Adam: From DC to Afghanistan

A Special Memorial Day

2009-05-29T13:40:00.005+04:30

For many back home, Memorial Day is the national holiday marking the beginning of summer. It’s a day off from work and school; there are sales and bargains for shoppers; families and friends gather for picnics; pools open and many make their first foray of the season to the beach. For us in Kabul, it was a poignant time of remembrance for the men and women in uniform who gave their lives fighting for our country, followed by another day at the office.

Our day began at 5:00 a.m. with a memorial run, in formation, led by outgoing Commanding General, David McKiernan. Afterward, in the General’s moving speech, we were reminded us of those who came before us in defense of the United States and were summoned to rededicate ourselves to making a difference in the lives of the people of Afghanistan.

The speech was bittersweet, knowing that General McKiernan will be replaced in a matter of weeks. I have great respect for him. He cares about the Afghan people and about the lives of his soldiers. While he may have had disagreements with those above him, including our President, he was loved by many and will be missed.

Here are some photos of our morning run led by General McKiernan.

The Troops are Coming!

2009-05-24T20:32:00.005+04:30

We have just returned from another trip to Kandahar, continuing to build our new media operations center. the pace has been feverish, trying to make sure the center is operational in time for the press to cover the influx of new troops flowing into Southern Afghanistan. More than 20,000 soldiers are in the process of arriving to protect the Afghan people, and the base is overflowing with activity. Every time I visit, it's more crowded, with construction of new facilities made of the connex boxes happening daily (see photos).

It's amazing to see the building, first hand, instead of reading about it. Each day hundreds, and sometimes thousands, of soldiers arrive via military transports. In many cases, the infrastructure is not yet built, and the troops must create their own places to sleep and work. Everyone competes for space. The word is that Kandahar Air Field will become one of the largest garrisons in the US Army anywhere in the world.

Our media operations center is our small contribution to the military effort in Kandahar. We are bringing in 20 or so personnel to manage the operation, a small fraction compared to the numbers coming to fight; however, we’re here to back them up.

On Top of the World

2009-05-15T20:18:00.005+04:30

I have written in previous entries about the beautiful Afghan landscape. With its towering mountains and lush valleys, it has to be one of the most visually appealing nations on earth. Today I had the opportunity to see this wonderful view up close while hiking on a famous mountain on the outskirts of Kabul. Friends from Germany, Canada, Finland and the United States all joined me for the half-day event.

The mountain is on the grounds of the Kabul Military Training Center, a campus used by the Afghan National Army, and reaches a peak of nearly 9,000 feet. Luckily, we only had to climb 3,000 feet, since Kabul sits at nearly 6,000. It was still a challenging climb.

As we approached the mountain, we began to see rusted Soviet tanks on either side of us, memories of the horrific wars that the people of the nation have endured through the years. But as we began to climb, the poverty and wreckage faded into the landscape and we saw only pure beauty. From the summit, we could see the holes in the ground below where the Soviets dug in their tanks, though they looked more like interesting patterns reaching across a prairie.

Once we reached the peak, we had some snacks, took pictures (which I am showing you here) and caught our breath before the long hike down. Today was a nice escape from the stresses of working in a war zone.

Friends Reunited

2009-05-10T21:51:00.004+04:30

It's not often that one is deployed to a war alone and then have two of his best friends arrive on the same base a few months later, and one assigned to the same office! But that is what has happened to me in the last few days. After a tough week, not much could have been better than the arrival of Tommy Groves and Mark Walton, two of my closest friends in or out of the Navy.

Tommy Groves and I met two years ago when he was first commissioned in the Navy. I was assigned as his mentor to help him get situated and become familiarized with military life. We became very close friends through that experience and are now more like brothers. He is a producer for CNN's Larry King Live in his civilian job, and he brings excellent experience to our mission in Afghanistan.

