlins at Wrigley Field. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steve_Bartman

So I hope that soon Shawn will be a Wikipedia hero!! She/he already made Sarge Charlie’s -- Yellow Bellied Sapsucker of the Week Award http://sargecharlie.blogspot.com/2007/03/and-linda-gets-prize.html

Thanks for all of your support of us and the Oklahoma Governor. We cant always stand up for what people say or do to the Military but I know you guys can and you all did so thank you all very much!! So I think I’m gonna start doing an Afghan Hero of the week for people who send items or just help us Soldiers over here away from home…

So this weeks Hero of the week is one of my favorite Blogs and one of the biggest Military and Afghanistan Supporters I have met. She sends me letters almost daily and beautiful pictures from back home. So Cynthia and Karl of Bend, Oregon thanks for everything you do for the Soldiers and for the people of Afghanistan!! You guys are our heros!! http://gazingattheflag.blogspot.com/

Well I have been getting a lot of email about helping out with shoes and clothes and school supplies. Keep sending is all I have to say! Anything and everything you want is wonderful, we have the room and I will keep taking packages until the day I leave and from that point I will pass over everything to my counter part and they will hopefully and maybe forcefully ; ) keep all of the wonderful people out there up to date. So send send send!!

We had another ribbon cutting and possibly our last for the deployment. It was for the footbridge over Jalalabad Road. Its one of the busiest roads in Kabul and the cause of a lot of accidents and deaths. So hopefully it will save a lot of lives and keep kids from running across 4 lanes of traffic to get to school. It was nice to see possibly one of our last Ribbon Cuttings for 2 reasons, one because it means we’ll be home soon very soon and the other because its one more check on the list of things WE have done for the Afghans. By WE, I mean everyone back home and here. You all have helped out so much and I want to thank you all for everything you have done for us as Soldiers and for the people. They may not know who all this help comes from but they do know it’s from America. I think of it this way, if I can put one pair of gloves on a kid and one day when the Taliban come looking for help that boy will remember what we all did for him and hopefully turn the other way. It’s just a simple thought and may not happen and may not mean anything but that’s the way I look at it. One day Afghanistan will have to stand on its own feet and hopefully that day will come sooner than later but until than I think we all have and will continue to make a difference! Just to let you know about this stuff. A couple weeks ago I had our clothing Conex (shipping container) about half empty. Well about 4 days later it was almost full again, that just shows you how much wonderful support there is out there!

Well I guess I’m gonna sign off for now but thanks again everyone and I hope to see more and more boxes flood in soon. Also if you could check out Jake Hudson’s Blog on my favorite links list. He is one of my best friends back home and was also a Chaplains Assistant with the Oklahoma Army National Guard. Jake was with me in Egypt on our last deployment and I know deep down he would’ve loved to be over here with me right now. He may not admit it but I know he would like doing the work I do and also helping the Soldier in their time of need.

Letter to the Governor From Mr. Gralla of Norman, Oklahoma

2007-03-16T08:44:00.000-07:00

I received an email from Sgt Dubb today. I was shocked when I read the email and thought I better reply to the editor.. I hope everyone else will do the same!!!

This letter to the editor appeared in the Daily Oklahoman on March 14th- pass it along and get everyone to write a response.

My response is below.."

Get back to work, governor . . . how much did Gov. Henry's trip to Iraq cost? How much did Oklahoma taxpayers pay for this trip? How many Oklahoman soldiers did the governor shake hands with? What was the dollar cost per handshake? Henry was elected and is paid to guide the state of Oklahoma. He wasn't elected and isn't paid by Oklahoma taxpayers to press the flesh and politic in international affairs in a war-torn country. Oklahoma taxpayers deserve more effect and results from the governor for their tax dollar here in Oklahoma. Henry should pay his own way and use his own time to visit Iraq. Get back to work, governor!" Shawn Gralla, Norman

Send comments to:Ed Kelley, Editor (http://us.f431.mail.yahoo.com/ym/Compose?To=ekelley@oklahoman.com&YY=19003&y5beta=yes&y5beta=yes&order=down&sort=date&pos=0) J.E. McReynolds, Chief Editorial Writer (http://us.f431.mail.yahoo.com/ym/Compose?To=jmcreynolds@oklahoman.com&YY=19003&y5beta=yes&y5beta=yes&order=down&sort=date&pos=0) Owen Canfield III,Editorial Writer (http://us.f431.mail.yahoo.com/ym/Compose?To=ocanfield@oklahoman.com&YY=19003&y5beta=yes&y5beta=yes&order=down&sort=date&pos=0) Christy Watson, Editorial Writer (cwatson@oklahoma.com)

My response!!

All I can say is wow and what a strong opinionated statement! I am currently stationed in Afghanistan with the Oklahoma Army National Guard. I was right beside the Governor for his whole trip in Kabul and was amazed by how much the Soldiers loved him being here. It was an honor for every Soldier to shake his hand and be thanked personally by the Governor himself.

Its not everyday that we get to see people in Politics or people who do the talking for us back home. So when someone like Governor Henry gets to visit us and spend a day with us its an honor. As far as the cost of the trip, who cares he is the Commander and Chief of the Oklahoma Army National Guard. He is our boss and he came to check on our welfare and well being. I personally hope that Mr.Gralla's boss comes and checks on him as much as the Governor checks on us.

Its important for politicians to step outside of their bullet proof world and see what goes on in ours. Its important for the politicians to see what war were fighting and what were fighting it for. I'm sorry that people are too consumed by money to see what is going on and how important it is to make a change and see a change in a country as poor as Afghanistan. I pay my taxes and have no problem what so ever with the Governor coming to visit. I'm glad and happy that every Oklahoma Soldier fighting the War on Terror in Afghanistan was able to meet their Commander and Chief. So the Governor is working, the Governor is our boss and we elected him we pay his salary so he can come and visit his soldiers any time he wants.

As far as your view on the War Mr. Gralla, I feel for you, that you have never had the chance to see what changes can be made in a country that doesn't understand the Western Culture. I have stepped out of my Camp almost every day to the possibilities of getting shot, and what do I do it for? So my beautiful daughter can be free in our beautiful state and so she hopefully one day wont have to fight for our freedom, the freedom you have to write comments about the Governors trip to visit his Troops.

I would also personally like to invite you over to Afghanistan to see what we do and what we do to protect you...

Corporal Todd Larkin
1-180th SECFOR
Public Affairs NCO

2007-03-13T04:22:00.000-07:00

Governor Henry Visit

2007-03-13T04:20:00.000-07:00

It’s been a pretty busy week but the busier we are the faster time flies... I’m getting a little spring fever to get home and be able to play outside with Bayleigh!! The weather is warming up so we have had some wonderful days here recently making everyone’s attitude a little better (including mine!!) But it has been a lot nicer around with the sun and warm weather, the Lake Murray will be mighty nice come June!!

Well we had a special guest Friday!! Governor Henry made a visit to Camp Phoenix and we were pretty happy to see him... He stopped by Phoenix for about half the day, had breakfast handed out some Oklahoma State Centennial coins, and gave out some awards. He informed me that he reads my Blog on regular bases, so I was pretty happy about that to say the least!! I took about 900 pictures and felt a little like a photographer for school pictures after the day was over. Every soldier had to have their picture taken with the Governor. That’s understandable he is a celebrity! It was a good day all in all and I’m really glad he cam over here because it shows he does worry about us and is concerned with what we are doing. He gave me an interview before he left to head back to Oklahoma, I’ve interviewed him a few times before with KXII but I think the interview he gave me yesterday was one of his best. He was very sincere about the soldiers and wanted to make sure that all of our families knew how much he appreciates them in their tough times without us. So I spent the day with The GOV!! I also found out my name was given credit under the AP News!! Thought that was pretty cool, any picture that made the news of the Governors visit was taken by yours truly!! Not bragging or anything but I take a pretty darn good picture!! LOL

Like I said earlier this has been a busy week, we helped move a ton of school supplies from an old school to one of the new ones we built. It made for a long day but we filled up 2, 5ton trucks with desks and office equipment. School will be starting within the next week so we will be having a big school supply drop. We are also looking at getting a road project for the school because it’s like a lake getting in and we don’t want the kids walking through the water to get into school. Well I guess I will wrap this up for the week and call it a day. Hope everyone is good back home!!

Pics from our last HA Drop..

2007-03-05T02:04:00.000-08:00

A hero...