Mark Walton has been a great friend since 2003, when we served together in San Diego. We hit it off immediately and became members of the social crowd that liked hit the town in San Diego on drill weekends. Mark's brother lives in DC, and whenever Mark comes to Washington, we hang out on U Street or Adams Morgan.

The tradition continues in Afghanistan. The three of us are working out together, going to social events at the embassy, and meeting for chai during the day. It makes my experience so much more meaningful to know that two of my best friends are serving right beside me. I have attached a photo from a couple days ago when the three of us met Katie Couric during her trip to Kabul to report for the CBS Evening News and 60 Minutes.

A Stressful Time in Afghanistan

2009-05-08T04:00:00.004+04:30

I apologize for not posting in the last two weeks. I know that some of you have been concerned about me. Unexpectedly, I was sent back to Washington for meetings at the Department of State. When I returned to Kabul, we faced a major crisis. As you may have read, there was an incident in the Farah Province of Western Afghanistan where many civilians have been killed. At this point, we do not know how they were killed, but demonstrations have erupted in the streets and blame is targeted in many directions.

According to the reports, the Taliban beheaded some members of the provincial government, eliciting a swift response from the Afghan National Police. When the police went to arrest the people that committed the crimes, they came under attack and called for help from American fighter jets. Munitions were dropped on the buildings occupied by the Taliban. After the smoke cleared, the Taliban claimed that U.S. forces killed dozens of civilians.

We believe that this may not be true, and that the Taliban may have slaughtered innocent people while blaming us for the tragedy. My colleagues and I have been awake for hours on end responding to media interest and working to find out what really happened. When civilians die, it's tragic, no matter how they were killed. My stress level and sadness are intense, and it’s difficult to sleep imagining how the families and loved ones of the victims must feel. I am working hard to keep perspective and think long term about why we are here. I hope our presence will help create a better life for the people of Afghanistan. They so deserve to live in peace.

Kandahar

2009-04-19T21:56:00.009+04:30

We have just returned from Kandahar Air Field, one of the largest bases in Afghanistan, in the volatile southern city of Kandahar. It is the birthplace of the Taliban, and was the hometown of the infamous Mullah Omar. Violence is an everyday occurrence in Kandahar, and stabilizing that region will be key to a successful outcome in Afghanistan.

President Obama recently announced an increase of 17,000 troops in this country, and most of them will be heading to Kandahar. The media have now begun to focus on Kandahar, and we traveled there to plan for the many upcoming embed-journalist requests. Working with large numbers of media requires a tremendous amount of coordination. Where will everyone sleep and work while waiting to be embedded with various units? That infrastructure does not now exist in Kandahar, and building a much-needed media-operations center, while important, will take time.

On a lighter note, Kandahar Air Field is an exciting place. After traveling to all the major bases in this country, I was surprised to learn that this one has more recreational activities than any other place, including beach volleyball, outdoor spinning classes, and even a hockey rink for the Canadians. Finally, what would a military base be without fast food!

Mezar-i-Sharif

2009-04-12T11:22:00.003+04:30

The last stop on our trip was Mezar-i-Sharif. Actually, it wasn't much of a visit, as we were there connecting to our flight to Kabul. Mezar is city in Northern Afghanistan, and the reconstruction effort is led by the German Army. The base where we landed is home to more than 2,000 Germans and very few people from other nations.

As one would expect, the base was immaculate, with paved and lit sidewalks and well-manicured landscaping. Even the chow hall was spotless, with traditional German cuisine. I must say, it was an interesting experience being on a German military base with so few Americans, especially seeing the Iron Cross on the military vehicles.

World War II was 60 years ago, and we are now in a different time. Germany is one of our closest allies and an integral part of the effort in Afghanistan. Many of my close friends here are German. While history will always be etched in our minds, I am happy that former adversaries of tragic wars in the last century can now work together rebuilding one of the world’s poorest nations.

Herat

2009-04-08T20:37:00.000+04:30

In my last post, I failed to mention the reason for our trip. My boss, Col. Julian, my good friend, LT Dave Hecht, and I took a team from CNN to see development efforts in Afghanistan. We are barraged in the media with images portraying the negative side of this conflict, but there is much else on which to report. Significant progress has been made here during the eight years. As a Public Affairs Officer, I am blessed to have the opportunity to see so much of the country. Many soldiers never leave base. While traveling in Afghanistan is dangerous, I want to seize every opportunity to know the country better.

Our stop after Bagram was the ancient city of Herat in Western Afghanistan. Herat is on the famous Silk Route and one of the largest cities in the country. Since the fall of the Taliban, the international community has transformed the area, and Herat now has 24-hour running water for the first time in its history.

The Italians and Spaniards have led the Provincial Reconstruction Team in Heart. The camp where we stayed is called "Little Italy." To give you some perspective on the international efforts here, the camp is home to nearly 2,000 Italians and only eight Americans! The food was delizioso. The pizza is as good as any I've had in Rome (or at Matchbox or Sonoma on Capitol Hill).

By the way, "Esercito," written on the side of the helicopter, means "Army" in Italian.

Bagram

2009-04-05T10:29:00.005+04:30

Our trip to Herat began with a drive to well-known Bagram Airfield, housing the largest base in Afghanistan. More than 17,000 soldiers, mainly American and Polish, are stationed there. Most flights around the country originate at Bagram.

Bagram is nestled in the middle of the beautiful Hindu Kush mountain range. On a clear day it sports perhaps the greatest view of any airport in the world. During its long history, Bagram served as the main base and air hub for the Soviets during their occupation of Afghanistan. It was also the location where former President Bush and candidate Barack Obama spoke to the troops during their visits to Afghanistan.

Since we were here as a stopover while waiting for our plane, there was time to relax and enjoy the surroundings. Not only did we enjoy American fast-food favorites, but we watched a volleyball game and were able to head out to the flight line to see planes take off and land.

Travels Begin

2009-04-01T12:48:00.000+04:30

The last 10 days have been a whirlwind filled with constant travel. Now that I can finally sit in front of a computer, I'd like to spend the next few days telling you about the reason for my trips and the experiences we've had along the way. Last week, we flew by Blackhawk helicopter to Laghman Province, east of Kabul, to attend the first graduation of the Afghan Public Protection Force, a new program designed to give local villagers responsibility for the security in their villages.

Similar to community policing in the United States, recruits are chosen by village elders to attend training offered by the Afghan National Police and then sent home to patrol their own neighborhoods in Wardak Province. While it is a brand new program, the concept is groundbreaking and we are rooting for its success.

The graduation ceremony was fantastic. Seeing the new recruits standing proud as they received their certifications was as poignant as it gets. General McKiernan, along with the Afghan Minister of Interior and the Provincial Governor of Wardak Province, addressed them. I had an opportunity to speak to several Afghan students and instructors, and all were proud of the work they are doing. It is inspirational to see this nation rebuild itself with such diligence and pride.

Heading West

2009-03-29T12:16:00.004+04:30

I am going on a trip to Western Afghanistan for a few days and will not be able to post while away. The blog will continue next week when I return to Kabul, with lots of great pictures to share!

An Honorary Pirate

2009-03-25T10:36:00.000+04:30

This blog post is to thank all of the great young pirates in Grade 3B at the Carlthorp School in Santa Monica, California. Jack, the son of Dr. Amy Zegart, my former graduate school professor at UCLA, and his class, led by Mrs. Tarvin, have adopted me as an honorary pirate on their class ship!

Thank you for writing me such nice notes. Even though I am a grown up and a Navy officer, I still get homesick sometimes. Afghanistan is very far away from the United States, as you have learned. Your letters have brought me so much joy! I am very touched that you are thinking about me and all of the other soldiers protecting the country.