2007-02-26T21:32:00.000-08:00

Well I’m up here in Maser e Sharif for a few days covering a couple of NATO events. That got cancelled and now I’m sitting up here in a blizzard freezing my bottom off wishing I was back at Phoenix!! But I wanted to make sure I updated everyone about all the stuff going on a couple days before I left.

Saturday we had a big HA drop at a Kindergarten in Polacharkee. We handed out over 200 bags of clothes and shoes and 150 backpacks filled with school supplies. So far all the shoe money I have collected has been spent on shoes and we have bought over 400 pairs and when I get back I plan on buying about 300 to 400 more!!! I’m so happy everyone has helped out so much and I appreciate it SO SO much, thank you. Also some of the money has been used to buy medical supplies for our MedCaps. We spend about 600-700 dollars every time we have a MedCap and that is all from donations from large companies or individuals back in Oklahoma. But since we have been doing so well with the Afghan Children’s Fund we started using some of that money since we were running very low on funds for the MedCaps. I just want you all to know what the donations are being used for and that they are being used for a wonderful cause.

I will put pictures up from the HA drop as soon as I get back to Phoenix in a few days. They are on my computer back there, but the pictures of Sgt. Hughie I took the night before we left for MEZ. Anyway school starts up in a little under a month over here after their winter break. So I wanted to put out the word that school supplies will be needed soon. Any and every type is perfect, pens, paper, crayons, scissors, pencils. Anything is useful so send what you can. I know A LOT of people have sent all kinds of things over here for the people of Afghanistan so I know some of yall are tapped out. But send what you can because every kid over here needs a pen. We plan on having a big school supply drop within the next few weeks so I will make sure you all see pictures of how wonderful it is. So for those of you who don’t know the address here it is and I hope I get as much support as I did with all the winter clothes and shoes!!!

Michael Larkin
41 BCT HHC 1-180 SECFOR
Camp Phoenix, AF
APO, AE 09320

SGT HUGHIE

We had Sgt Hughie’s memorial service on Saturday the 24th. I think that was one of the toughest things I’ve sat through since I lost one of my close friends in High School. Like I said in my other blog I didn’t know Sgt Hughie as well as his friends in his Company but I had met him and had a few conversations with him. But I took it hard; all I could think about was his wife and son. How they will never see him again and how Cooper will grow up only knowing his father as a hero and not ever remembering who he was as a Dad. I thought about Buddy’s mom and what she must be going through losing her son. I grew up a big Mommas boy and I know my mom would be devastated if she lost me. I feel so bad for his family, I feel bad for every family who has lost a soldier, but Sgt. Hughie was one of our guys an Oklahoma boy who was trying to do everything he could to save a fallen Afghan soldier and in the process he lost his life trying to save someone else’s. Losing Sgt. Hughie this way is a little more difficult than a car wreck or some accident. We never want to stand there and see his boots resting under his dog tags that are draped over a rifle that will never be used by that soldier again.

This is a tough life to live and a very tough career. We know what were doing when we sign that dotted line but we never know just what it will bring until we have nights like the 19th and 24th. I did tear up and choke up a few times I’m not going to try and be a tough guy or anything like that. It was hard to see our Commanders and Sergeants get choked up and cry. That’s the last thing those guys ever want to do is bury a soldier. I don’t want to have to see that again and I hope we get through this mission and back home to all of our families without another fallen hero.

I’m not sure if you have ever been to a Military Funeral or Memorial. But at the end of the ceremony one the Sergeants or Officers will call out the Fallen Soldiers name along with others from his squad or platoon. It’s called the last roll call… It went like this and its one of the hardest things to listen to. First Sergeant Robert Maxwell called the names of Sgt. Hughie’s fellow soldiers as they shouted, "Here First Sergeant." 1SG then called out "Sgt. Hughie." Silence. "Sgt. Buddy Hughie." Silence. "Sgt. Buddy James Hughie." Silence. The Bugler then plays taps and I always flinch at the 21 gun salute.

IN LOVING MEMORY OF A HERO A DAD A HUSBAND A SOLDIER
Sergeant Buddy Hughie 19FEB2007

The sadest military song!!! Played at Sgt. Hughies Memorial Ceremony..

2007-02-26T00:27:00.000-08:00

If I Die Before You Wake

Dustin Evans

Back home now I know you're probably sleepin' Over here it's the middle of the day I finally found the time to write a letter Sittin' here a half a world away
I heard about all them folks protestin' As if I really want this war But that don't stop me from believin' There's just some things worth fightin' for

CHORUS And if I die before you wake, I pray the world will take A good look at what God's given us That we could only understand, everything is in his hands All we need is a little faith and trust I want you to know it ain't too high a price to pay If I die before you wake

Tell everybody that I miss them And I can't wait to get back home But until then I'll serve my country And be proud to wear this uniform

CHORUS No it ain't too high a price to pay If I die before you wake

Follow this link: http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-bloggers/1523151/posts

A few days!

2007-02-25T23:56:00.000-08:00

Im gone up north to Maseresharif (MEZ) for a few days I will post about Sgt Hughies memorial on the 24th and I will also post about our big HA Drop for a Kindergarten as soon as I have the chance. Keep checking back and I will update as soon as I have the time..

One of our own...

2007-02-21T03:01:00.000-08:00

Well I’m sure most of you have heard or read about the 1-180th losing one of our own… Sergeant Buddy Hughie of Poteau was killed Monday when his squad was ambushed while patrolling here in Afghanistan. I knew Hughie just because both of us had been in the Battalion for so long and when you have been in the 1-180th for awhile you know everyone. Hughie was a great guy and always had a smile on his face or a kind word to say about anyone. I had the pleasure of riding out on a convoy a few months back with Hughie when we dropped him off out east in Nuristan. Hughie had lots of friends and the Battalion is taking it pretty hard. This was our first soldier lost in over 50 years I mean we haven’t lost a soldier in Combat since the Korean War.

This definitely opened my eyes to a whole new world we’re in. I know War is all around us here but this is the first person I’ve known that has died in a War. Along with that Hughie left behind a wife and a 4 month old baby boy. That really hit home and really made me think about my beautiful wife and daughter. No one wants to leave their family alone and missing them. Hughie definitely didn’t want that for his family, I mean who would. We have a mission to do over here and I want to finish it out and go home to my family and hopefully never walk away from them again. I’m not scared of the War nor do I want to runaway home. I do however hope that the people, who took Hughie’s life, will find their own God and realize the pain they have caused so many...

Here is my news release…

A tragic day for the 1st of the 180th in Afghanistan, as they morn the loss of one of their own. For the first time in over 50 years the 180th lost a soldier in combat. Sergeant Buddy James Huey of Poteau was tragically killed in an ambush around on Monday in the Eastern Province of Nuristan.

Sgt. Buddy Hughie, 25, and his unit were conducting a mission with the Afghan National Army (ANA) and other US Forces in the country's Nuristan Province when the group came under an enemy ambush by Anti Coalition Forces (Taliban). Along with Hughie, 3 ANA soldiers also lost their life in the ambush.

Sergeant Hughie’s body left Afghanistan early Tuesday morning from Bagram, Afghanistan. As for the soldiers of the 180th they will be having their own Memorial Ceremony on Friday to honor their friend and fellow soldier.

"Sgt. Buddy Hughie was a great American," said Lt. Col. Bobby Yandell, commander of the 1st Battalion, 180th Infantry. "Sgt. Hughie was one of those soldiers that you did not have to worry about; he always did the right thing. We mourn his loss, but celebrate the life of a great soldier."

This was Hughie’s second deployment to Afghanistan. His first deployment was in 2002-2003. Hughie left behind his wife and a 4 month old son.

My thoughts and prayers are with the Hughie family and I hope that our Country will do anything and everything they can for Mrs. Hughie and their son. I hope that this week will soon be over and this will be the last Soldier we have to lay to rest…

First Purple Heart In Over 50 Years!

2007-02-16T22:48:00.000-08:00

Private 1st Class David Anderson, of Edmond, recently received the prestigious Purple Heart Medal for wounds suffered in combat after he was wounded in a firefight in eastern Afghanistan. Anderson is currently deployed with the 1st Battalion, 180th Infantry as part of a security force for the Afghan National Army training mission.