Life is difficult here. It snows all the time, and there are bad people all around us. But we stay positive because we know that we want life to be great for all of you back home and for the good people of Afghanistan. That is why we are here. Something I have been reminded of here is how good it feels to make a difference in the lives of children and adults who suffer every day because their country has been at war for so long. Whether you decide to be a doctor, lawyer, teacher, construction worker or soldier, always remember to help those in need whenever you can.

I am honored to be on your pirate ship, and I hope that one day you can sail over here and take me back to America, I will definitely come visit your class when I return to the U.S. and can visit Santa Monica. Ahoy, sailors!

Space Constraints

2009-03-20T11:18:00.005+04:30

ISAF is probably the nicest base in Afghanistan. As a NATO command, it is international. I especially appreciate the array of menu selections. Lamb chops with mint sauce, pasta and pesto, and grilled salmon are all at ISAF. But this base was originally built for 800 people, and now there are more than 1500 permanent residents. This causes some logistical nightmares and severe crowding.

I have been here for two months, and only now have I moved into my permanent room. I no longer have Italian roommates, but I have more space and a real place to call “home.” In a future post, I will profile my new living arrangements, but for now, I want to tell you a quick story about my friend Jamey, who came to visit for a day, but is now stranded because his helicopter was cancelled.

Jamey has now been here for three days, and has had four different rooms. Now he is in a tent, probably a more permanent location—for now! Because rooms keep filling up so fast for permanent residents, transient soldiers like Jamey are forced to play a game of musical rooms.

Life on deployment is full of ups and downs, and we certainly do not have all the conveniences we are used to in the U.S. But the staff here at ISAF does its best to fix or improve challenging situations. For that we are thankful. Just a few years ago, the thought of eating hot meals and living in hard buildings in a combat zone was pure fantasy for most of us here. Now it's a daily reality. For me, serving our country is not about the money or the perks, but to help protect the national security interests of the United States.

Fun Under the Lights

2009-03-16T21:22:00.004+04:30

We work seven days a week in Afghanistan. Unfortunately, the security situation does not allow for days off. Ever-changing circumstances require constant vigilance. If the insurgents are working, then so are we. But that doesn't mean there isn't time during the day (or night) to have some fun.

Physical fitness is a "must" in the military. Recently, our command sponsored evening volleyball. ISAF has a lighted volleyball court that is usually occupied by members of the international coalition. Whether it's the Macedonians, the Italians or the Canadians, you can always find action on the volleyball court. So far, our American contingent has played only within our group, but I'm hoping we can start an international tournament this summer.

Unfortunately, I hurt my back lifting weights in the gym and was unable to play in the most recent match. Instead, I served as referee. Notice the holster and pistol in the picture above. How often do you see an armed referee? Fortunately, I did not make any controversial calls, but if I had, it was nice to know I had some protection!

A Taste of Home

2009-03-14T15:29:00.007+04:30

Immersion into life in Kabul is an experience of a lifetime, but that does not mean I don't crave some comforts of home. The strong European influence on our NATO base provides delicious food and cultural richness.

The other day, we went to Camp Phoenix, another base in Kabul. To my surprise, right in the middle of the Post Exchange, was a Dairy Queen!

I have always had a passion for DQ. My friend Tommy and I had a tradition of stopping at one on our way to and from Norfolk for Navy Reserve duty. And during my childhood, my grandfather would sneak me off to DQ, leaving my grandmother at home holding a bowl of granola. Discovering DQ in Kabul seemed like divine intervention!

Here is a photo of Specialist Shipp and me chowing down on a Blizzard. Remember the song, "Happiness is Two Kinds of Ice Cream" from You're a Good Man Charlie Brown?" This is what happiness look like.

The Wreckage of Kabul

2009-03-10T22:22:00.003+04:30

My last post gave a glimpse of some post-Taliban recovery in sections of Kabul. New stores, restaurants, and even some modern luxuries have made their way into Afghanistan's ancient Capital. But the scars of war remain, and are fixtures of a city that still has much healing to do. It's hard to imagine enduring 30 years of war, more than five times the length of America's involvement in World War II.