Anderson and several other members of his rifle company were engaged in a fire fight with Anti-Coalition Forces when he was struck in the back of the head by an RPG fragment. Anderson and most of his company have been supporting the Tenth Mountain Division and several other Coalition Forces in the Peshwan River Valley and along the eastern border of Afghanistan.

Anderson said that he was honored to be the first member of the 180th to receive the Purple Heart in over 50 years. "I didn't do much and I'm getting this medal that heroes have gotten, it's great getting this, but I had to get injured in the process." Anderson received the medal during a Combat Infantry Badge presentation ceremony held by Company C commander Capt. Kevin Roland and 1st Sgt. Robert Williams. Battalion Commander Lt. Col. Bobby Yandell pinned Anderson as his peers looked on. "I'm honored to present one of our Soldiers with this award and I just hope I don't have to do it again, and I'm glad Private 1st Class Anderson is here to receive it." Yandell said in front of the Company. Anderson is actually a member of Company A, 1/180th headquartered in Edmond. He was attached to Company C after the unit deployed to Afghanistan last March.

The Purple Heart is awarded in the name of the President of the United States to any member of an Armed Force of the United States who, while serving under competent authority in any capacity with one of the U.S. Armed Services after April 5, 1917, who has been wounded or killed, or who has died or may hereafter die after being wounded under any of the following circumstances: In any action against an enemy of the United States; In any action with an opposing armed force of a foreign country in which the Armed Forces of the United States are or have been engaged: While serving with friendly foreign forces engaged in an armed conflict against an opposing armed force in which the United States is not a belligerent party; As a result of an act of any such enemy of opposing armed forces; As the result of an act of any hostile foreign force; after March 28, 1973, as a result of an international terrorist attack against the United States or a foreign nation friendly to the United States, recognized as such an attack by the Secretary of the Army, or jointly by the Secretaries of the separate armed services concerned if persons from more than one service are wounded in the attack; and, after March 28, 1973, as a result of military operations while serving outside the territory of the United States as part of a peacekeeping force.

Cpl Larkin

05FEB07

The Fuzz!

2007-02-13T21:01:00.000-08:00

First off I’m sorry I didn’t post yesterday, we had a mission last till about 2:00pm and then we got back to camp the power was out. No power no Internet. So anyway just wanted to let all of you guys know that so I didn’t have any disappointed fans!! LOL

Well on Sunday we had our 10th Med Cap for the Police Officers and the family members of Afghan Police Dept. 9 here in Kabul. We also took out a lot of clothing and shoes but that turned out to be a little disappointing. I guess this was possibly one of our worst ones. We had WAY to many (military) people there that we like to call “strap hangers” they go somewhere just to be there, they serve no real purpose besides getting in the way. So as far as the clothing and shoes, well that went good but I only gave away maybe 20 pairs of shoes because that is all the kids we really saw at the Police Department. From what Ricky told me it’s somewhat Afghan Culture to not bring your wife or family around where you work. So for most of the Policemen they didn’t bring any of their family and we saw very little kids and women. A few of the medics were a little discouraged because we treated the Afghan National Police (ANP) instead of a village. The deal is that most of these ANP make $15.00 a month starting out and the Chief makes just $80.00. So these guys do a huge public service and they make little to no money and have sometimes 7-10 family members they will support on that 15 dollars. There are a lot of ANP who are possibly corrupt but isn’t that true in the States as well. So if these guys can get the things they need and don’t use their small pay check on medicine and clothes than maybe they will not take bribes or steal from villagers. There are officers in big cities making double in hour what the ANP make in a month. And those guys are getting bribes or letting crimes slide buy. So tell me who are the real crooks?

We are however planning a big clothing drop for a small kindergarten in a couple weeks so I plan on giving away lots of clothes for these kids. There will also be another big Med Cap soon and hopefully some more kids will be out to get some shoes that all of you wonderful Americans have bought for them. So in the next few weeks we are trying to get rid of all of our clothes and supplies we have. Like I said in my last Blog I keep getting boxes and boxes from everyone supporting my Quest!! It’s great to see the support from everyone and see how everyone wants to help out a poor country and help a guy they have never met before. Thank you all so much for everything!!

We are also planning a big Vet Cap, we plan on taking out a few Army Veterinarians and us them and a few Afghan Vets to treat the local Afghan animals. Goats, sheep, cows, chickens and hopefully some camels (might be pretty cool) so that should be an interesting show for most of us Okies. If anyone has suggestions or anything we may want to add for this Vet Cap let me know I’m always open to suggestions. Well thanks again for everything everyone is doing for me and I hope you all keep everything coming!! Enjoy!

Update! Stay tuned

2007-02-12T05:38:00.000-08:00

First off I will update my Blog tomorrow and let you all know how the MED CAP went on Sunday and how much of the clothes went out. But for right now I just want to let everyone know how great everyone has been!!

So far since I put the info on my Blog I have received over 20 boxes of clothes and shoes. I went to pick up mail today and had about 12 boxes just for me. The mail handlers where a little upset but hey who cares about them right!! LOL Most of the boxes were from Peggy Durden who (thanks to the people of Collinsville) donated a huge chunk of money for the Afghan Children Fund. I have also received boxes from Cynthia Heeren in Oregon. So I just wanted to say thanks SO SO much for all the support so far and I hope to see more coming soon. I’ve received tons of email almost everyday from people wanting to donate something. So again thanks so much everyone and don’t forget to check the Blog tomorrow for an update and some pics!!

Afghanistan needs shoes!

2007-01-28T00:38:00.000-08:00

Shoes!! Are you willing to help?

2007-01-25T21:48:00.000-08:00

Well another MedCap this week and so far our biggest one seeing over 700 patients. It was probably one of the smoother ones and for the first time we used a dentist who pulled several teeth and handed out toothpaste and toothbrushes for the kids. Thinking back now I didn’t take one picture of the dentist working on his patients... I will be in trouble when Maj. Roper figures that out but maybe he will forget to look at the pics. I did however hand out some toys that were sent to me by Diane Henryson from Pennsylvania. You can see the picture of the baby with one of the toys. When I gave the baby the toy she smiled at me and kept reaching for me even though I was a stranger dressed up like a “storm trooper” she still wanted me to hold her, but I don’t think the mother dressed in her blue Burka was as willing as the baby was. All and all it was a good day Ricky brought us some potato bread, it’s like pita bread with leek and potatoes inside the bread and then deep fried. Afghan food is amazing and I don’t think I’ve found a food over here that I haven’t liked. Ricky always takes care of me and brings in food or something for me to try. He’s a great guy and I’m glad I have someone like that over here that I can get along with besides all the guys here with us.

Back to yesterday!! I was handing out several pairs of shoes that my wife sent me. Bayleigh was highly disappointed to see other kids with her shoes from 2 years ago but she will one day realize that it was a good thing. I just can’t stand seeing these kids without shoes and without something on their head when its 10 degrees outside. I was standing beside the pharmacy and watching the kids follow right along side their mother or their brothers and sisters. Looking at some of the 7 year old girls carrying their year old brother on their back walking through the snow and mud like it’s a paved road. I looked down at one maybe 6 year old girl and saw her shoes with a split down the back because she outgrew them and instead of buying a new pair they just cut the back out of them so she can continue to wear them. Ricky told me a pair of the sandals cost around .50 cents and a pair of rain boots are just a little over a $1.00..

So here is my proposition!! After many questions on what you can do so here is answer to all those questions. I know some people will be a little leery of this idea or just think its ridiculous but I want to do this for these kids and try to make as much of a difference as I can while I’m here. I’m giving Ricky $100.00 to buy 100 pairs of rain boots, different sizes and colors. Here is what I want you to do if you can and if you will. If you will send me a check money order or whatever to my address over here in Afghanistan and we will put it into our Afghan Children’s Fund for Shoes. It can be $1.00 or $20.00 or whatever you want I just want to see what we can do. People have already sent me clothes, school supplies, and a few pairs of shoes so I want to see if we can get some money into this poor country and get some shoes on these kids’ feet. I will make sure you get a receipt for tax purposes or just for proof, that’s what your money is being used for. I’m not begging or asking for hand outs for people who don’t need it but these people do need it. I wish I could let you see first hand, live and in color just what I see every time I go outside. I can just show you with pictures what I see and what we do and how tough it is to see this everyday. I mean the mortality rate is one of the highest in the world considering this is the 3rd poorest country in the World. So if I can keep a hundred kids feet dry during the winter with $100.00 than maybe I can keep half of them from losing toes or even their feet from frostbite than maybe I’ve done some good. I’m just asking for a little help from the people who read this and haven’t helped out already. I just want to make a change for as many kids as I can, and hopefully some of you feel the same out there as I do...

.50 cents = 1 pair of sandals
$1.00 = 1 pair of rain boots

Michael T. Larkin
41 BCT HHC 1-180 SECFOR
Camp Phoenix, AF
APO, AE 09320

Make Checks Payable to:
The Afghan Children’s Fund

Or you can just send clothes and shoes you dont use anymore!!

Thanks for your help and please remember you don’t only help out these kids but you are also helping save soldiers lives.

Before and After... My 2nd Blog for the day..

2007-01-20T04:11:00.000-08:00

Just wanted to post these pictures I found today. This is just the destruction that was caused by all of the fighting and war. This first picture was taken back in the late 60's and is of the Kings Tomb here in Kabul.

And now 40+ years and several wars later this is what stands of the Tomb. Pretty shocking isn't it.. This was once a beautiful place. I found a lot of pictures from the 60's and will post more tomorrow. Seeing these changes first hand is like day and night, I couldn't believe how much this country has changed..

Scared of your own country?

2007-01-20T00:23:00.000-08:00

Today I helped the "S1" interview the 2 heroes from the bombing. We started with the "security guard" at the front gate. We asked him basic questions about his family and his life growing up. We learned a few thing about him that we didn’t already know or things that we weren’t too sure about, rumors we’ve heard. Well a lot of the rumors were true, he lost his wife to Taliban fighting and he loves the U.S. more than Uncle Sam himself. This guy loves his job and appreciates the U.S. Army and Soldiers more and more everyday and would do just about anything for any of us including risking his own life.

For years he drove a truck for a Soviet Trucking company and then took over as a security guard until we came in and he started working for us for free, just volunteer work and then finally we found a way to pay him and he has been here ever since. He is a great down to earth guy and I would be willing to do anything for him because we all now know he would do it for us.

As far as the Interp who saved all the lives right along with the other I would do the same for him.. When we interviewed him he was a mess, worried to death about his family’s safety and about his own. This guy is not sleeping and worried sick enough to keep himself confined to camp and not leaving until he is reassured he is safe. It’s a shame that you’re to scared to be out and about in your own country. Could you imagine confining yourself in your own little safe haven? Not getting out being too scared to step outside because of the possibility of someone hurting you. This is an honest shame and I hope all of these people that have tormented or hurt all these innocent people for year will get what’s coming to them and feel the pain that all of these other people have faced for years.

We have to escort Interps around the camp so starting tomorrow I’m gonna take this guy to breakfast and hopefully help him out with whatever he needs. I guess it’s like a form of PTSD for this guy along with the fear of the Taliban. I can’t blame him I mean the guy was a wire away from dying and now he has to live with all of that. He’s a hero and he’s scared of the title. We are also going to try and get him a Muslim Counselor or some form of Psychologist. I just can’t imagine what’s going through his head nor could I imagine what it’s like living in fear everyday. Even as soldiers we don’t fear everyday for our lives. We know it’s out there and we know something could happen at every turn of a corner. We just stick that stuff in the back of our heads and think about the good things that will keep us safe and alive, the good things we will all be back to in a few months.

On another note: I had another article published in the Oklahoma Frontline.. Its in "some of my favorite links" section on the right hand side of this page. Check it out and let me know what you think if you want to email me just use comsmos77@yahoo.com ...

2007-01-17T23:51:00.000-08:00

2007-01-17T22:38:00.000-08:00

Some excitement and some cold.

2007-01-17T21:06:00.000-08:00

Well I guess a few of you know about the excitement we had a couple days ago. It was all over the news so I’m sure if you know me you know what happened but for those of you who don’t know or just don’t know the full story here goes. This is my news release for KXII 12..

Around 9:00 am local time (10:30pm ET Monday) a terrorist attack was thwarted by two Afghan Nationals. A suspected Taliban tried ramming the front gate of Camp Phoenix, in the Afghan Capital. The driver attempted to detonate the car bomb but was grabbed by a citizen security guard also assisted by an interpreter who works with the Oklahoma soldiers everyday. After the suspect was pulled from the vehicle the soldiers evacuated the area and called EOD (Explosive Ordinance Disposal) and moved civilians out of the area.

After several hours of the EOD trying to determine how much explosives were actually in the vehicle. Finally the vehicle was detonated and caused several thousand dollars worth of damage but thanks to the quick thinking of two Afghan Citizens several American lives were saved along with possibly hundreds of injuries. The two Afghans are already being regarded as camp heroes and the process has already started to award them for their heroic acts.

I’ve told most of you about the civilian we have at the front gate who has been here for years and lost most of his family to the Taliban. He is a true hero and risked his own life to save people he doesn’t even know all that well. A lot of people think he shouldn’t be working the gate or that he shouldn’t even be on Phoenix but I think this will show people just how much he wants us here and just what he’s willing to do to keep us here. I personally thanked him and I’m sure if our families had the chance they would welcome him into our homes with open arms. You just don’t hear of Afghans or Iraqi’s (besides their own Army) trying to risk their lives for American’s. Well now a lot of people know that there are Afghans that want us here and know that we are here for a good cause.

So everyone is safe a little shook up but we are all good and getting back to normal for now and hoping this isn’t a sign of things to come.

(On to other things)

Last week was our first BIG HA drop with us the Air Force and a group from Camp Blackhorse. We had a trailer full of clothes and shoes and boxes from Marianne and the guys in PA. We had an ok time a little hectic but we did good and handed out a lot of stuff. There were tons of kids with sandals and shoes with no socks, which was one of the toughest things out there the 2 foot snow and then kids Bayleighs age walking around with sandals.

There was one little boy very timed, cold no jacket or sweater and wearing a pair of shoes about 3 sizes too big and no socks. I pulled him over too the side and found sweater, a jacket (a little too big but he will grow) and fixed him up with some shoes and socks and pockets full of candy and sent him off. He just kept looking at me scared but glad to be warm. I could take all the adult clothes and trade them in for kids clothes because those are the ones who need it so bad. These kids are freezing and there is not a lot that we can do about it but try and have these HA drops as much as we can and warm up every little kid out there. I know we can’t warm up every kid in Afghanistan but seeing this stuff first hand makes you want to do anything and everything you can to help them out. I couldn’t imagine Bay running around without a jacket gloves when its freezing, seeing some of these kids honestly makes you want to give them the coat off your back.

We are planning to have a few more before the winter is over so if you guys want to send anything from a few pairs of gloves, a pair of rain boots to those boxes of kids clothes you have had stored in the garage for year. Send us whatever and just ask Marianne she knows the stuff is going to a great cause and to people who really need it. Here is my address again if anyone wants to send anything for these kids.

Michael Larkin
41 BCT HHC 1-180 SECFOR
Camp Phoenix, AF
APO, AE 09320

2007-01-10T23:59:00.000-08:00

2007-01-10T23:39:00.000-08:00

Just an Update.

2007-01-10T22:34:00.000-08:00

Well a few months left, you have no idea how great its starting to feel that we are on the down hill slope. We made it through the Holidays, it wasn't as bad as what I expected I mainly missed Bayleigh opening her presents and just my family the most I could care less about getting any presents this year I just wanted to see all of them.. All I know is next year we all better get every Holiday off from our Civilian jobs or I will be highly upset. Its one thing to work on Thanksgiving and be able to go home that night or even be home for the lunch and its another to not even be there at all.. We all take advantage of stuff and when we don't get everything were used to at home we notice it and it opens a lot of eyes. So everyone else can work for all of us when we get home just let us have our time..

Well things haven't been all that busy around here (notice the lack of BLOGs) I guess I could just start putting my everyday thoughts and experiences on here so you can atleast have something to read, God knows you all are tired of reading about politics and the war and everything else in the country.