In Kabul, there is no need to imagine, because the reality is everywhere. Buildings have pock marks from bullets, and entire structures were destroyed by either Soviet bombing or civil war. Years later, these artifacts are a constant reminder of past conflicts. Someday, let us hope in our lives, we will see a Kabul where the only scarred landmarks are monuments to preserve history and to remind generations to come of war’s devastation. For now, Afghanistan’s ever-present past is real, and a fact of daily life.

Virbrant Kabul

2009-03-08T10:19:00.007+04:30

Even after 30 years unrelenting violence, Afghanistan is more than a poverty-stricken, war-torn country. Yes, there are reminders of danger everywhere, yet a recent drive through Kabul shows something else. Parts of the city are busy and lively, as my photos show. The economy appears to be functioning, and people go about their daily lives commuting, shopping and picking up children from school. I saw electronics stores, restaurants, Internet cafes, and other establishments one expects to see in any city. Some of the locals I’ve met say that Kabul has become more built up since the removal of the Taliban. Let us hope that our presence here assures continued progress.

Enjoying the Cuisine of Afghanistan

2009-03-05T23:29:00.007+04:30

Afghanistan may be one of the poorest nations on the planet, but you can't tell that by their deliciously prepared food. While the daily rations here at ISAF are mainly European, we are occasionally presented with a full Afghan feast. Whether it's a special dinner, or just enjoying lunch with some locals, the flavors are a holiday for my taste buds. Perhaps it's because the food is fresh and unprocessed, unlike in most American restaurants, or because the ingredients are different, but I love the native dishes.

Most Afghan meals consist of thin bread used to grab the kabobs or other dishes. The process of eating, apart from the food, is also an experience. Afghans sit on the ground and eat with their hands. No chairs, no silverware, no table. We sit in a circle, place our food on the ground in front of us, and eat with our right hands. It is considered unkempt in the Muslim world to eat with one's left hand.

A couple days ago, I enjoyed a nice lunch with some of the contractors working on the base. One of them, my new friend Aziz, grew up in Kabul, later fled to Pakistan, and came back when the Taliban were removed. I look forward to learning more about his life in the months ahead.

The Tragedy of War

2009-03-03T21:51:00.000+04:30

Afghanistan seemed far away just two months ago, but being here, though I am not facing down insurgents, makes the war feel very close. All wars cause tragedy, and none of us wants to fight them; but some, such as this one, can be considered "just wars." The U.S., along with other NATO forces, is fighting to bring stability to a severely threatened country.

Unfortunately, innocent civilians, those we are working hard to help, get caught up in the fighting and lose their lives. The American and NATO forces here take every precaution to avoid such casualties, but Taliban militants use noncombatants as human shields to scare the population. The Taliban have killed many more innocent civilians than Coalition forces have, but every innocent death is tragic, no matter who is responsible.

Recently, my boss, Brigadier General Michael Ryan, visited villagers after claims of civilian casualties following a fight between American forces and insurgents. Ryan went to a remote part of the country to offer condolences to the families of victims who lost their lives. I was touched by this action, and it has strengthened my resolve to work as hard as I can here to help bring about positive change for the deserving people of Afghanistan. The photo above shows Ryan sharing an emotional moment with one of the village elders. The world needs to see this side of the conflict.

Meet the Office

2009-02-27T19:27:00.005+04:30

I have been describing aspects of my interesting and eye-opening life in Kabul -- Italian roommates, the international community, and the various shops and restaurants on our compound. Now I'll introduce you to my officemates and my responsibilities. As a Public Affairs Officer, I'm responsible for communicating the facts about coalition efforts in Afghanistan. It's an exciting job with a great deal of responsibility. But I am just one of a large group of talented Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, and Marines supporting the rest of our military effort here by telling the stories of their hard work, perseverance and progress on the ground in Operation Enduring Freedom. Each of them works hour after hour, seven days a week, to ensure that the international community is successful in Afghanistan.

The picture above is of my co-workers and me. My boss, Colonel Greg Julian, first row standing in the middle, is a great professional and a wonderful person to work for. He has become a true mentor to me. His job is a tough one, especially since our command is only four months old. Not only does he serve as the primary spokesperson, but he manages a growing office and numerous outreach initiatives. Considering the challenging working conditions and worldwide attention on Afghanistan at the moment, he is doing an outstanding job.

As time goes on, I will introduce you to more of my co-workers. There may be some bias toward the Navy, but I will try my best to be objective!

Another Base VIP

2009-02-25T15:05:00.008+04:30

I have described the political VIPs that visit ISAF, but we also have other very friendly visitors. Stray cats inhabit the base and are everywhere. Domestic animals in Afghanistan do not hold the same esteem as they do in the States. Driving through Kabul, we see stray dogs in the road, and even some goats! But on our base, cats are our only wildlife.

Since they aren't "fixed" you can hear them throughout the base at certain times of day. Feline mating calls certainly have a unique sound! We found one furry friend who is one of the most lovable cats I have ever known, just begging to be petted! I have not named her, but I'm open to suggestions....thoughts anyone? By the look of her, she is fed pretty well by the soldiers here.

Speaker Pelosi comes to Afghanistan

2009-02-22T09:58:00.004+04:30

Kabul is beginning to feel more and more like Capitol Hill with the steady appearance of official visitors from Washington! Most recently, Speaker of the House, Nancy Pelosi, attended high-level meetings at ISAF (and I caught a glimpse of her). One thing that feels very different about being here is the lack of partisanship I sense and how being and American, not defined by party, predominates. We are grateful to see our elected officials, both Democrats and Republicans, show such deep concern about the challenges facing this war-torn nation. They see for themselves the devastation and critical situation and can return to Washington with clearer perspective and deeper knowledge and understanding of what’s really happening on the ground.

It takes real courage to come to Afghanistan. It’s dangerous and definitely not a comfortable place to be. But their visits are tremendous morale boosters, for their trips here show concern and earnestness to us in the military as well as to the Afghan people.

What I look forward to are many more visits by elected officials and diplomats from the U.S. and other NATO countries. I am convinced that along with our military presence we can find a working solution to vastly improve the situation here. This is an extraordinary country with a rich past and proud people deserving to reclaim their nation.

La Bella Italia

2009-02-20T00:46:00.009+04:30

The Italians have become central to my international experience here at ISAF. I now know more Italian words than I do Dari, the native language here in Kabul. Beginning with my first trip to Italy at the age of 12, I have felt drawn to Italian culture, food, and history. With my many Italian friends on this base, I sometimes think I'm really in Napoli or Milano!

Last night my roommates invited me to a party at the Italian NSE. An NSE (National Support Element) is a building for each country that serves as its headquarters here in Kabul. Soldiers go to their NSE to deal with their administrative issues. But the Italians use their NSE for social events as well, which is not surprising! The party featured delicious cuisine that one would find in an upscale restaurant in Rome. Troops from dozens of countries attended--a great cultural exchange.

Soon, I will start eating some authentic Afghan food; but for now, being in Italy is fun! Here are some pictures from the event, including one of Amadeo, my other roommate, and me.

International Flavor

2009-02-17T21:10:00.000+04:30

One of the benefits of living on the ISAF compound for "foodies" like me, is the plethora of native cuisine from NATO-represented countries. For breakfast, for example, along with bacon and eggs, there is an excellent selection of breads, cheeses and meets, as well as museli, reminding me of trips to Amsterdam and Germany. Even more exciting, is that many of the nations have their own little shops. My personal favorite is the Italian store (Chiano, pictured here), which has great specialty foods I've seen only in Rome; but there are also shops from Denmark, the United Kingdom, Germany and the Netherlands.