We have done a few MEDCAPs and working on a few HA drops (humanitarian Assistance) we have been over whelmed with boxes from people willing to donate clothes and jackets for the cold winter months over here. Thanks to Chaplain Werner and his wife and mother along with a few other people from Pennsylvania, Dean Beebe, Scott and Karen Myers we have received numerous boxes from PA full of clothing items. Also in Oklahoma a wonderful lady by the name of Marianne Bacharach has been sending tons of clothing and winter items many of which were her kids when they were younger. She also started a BLOG on blogger http://sharedsacrifice.blogspot.com/ she is a wonderful person and this just shows you we have wonderful people put there who still do great things and are willing to help out anyone they can.. Also I received a few boxes thanks to "Mac" from the Indianola Baptist Church, they were filled with suckers and candy, Ill be honest I had a few of the suckers, but who can turn down a dum dum? We made sure what we didn't eat was handed out to kids here in Kabul at the Aziz School and at our last MEDCAP so thank you for the candy!!! I want to thank all of you for sending out all this stuff you guys are amazing and I can't thank you enough.

Well I guess I will wrap this up thanks again for everything and Ill see if I can keep things going a little more on here so I don't have to get gripped at by a certain person..!!!

2006-11-28T03:39:00.000-08:00

For the Kids!

2006-11-28T02:25:00.000-08:00

Well its about 4 weeks till Christmas, kind of dreading it well honestly I’m dreading it more and more each day. The Phoenix Chapel is all decorated with lights and Christmas Trees, a few of us were talking and decided that it would be better to pretend that its not Christmas and it would be easier to get through the Holidays. It’s pretty tough honestly, I’ve missed Thanksgiving, The Fourth, and even my own birthday but never have I missed a Christmas. Even missing Bayleigh open her presents will be so tough cause I could careless anymore about getting much I just want to see her open Dora or Barbie or whatever we get her.. I just dread it, so I think I’m gonna hide under a rock around the 23rd and come out on the 2nd of January.

Last week we took some backpacks and school supplies to our newest school (Aziz). This school is just a few months old and already filled with kids. There are 10 class rooms and still they have 3 more class rooms in the hallways. I gave out some Smarties while the LTC Yandell and SGM Barrett handed out the backpacks to the top 3 students in each class. After all the, “goodies” were gone we had a meeting with the Principle finding out the other needs of the school. I brought up the idea of getting a program to let the kids at Madill Middle School know exactly what it’s like in the Afghan Schools, and have some of the kids write up some essays and we could have them sent back to Madill. She thought this was an amazing idea and even though the kids are about to get out for their winter break for 2 months they would get them knocked out and back to me. So today we went back to Aziz and the kids were ready!! They had tons of banners, posters and letters for the kid’s back home, and back home Brenda Hix one of my teachers from middle school is getting school supplies and backpack for these kids over here. So we have a great project going on and hope it continues and all these kids get some much needed help and the kids back home get some “cultural learning”…

While I was looking through the papers and posters I came across one of the most perfect examples of why we are here and what we have done, here is what this wonderful little girl had to say. (Pardon the grammar but this is amazing English for an Afghan 6th Grader)

I am pleased on the arrival of the Coalition Forces in Afghanistan. Because five years ago I and my sisters all sisters of our country couldn’t go to school. The Taliban were controlling all of Afghanistan. They didn’t wanted the girls to go to school and study. And now that we can go to school we are proud for all our sisters. After the collapse of the Taliban we were studying in ruined school buildings and now we are thankful to the Coalition Forces for building us a new school to study. And now all student can study in this new building we become very happy when some help and serve us.

I was pretty amazed and shocked to say the least, what amazing and inspirational words from such a little girl. She should be a perfect example of why we’re here and why we need to stay here.

2006-11-14T04:56:00.000-08:00

A little time to myself.....

2006-11-14T04:20:00.000-08:00

Well I haven't posted in awhile almost 2 months now, just about everyone knows I was on leave but some people (wife and mom) could wait for me to get a new one out here so enjoy.

Its been a pretty busy few weeks since I got back here to Phoenix, we finally got some more money to start a few more projects and started 3 new ones. We are building some more bathroom facilities at the Aziz High School we finished last month. We also started the construction on the new road south of Phoenix.. Here is the story I fixed up for that..

Despite significant progress since the Taliban were deposed in 2001, Afghanistan still faces daunting challenges defeating an active insurgency, recovering from over two decades of civil strife, dealing with years of severe drought, and mainly rebuilding a shattered infrastructure. The deepest need in the infrastructure is the improvement of the less than standard road system.
Recent floods have put deep scars in the land along the roads in Afghanistan. Large stones and huge gashes - two or three feet deep - run from the nearby hills through the farmland, tracing the floods path. Along with the devastation of war, the huge problem with erosion and lack of funds for quality workmanship are major factors for Afghanistan's poor road system. In addition, the community and villages duty to provide regular maintenance to the roads have been overlooked for many years.
As of last week the 1-180th out of Durant, OK, and their Commanders Emergency Relief Projects (C.E.R.P) broke ground on the first of several projects in the Kabul area. This is the first road construction project the Battalion has focused on for improvements. After 5 months of 180th missions down sarak e barq udh kehyl (Udh Keyl Power Plant Street) the Commander, LTC Bobby Yandell along with the help of 41st BCT Brigadier General Douglas Pritt, decided a change was needed for the people of Udh Kehyl village.
The project is a 2 month plan costing 98,500, this is a great improvement in the area considered to be the poorest, and worst area in Kabul. The specific road is full of huge pot holes and deep cuts in the land not allowing the road drainage to the river in the south. Highly traveled and heavy populated this will improve the area immensely and is a great addition to our current work with the nation of Afghanistan. The road improvement and all of the current work with Afghanistan is a great step forward the soldiers of the 1-180th need and a huge accomplishment for the U.S. in this rebuilding nation. The Battalion will continue building schools, wells and continue the much needed road construction for the country. Afghanistan is still years away from the country's standards in the 60's but with the help of National Guard Units like 1-180th the country can only move in a new direction.

While we were at the ground breaking I ran into a little boy wearing something I never thought I would see over here, a Notre Dame jacket. I thought this was the coolest thing I've seen since we got here. Thousand miles away and a little boy running around with my favorite Team on his back.. Just a sign...

Time seems for the most part passing pretty fast, the 3weeks Ive been back have gone by pretty fast. This is great cause I dreaded the time back here when I had to get back on the plane at the end of leave.

It was great being home just went by too fast and seemed like I didnt get to do everything I wanted to. I had so much fun playing with Bayleigh and spending time with my beautiful wife and parents. I just had the toughest time ever getting back here I don't dont cry much (just ask Jodi) but I cried like a baby when I got back on that plane. I held back till I we got in the air and let it out in the tiny bathroom for about 30 minutes. Blaming myself for leaving and as stupid as it may sound to some, felt my heart tearing apart inside. The only thing I can really compare it too was when we all lost Hoover back in High School. It was honestly the toughest thing Ive done in my 24 years. Until I got back to Phoenix all I could think about was Baylieghs little blue eyes looking deep in mine and I could tell she just wanted to know why Daddy had to leave her again. Its tough and as much as people think they can compare it to something THEY CAN'T. I just know only families that go through this can tell you what it does to you. My wife always tells other women with a deployed husband "this deployment will make or break you as a family and as partners.'' She is right when I was home I felt a love so strong and passionate for my family I've never felt before. I love those 2 girls with all I can but there was something while I was home and really felt it on the way back that got me and I never will leave those girls again.

This is not a family business and it takes a different breed to do what we do, I really dont think I have what a lot of these other soldiers have but I do know I have 2 beautiful and wonderful girls at home and a wonderful family in general waiting on me to get back home...

2006-09-19T03:44:00.000-07:00

This will be a quick post but I wanted to put this Poem "The Final Inspection" on here for someone who just lost a loved one in Iraq. Jay Williams from Madill who is here in Afghanistan with me, just lost his cousin in Iraq and I wanted to tell his family and everyone out there who has lost a soldier here in Afghanistan or Iraq that Im truly sorry and hope that one day very soon we can all come home and be with the ones we love..

THE FINAL INSPECTION

The soldier stood and Faced God,

Which must always come to pass.

He hoped his shoes were shining,

Just as brightly as his brass.

Step forward now, you soldier,

How shall I deal with you?

Have you always turned the cheek?

To my church have you been true?

The soldier squared his shoulders and said,

"No, Lord, I guess I ain't.

Because those of us who carry guns,

Can't always be a saint.

I've had to work most Sundays,

And at times my talk was tough.

And sometimes I've been violent,

Because the world is awfully rough.

But, I never took a penny,

That wasn't mine to keep...

Though I worked a lot of overtime,

When the bills got just too steep.

And I never passed a cry for help,

Though at times I shook with fear.

And sometimes, God, forgive me,

I've wept unmanly tears.