This is the first time soldiers from so many nations have served on a mission like this, and never before have they lived together and integrated on a base like ISAF. It feels like a great experiment, and for me, it's a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Here are some photos of some of ISAF's more popular establishments! In addition to Chiano, there is the Danish PX, and the Nordic Palace. It seems like Scandinavia has quite a presence here in Afghanistan!

Holbrooke Visits Afghanistan

2009-02-15T12:51:00.012+04:30

President Obama's special envoy to Afghanistan and Pakistan came to Kabul this week to hold several high-level meetings with President Karzai and other leaders. He had a press conference with the media and conducted an interview with a local TV station, which my colleagues and I helped to coordinate. It was an amazing opportunity to hear first hand his thoughts on the strategic importance of this mission.

It's hard to believe that we are in the middle of a worldwide effort that for years we read about or watched unfold on TV. Being here makes me even more passionate about what the international community is doing to stabilize this country, and I hope that we can help enable an eventual success.

Here is a link to an AP story that highlights the upcoming strategic review by the United States and Afghanistan for the future of the mission:
http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5hvWEqwq3CrRvaQCmt21MfoYhjZJQD96BRIE00

Your Military in Winter Wonderland

2009-02-13T21:14:00.008+04:30

We have been getting plenty of snow in the Kabul these past two days. Since we don't commute--all life takes place on base--there are no "snow days" such as the ones the DC school system is famous for (and even the federal government, for that matter). The snow is definitely bringing out the inner child in people here, with snowball fights happening all over the base. I certainly miss my high shool days when we would get the day off simply because there was a chance of snow in the weather forecast.

Sweet Home Kabul

2009-02-12T20:08:00.001+04:30

I have been on the new compound for a couple of days, and despite yesterday's attack which was quite jarring, I am actually starting to enjoy myself. The Afghanistan effort is run by NATO's International Security Assistance Force (ISAF), comprised of 39 nations working together to rebuild Afghanistan and bring stability to a nation that has suffered decades of war. Not only do I have the opportunity to help improve conditions in Afghanistan, but I get to be the foreign exchange student I've always wanted to be --in multiple countries at the same time! It's a rare and extraordinary gift.

My roommate, an Italian Army officer, is from Naples. We connected immediately. Francesco has shown me around the base and is helping me to adjust to the new surroundings. Perhaps he'll teach me a few Italian phrases, as well!

There are many members of the British military on this compound. The UK has close to 10,000 troops in Afghanistan. My first exposure was at the airport when the Brits greeted us and gave us a ride back to base. Perhaps when this entire experience is over I will have many new homes away from home all over the world!

I have included pictures in this post of both Francesco and one of my new British friends. Can you tell who's who?

Kabul Attacks

2009-02-11T20:23:00.007+04:30

Today I was hoping to describe all the fascinating people I have met so far, and to offer you my thoughts about living in such a great international environment; however, we were in a state of shock a few hours ago when the Taliban launched coordinated attacks on several Afghan government buildings, some just blocks from our our base. Nineteen people were killed, with many more wounded. We on base are safe, and most of us didn't even hear the attacks. It was startling, nonetheless, to know that deadly bombings were happening in such close proximity. We went on a state of alert, locking down the base and requiring all personnel to wear body armor when outdoors.

Now, I really feel planted in a dangerous a war zone. Let us hope that our efforts will lead to a more peaceful Afghanistan. For now, those of us here working to improve the lives of the Afghan people face daily risk.

Here is a link to a story on the attacks:
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/12/world/asia/12afghan.html?hp

Kabul, at Last!

2009-02-09T10:06:00.008+04:30

Our arrival in Kabul was smooth! We took another military transport and landed at Kabul International Airport (KIA). It's very cold here and the air is not exactly clean. This is definitely a war zone. There are razor wire, sand bags, and security everywhere. The picture to the right is in front of the airport terminal on the C-130 that flew us here. More to come!