I know I don't deserve a place,

Among the people here.

They never wanted me around,

Except to calm their fears.

If you've a place for me here, Lord,

It needn't be so grand.

I never expected or had too much,

But if you don't, I'll understand.

There was a silence all around the throne,

Where the saints had often trod.

As the soldier waited quietly,

For the judgment of his God.

"Step forward now, you soldier,

You've borne your burdens well.

Walk peacefully on Heaven's streets,

You've done your time in Hell."

~Author Unknown~

It's the Soldier, not the reporter who has given us the freedom of the press.

It's the Soldier, not the poet, who has given us the freedom of speech.

It's the Soldier, not the politicians that ensures our right to Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness.

It's the Soldier who salutes the flag, who serves beneath the flag, and whose coffin is draped by the flag.

2006-09-11T03:27:00.000-07:00

9/11

2006-09-11T03:07:00.000-07:00

Well Im sure you all know what this blog will be about so enjoy!!

Exactly 5 years ago today I was 1 day into Basic Training at Fort Benning, Georgia. Like all the rest of the days we were going into our class rooms to start off the day and begin all the wonderful training the Army had to offer (ugh) I remember the rest of the day like no other. We took a 10 min break after the Chaplain came in and whispered something into one of the Drill Sergeants ears. After we came back they had the TV on and all of us sitting there watching the 2nd plane crash into the Trade Center. A few guys ducked their heads and a few other had tears running down their face, come to find out one of the guys dad washed windows at the Trade Center and anothers Aunt and Uncle owned a deli just down the street. There we are new recruits and seeing what terrorism was doing to our once Free country. I can't really describe what I felt, shocked clueless I just sat there and it felt so unreal that I shouldn't be there that this wasn't happening. After 30 min or so we were released to call our families and let them know we were ok and see how they were with all of this. I remember the phone lines being busy and standing next to the guys who were trying to call back to New York. So our day was one we would never forget and it was that night in bed when I realized that I wouldn't get to spend my next four years in college but defending the country we love so much for the terror we all hated.

So now here I sit in Afghanistan fighting the "real terrorism". Whenever this deployment started even though I didn't want it to happen I felt it was kinda my duty to come over here and defend our Freedom. I spent 8 months for my Egypt deployment, laying on the beach, playing in town going on numerous MWR trips. So when a chance came up to defend what we love so much I felt deep down it was part of the reason I joined the Army and now was my chance to do it. The people of Afghanistan didn't attack us but the country was infested with terrorist and now we want to change that for the better..

Five years ago I never thought I would be here now in Afghanistan but I am and I hope one day the country can go back to the way it once was. We have changed so much in the last 5 years, the school system, the government, the Army as of last week Major Roper and I started the process to recruit the first female ANA soldier. Everyone wants this place to change for the better, that and 9/11 are why we are here. I don't think we would be here on any other circumstance if the USA wouldn't have been attacked. Im not taking away from 9/11 any at all but what if we wouldn't have come here to stop the Taliban? What kinda of fear or war would we be living in? Maybe the kind these people lived in for over 30 years.. Deep down I guess Im glad we're here, there are so many great people here that deserve a better life than a lot of people have in the states..

So again, here I am Sept. 11, 2006. 5 years after that horrible tragedy sitting in the last place I ever thought I would be. This afternoon I was standing outside of the Chow Hall after our 4th moment of silence for the collapse of the south tower. I was standing with a few Afghan Nationals who work on Phoenix, as we watched the American flag go up the flag pole, Waheed turned to me and with a very sad and quite voice, "Today is a bad day for Americans and a very sad day for you." I agreed and thought for a second and turned back to Waheed, "Yeah its a very very horrible day for every American, but the day after was a great day for all the innocent people of Afghanistan."

2006-08-23T00:15:00.000-07:00

2 months down and counting!!! Man what a long time.. oh by the way Notre Dame is #2 in the AP "Charlie Wiess and the Football Factory"

2006-08-22T22:32:00.000-07:00

Well the last couple of weeks have been going by pretty fast for me I guess we've been so busy and a lot has been going on here in Afghanistan that we just don't think about the time and it just flies by. I think if we really dwell and sit around and do nothing than it just goes by really slow and we spend the time thinking about the ones we miss and love so much and it really gets us down. I don't think I could handle not getting to leave Camp Phoenix or having to do the same thing day in and day out, I would become so overwhelmed with sadness that I couldn't function. I mean a lot of guys don't want to leave Phoenix cause they worry what's outside that front gate and I understand that cause there are a lot of bad things out there that at any second could hurt any one of us. I guess I take that risk to leave and get out cause I couldn't stand being stuck here.. There are a few places I like to go and get out of here and really hate coming back on to camp, I like going to the other camps but once again we're trapped there as well so when we get to go out and do our CERP missions its great not just because were helping but because we are getting out of here and getting a little "FREEDOM" of our own...

We checked on the school we are building its coming along really good and should be ready for a final inspection by us Saturday and hopefully have the grand opening next month. We also checked on the hospital were we are building the patient rooms and they are almost finished as well. It nice seeing what we're doing for them and hopefully we can keep it up.

Last week I got to attend one of the most memorable things I would probably get to do here besides all the good stuff this was something fun for us to do without any work. We went to one of the local villages for a wedding and this was by far the biggest wedding I have ever been to.
Well let me go back this really wasn't the wedding but it was part of the ceremony. This was more like the bachelor party but they really don't call it that. Of course there were no women at this but there were over 600 guys there so Im sure the wedding itself was 1200 easily. We showed up talked for awhile and had supper and then got hena painted on our hands if you look at one of the pictures you can see the little girls waving and on one of their hands is hena and that's what they are doing to our hands. Then they brought in a famous Afghan singer who cost 3 thousand for the night so Im sure the parents are spending a lot of money on the whole thing. After the singer started all the guys wanted Lt. Marmen one to get up and dance so of course he did and there was a little old man there they called "Joker" (and if your reading this and from Madill you should get the next part.) Joker was Catman Morgan to the tee, crazy, didn't make any sense and his dance was more like a gymnastics contest than anything but he could put on a show, and that's what he did, he even wore a weight lifting belt Im guessing for his extra protection. It was an experience I will never forget and sometime next month our Interp will be getting married so Im sure his will be just as good.

Well anyway last week we did another MEDCAP like a couple weeks ago. This one was a lot larger and we were able to see more people. I did my usual part, taking pictures, helping out here and there with security and of course playing with the kids. I always seem to find one that Im drawn to one little kid who always catches my eye or does something that reminds me of Bayleigh or just doesn't bother me or bug me for stuff like the other kids do. One little boy (the one in the white clothes with my kevlar on) he is the son of the owner of the house were we did the MEDCAP he is about 6-7 I would say I never did ask him but he was the cutest and most ornery little boy probably the equivalent of a boy Bayleigh. He stood by my side the whole time and would pull on my pant leg every time he wanted another piece of candy and then whenever anyone else wanted some candy he would run them off no matter how bug they were. After awhile he got in trouble from his dad and then wanted to "flex" his muscles and show me how strong he was by moving rocks and picking up his brothers.

Later in the day I was standing on the porch of one of the houses and saw a boy pushing a wheel barrow into the compound and inside the wheelbarrow was his brother who had some type of crippling disease that mad his body contract and distort into positions the body shouldn't go. The boy was placed on one of the litters and the medics looked him over and there is really nothing they could do for him but give him documents to go to the hospital. As the boy pushed his brother outside the front gate a few of us stood on the porch and I thought what Im sure the rest of the group was thinking and that he probably wont live much longer and how sad it is that they cant be helped enough to fight all the diseases they face and all the problems they face. We can only do so much here and the longer I stay and go out the more it seems that they may never be able to help themselves without the help from us.

2006-08-05T05:33:00.000-07:00

MED-CAP

2006-08-05T03:46:00.000-07:00

Ok first I want to start out with something that sruck my attention and really really got me pissed off and iritated especially after the day I had today. (Heres a little excert from the email I sent this "wonderful American" I found on myspace.com) Here is the link to his

http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendID=97009833

"I dont know who this is but your an idiot!! Honestly do you really find any of that funny.. Of all the people you could make a profile about and say shit about how the military cant find him, you really are a "mo-ron" (A person of mild mental retardation having a mental age of from 7 to 12 years and generally having communication and social skills enabling some degree of academic or vocational education) ... Congrats!!!

You have no idea how many Americans and Oklahomans have gave their blood sweat and tears in Afghanistan (including myself) to help out this country that was punished by the Taliban.

When you leave your humble abode of Madill, Ok you can say whatever you want and be as much of a moron as you like. All I ask is that you really know what your talking about and if you really want to appreciate someone please pick someone other than a Taliban.

Now I'll stop waisting my time on worthless people as your self I have better things to do like help the people of Afghanistan.

Ok now back to my day!!

We started out pretty early this morning and headed out to do a MED-CAP (we organize a "clinic" in a village using the medics and the help of the locals) Today was actually the first one we have done since we've been here. We set up at a locals house which is very large and expensive. We treated about 100 patients men women and children. We started out and I was playing with some of the kids that will be living in the house as soon as its finished. I was having a pretty good time doing what my Dad (Scott) does for Bayleigh when someone is at the Hospital. Scott takes a glove and blows it up or i put it on Bays head and she has to have about 10 rubber gloves. Well I took about 5 gloves and made "balloons" and drew a face on it using the thumb as a nose. The kids loved it running around chasing the other kids with them. While I was blowing them up I would let the air out in their face and they would just giggle thinking that was the greatest thing ever.

After awhile of that and walking around taking pictures a man brought in a little girl (the girl in purple in the guys arms) she is 1 and very very malnutritioned her fingers were no bigger than a straw. Probably one of the most difficult things Ive seen here so far. She was so timmed and shy so one of the medics gave her a bear almost bigger than her. She just sat there looking around at everyone as they treated her and she was just so cute and sweet I wanted to take her home and give her what she wasnt getting here in Afghanistan.

It was all pretty tough today the medics treated so many malnuritied children and children with all kinds of problems. I stood and watched as one little boy who looked no more than 3 months probably 3 years he just laid in in moms arms looking lifeless and so weak he could even wave the flys from his face. This is so so sad and all I could think about (what I think about everyday) bayleigh and how I could never let Bayleigh get any where near that bad (thinking this mom was a bad mother) but then I watched another little girl getting water out of a well and saw what looked like Lake Texoma water running into a bottle, the little girl carried back over to her mom and she tipped it up and drank it like it was straight Dasani. Its just tough remembering sometimes what these people go through then I cant imagine going through it myself. They are defanaitlty stronger than I would ever be, I would have given up by now.

2006-08-04T05:21:00.000-07:00

2006-08-04T04:46:00.000-07:00

Catching Up!!!!!

2006-08-04T04:03:00.000-07:00

Well everyone has been griping about me not updating my blog as often so I will let you know how things have been the last couple weeks.. We received a large amount of money to help out with projects in Kabul, we are working on 2 schools a clinic, repairing some roads and building a foot bridge over one of the busiest roads in Kabul. We’ve had several meeting with the elders here lately over what they think is the most important things to fix. Of course they all want the school and footbridge at the top of our list so that’s what we’re shooting for.

We really haven’t been into town a whole lot lately a few times we are just busy trying to get bids and land to build the projects. We had a groundbreaking ceremony last week at the Infectious Disease Hospital (IDH). We are adding 5 b-huts to replace the several tents in that are used to treat patients and our out in the open. We also donated several boxes of scrubs to IDH along with 4000 dollars worth of medical supplies.

Last week I took probably one of the worst trips of my life (scared to death). We went to another village in Afghanistan it’s about an hour there on a good paved route. Lots too see this was a really beautiful drive (on the way there) then on the way back we took a different route 4 hours back on one of the worst roads I’ve ever been on no guard rail not even some dirt pushed the side to make a guard rail. We were 8 thousand feet up and if you know me you know how horrified I am of heights. I was clinching the steering wheel and every time we passed a corner another semi (jingle truck) would come as close to me as they possibly could and I can’t tell you how many times I came about a foot from the ledge. After about a 2 hour climb we finally desended down and I was able to “unpucker” and relax. I saw a lot maybe more than I wanted to see but enough mountain and rugged terrain to last me a whole year.

Last week we also went to the former Queen of Afghanistan’s Mansion. This place was still amazing even though it was built back during the 20’s and survived several wars, its still one of the most amazing things I’ve ever seen. It is so difficult seeing how crumbled and destroyed the palace is now and wishing I could see it during its hay day. Looking down you could see the court yard and tell this was once one of the most beautiful places in Afghanistan. Now ridden with bullet holes, and ransacked for anything any everything including toilets. I have tried finding pictures online to see just how great it was but I’m still unsuccessful. Maybe you will have better luck..

Most of you know last Sunday was my birthday!!! Wasn’t all that great being here but the guys made it the best they could for me. My interp got me a birthday cake (bananas and pineapple) very good and it made it a lot better than just sitting around and missing home. You always miss home the most on the days you deem important in your life (anniversary, birthdays, holidays) it gets tough and I’m really dreading Christmas my first one away from my family actually my first one away ever. I hope it flies by and they don’t make a huge deal out of it here, because its not were a big deal HERE, we’re stuck in a place most of us don’t want to be at that time of the year but we gotta make the best of it or we will all be miserable.

Well I guess I’ll sign off for now and try to keep this up to date more I don’t wanna let my “Blog Fans Down” Take care back home I miss you all..

2006-07-17T08:24:00.000-07:00

2006-07-17T08:13:00.000-07:00

ROCKS!!!!!

2006-07-17T05:51:00.000-07:00

Ok so some of the kids aren't as great as the others but don't trust the older ones...

Yesterday was I guess my first encounter with the "bad ones". We went to a school with about 1000 students. We didn't go to take supplies (I guess that was the mistake) we went to look at what they needed to improve the school (bigger classrooms more desks as you can see in the pictures) we walked around the school most of the kids spoke English very well. I met one kid who was 19 and wanted to become a computer engineer in the states. The thing is the chance of him doing that are honestly slim to none because the school is mainly a school for refugees and foster kids.

Here is the some might say exciting part:
We are leaving the gate of the school and about 400 kids are outside with us no adults no teachers just about 400 15-20 year old kids. We have 4 upamored humvees and one of our little Ford pickups and one of the humvees has a trailer of school supplies for a school more deserving.. I get about 4 steps outside the gate and the trailer gets swarmed like a pack of wolves on a pound of raw meat. We start pulling the kids off and pushing them back, we have 20 or so guys and then the 400 kids wonderful!!! We get them off without loosing too much and then we leave, as were leaving we have to drive about a quarter of a mile through an alley as we get about half way down the alley the kids start throwing rocks. We have an Afghan Army Major with us, he pulls his belt (by the way they're not scared of our rifles they're scared of sticks, rocks, knives, and belts) he starts smackin the brats with it and they start to give in some. I have my window down, so I think "Todd putt up your window or something is gonna happen" no more than I put my hand back on the steering wheel a rock the size of my fist hits the window. Wow first time I've been ticked at these people.. So we finally get out of there and on to the next school.. That was already enough for the day...

The next school was a lot better help from the teachers and the kids listened. This was an elementary school with about 4000 kids.. The kids attend school in tents it really honestly looks like the commercials for feed the children really miserable. We handed out more stuff than we could count about 30 large boxes of supplies.

The boys went first of course... They were good I caught one little boy going through the line about 3 times so I made sure it was his last. Some kids like the other school just take advantage kinda like some do back in the states but there are so many who need it and take it without begging for more and more. I usually try to stand to the side and look for the shy or not so hellious as the others and give them what I have. After awhile some of the boxes were empty and I found a box full of Barbie and Aladdin pencils so I grabbed the box and took it upon myself to give them out to the girls who were standing and watching. They were a little pushy but after a little dari they knew what I meant. (yak "one" nay "no" burro "go") So again I took it upon myself to get the girls over in the line to get what they needed. I don't think the male teachers liked my idea as much as I did or the other guys so they took them back about 3 times until our interp stepped in and got the job done. I took the picture (the first one you see at the top of this blog) you can see the girl turning her head while the other girl smiles big. She turned away because of the male thing how they're made to do. She shook her head at me and walked away.. Could you image how that would be, she is 13 and married by the way, what a country huh!!!

So another eventful day in Afghanistan!! Oh by the way we cut the first school off until they get there attitude fixed.. We wouldn't have done that but the principle stood by while all of that went on. Until then they will have to deal with the problems the school faces.. One of our guys got hit in the face and back of the head from rocks. One of the rocks would have hit his eye if it weren't for his sunglasses...

2006-07-12T01:16:00.000-07:00

2006-07-12T00:50:00.000-07:00

Lately!!!!!

2006-07-12T00:37:00.000-07:00

Well its getting hotter and the wind is picking up they call it the 120 day wind and its the truth.

We have been really busy here lately hence the lack of blogs. This past weekend we went to a Infectious Disease Hospital (the bird flu is alive and well in Afghanistan). We handed out about 4 thousand dollars of medical equipment we purchased from a downtown pharmacy. The hospital is lacking in US standards. They use tents to treat incoming patients and that tent may be were they stay depending on the severity of the disease.

When we pulled up to a hospital a little girl was sitting and waiting with her mother at the entrance. She was so timid and scared of me as I watched her peek around the corner of the bench and smile and jerk back. I had a pocket full of twizlers so I used them as bait so she wouldn't be so scared of us. After about 10-12 twizlers later she would run up and ask for more unlike the boys they'll take it without asking. I really feel sorry for the girls not sure if its the soft spot having a daddys girl or what but they have really had it rough and are still fighting for their rights.

We unloaded everything and left I got a little waive and a quick duck back under the bench but maybe I warmed her up not to be scared of us soldiers.

Today was another trip to the school were building. Checking on the progress they are coming along very well and now we are gonna see what we can do to look into some donations of playground equipment (please let me know if you have any ideas) we will pay for shipping just looking for a school or community that has some to give up. Took a few pictures of kids with flags always a great picture. Then I made the mistake of handing stuff out in a crowd of kids not really the best thing to do.

We have finally made it to an office so maybe I can keep this thing up to date more than I do. Im glad ya'll like reading this. If I can't tell you face to face I hope you know how proud it makes me feel to get the boxes from home full of stuff for the kids you guys are great so thank you for what you do and I know you're doing it for us but the kids are just grateful to get it period......

Backpacks and Kids

2006-07-04T02:01:00.000-07:00

Well its been a few days and the last few have been really busy. On Sunday we loaded our Ford Rangers with backpacks full of school suplies for kids at 2 kindergartens. After a ride through down town Kabul (Grand Theft Auto: Kabul) we got to the first school and were greated with smiles and hugs. This was the first time I have seen women working and they seemed to be doing a great job. We handed out around 50 bags and had a meeting with the director of the school. After awhile in the meeting I wondered around the school just watching the kids and missing Bayleigh more and more as I watched the kids play and work. I handed out candy to the kids and recieved a well spoken "thank you". And for the first time snapped a picture of the little girls who usually run away from us. When I went back to the meeting the teachers brought us lunch was very good (I dont think the Afghans know how to cook a bad meal) and come to find out the teachers put their money together to buy and fix lunch. They don't really have 2 dimes to rub together but they fixed us lunch just to show us how much they appreciate us.

Our next school was just the same they were so happy to see us and so happy for us to give what they dont have. I went into a back room (the nap room) and saw a little boy with bright red hair and too many freckles to count, too cute.

Yesterday we finally moved into our perminant barracks and its pretty comfy like a little apartment microwave, fridge, coffee pot, and my single burner I brought from home. Its nice to get settled in and unpack everything its tough living out of a duffel bag and not being able to find anything.

And today we went down to Camp Warehouse a camp with lots of foreign armies Germany, Italy, France (frechie) and several others. Im getting pretty good at the driving and actually having fun doing it (a little scared at first) but you see so much and everybody wants to wave and see the Americans. After a meeting there we moved on to KMTC (Kabul Military Training Center) its were they train the ANA (Afghan National Army). What a Fourth of July huh oh and tonight we get ice cream and bbq chicken. Not sure if I would rather be at home or here. ; )

It's nice though helping out another country and serving in the military and celebrating our independince all at the same time. So while your having your picnics and days at the beach or what ever your doing back home remember us and what we're doing and who we're doing it for. Happy 4th Everyone

2006-06-30T11:04:00.000-07:00

2006-06-30T10:42:00.000-07:00

2006-06-30T09:39:00.000-07:00

Note to self Afghan food is great just worry about the side effects.

Yesterday we took a walk to the back side of Kabul to look at a Mosque in need of repairs. This was a nice walk we usaully drive in the LTV (Light Tactical Vehicle) or (Ford Ranger Pick Up). We got to spend the whole time amongst the locals so a good first hand view of the village. We walked past the buildings constucted of mud and hay. Several trash pits and a line of sewage that ran back through an alley were kids and adults both walk to school work and to the Mosque we were visiting.

The problems with the Mosque were what you expected from a building thats been standing before I was born. The roof leaks, walls are crumbling, theres no room to pray, they also wash their feet before praying and they need a better area to do that. Lots of work but thats what were here to do.

While at the Mosque I met too younger guys maybe my age wrestling with each other and dying for a picture. It reminded me so much of my friends and I back home how much we play and goof off, they really are no different from us just in a bad situation.

After leaving the Mosque we walked back through the alley, trying to catch a picture of the beautiful little girls. I hate to put it this way but if these girls had the chance to live an American life they would be your next models. Green eyes some with red hair, its just like the the picture on the cover of the National Geographic in the 70's. The girls take off running scared of us or men in general.

We get to the location where we want to meet with the elders, and this place is amazing for Afghanistan and being the first time ive seen grass its was amazing for me. We go inside and sit down like all the rest of the times have tea, fresh water mellon, and grapes. After awhile one of the medics we bring along starts taking care of some of the people. He treats one man with asthma another with shoulder problems and a handful more.

While the "improtant people" were inside I staied and played with the children. Taking pictures running out of pens and begged to death for my watch or knife. I kept them happy with the pictures one of the boys was wanting the camera as a gift offering me 30 Afghanis for it, 50 Afghanis is equal to 1 us dollar.

All in all just another day in Afghanistan seeing the wrongs this country has been forced to deal with is unbeleaveable to say the least. I don't think I could ever stop helping the Afghans.

High School

2006-06-25T03:46:00.000-07:00

Today was just as amazing as the last. We went to check on the progress of a local High School that we are building. We locate the area look for a good contractor and give him the money to build it so the money stays in Kabul along with other stipulations. The school was coming along great considering the lack of power tools (none) and the amazing hard bare handed work done by the locals, they live, eat and pray in the school until its built.

About 3 months ago the school was a sewage site they have cleaned it up (to afghan standards) and continued on. I watched kids play on old swings and see saws that really don't have much of a saw left. I'm down about 20 ink pens or so but made a new friend, Hamiid a 12 year old boy who spoke English better than most Oklahomans do. Very friendly and helpful with all the other children letting me know what they were saying to me and what they wanted backsheesh (gift) toop (ball) along with several other things. He impressed, me over 80% of the country is illiterate and this 12 year old boy is caring on a conversation with me.

Im excited about my job (CERP Official) Commanders Emergency Relief Projects we get to deal first hand with the reconstruction of Afghanistan and helping out with the well being of the children the innocent ones. (Im sounding like the Sally Struthers "With only a penny a day") but I feel real passionate about this and can't wait to get back out..

Kabul

2006-06-25T03:22:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was my first day in town AMAZING!!! The pictures the movies its nothing like being here. This is a 3rd world country and you can tell that from the first few minutes of the airplane. Yesterday we went to a part of Kabul were the people are asking for a new Mosque (church). This one has holes in the roof, no lighting, no running water. It would be like all of us living back in the 1800's that's the way these people live and have no idea its different in other areas. This Mosque was made for about 100 people or so and the Village is about 100 strong to say the least. While Major Roper (my boss) was visiting with the Elders (like a mayor or Representative) I was visiting with several kids about 16-18 years old. Maybe all of them together knew enough English to make a paragraph if that. But they treated me great and were very friendly. I gave them a pack of Orbit gum and they didn't know how to take it they're used to regular bubble gum so I showed them and they wanted to know if it was from America so to them it was a 5 star candy. Another young boy asked me for my ink pen. I carry about 4 on me at a time so as I handed out my first one you would of thought I was giving away gold. These kids think pens are the greatest thing we could give them and they wont loose them or throw them away they keep them till the ink is gone. You know we throw them out if we don't like them or the slightest sign of no ink its trash.

that's how I take the kids here they appreciate everything we give them and anything we can do for them. We take so much for granted back home and these people use and reuse what ever they can get their hands on. This little boy was dying for me to take his picture and show him, thumbs up.