There was an important article in today's The Guardian outlining President Obama's new Afghanistan strategy. It's exciting to be here helping to make it a reality. You can find the article at: http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2009/feb/08/obama-afghanistan-us-foreign-policy

UPDATE: First photo from Bagram

2009-02-09T03:15:00.001+04:30

I'm here with my other shipmates. You can see the mountains in the background!

First Impressions of Afghanistan

2009-02-08T18:25:00.004+04:30

We arrived at Bagram Airfield about six hours ago. After an overnight flight via military transport, and hours of safety briefings, we finally have some time to relax. Bagram is a temporary stop, as I will be heading to Kabul in the next day or two. The base is comfortable, and I write this from the Pat Tillman USO Lounge, a renovated house that was once the home of a Russian General during the Soviet occupation.

My first impression stepping off the airplane was one of absolute beauty. I have never been surrounded by such beautiful and snowy mountains, extending up to 15,000 feet, Think Rockies on steroids! The landscape is picture perfect. What a shame that this gorgeous country has been scarred by violence for so long.

In a few days, I'll send further impressions, details and news, along with photos (internet too slow now). For now, know that I'm safe and sound, full of curiosity and excitement for this life-changing journey.

Back from Nowhere

2009-02-06T17:23:00.010+04:30

We have just returned to our camp in Kuwait following three days in the middle of nowhere, otherwise known at the Udairi Range -- a large training area for troops heading to Iraq and Afghanistan. There we had some of the most intense and realistic experiences so far, mostly convoy simulations, taught by contractors (former military) with experience in both Iraq and Afghanistan. Their knowledge is impressive, actually, amazing. We learned a tremendous amount.

We slept on a tent floor (no cots) with 50 of our closest friends, and ate MRE's (Meals Ready to Eat) for the entire time. There are more than 20 different menu options, and most have heaters built in. We dined on such delicacies as Pot Roast, Cheese Tortellini, and even Sloppy Joe's -- far cry from the K-rations consumed by our brothers in arms during WWII.

Just a few more days until Afghanistan!

Kuwait Tent City

2009-02-03T16:50:00.005+04:30

Camp Virginia, designed as a temporary camp for military transients, is where Navy forces stay en route to Iraq and Afghanistan. It is situated in the middle of the desert with a vista of sand that seems to extend beyond the horizon. The camp was built to fold up instantly, if necessary, leaving not a trace of former habitation.

We recieve briefings in large tents, reminding me of the temporary Eastern Market on Capitol Hill, on cultural awarness, range safety, and information about future travel. We sleep in small tents with 10 cots in each, and eat in portable trailers. Even the showers are in a trailer. It's a very strange place. I have included some photos of the camp, pretty much showing what life is like.

In a few days, we head to the Udari Range, for some final training before the final leg of our trip to Afghanistan. We will sleep 50 to a tent, and eat MRE's (Meals Ready to Eat), the modern version of military rations, only much better tasting!

Welcome to Kuwait

2009-02-01T14:46:00.005+04:30

Twenty-four hours later, with a refeuling stop in Amsterdam, our chartered Northwest flight arrived in Kuwait to our temporary quarters set up for personnel traveling into Iraq and Afghanistan. Everyone here is in transit, except for a small permanent staff. We are in the middle of the desert, with absolutely NOTHING around us except for a highway, Starbuck's (from whose WiFi I write this), Mc Donald's and other familiar fast-food icons!

Our time in Kuwait will be spent adjusting to the new time zone and climate. The military does an excellent job transitioning us into the theater, ensuring that the cultural change is smooth and gradual. We'll have a few meetings and briefings, followed by some additional convoy training next week.

Military life is pretty good!

Next Stop: Kuwait

2009-01-28T19:59:00.007+04:30

We finished our last day of training at Fort Jackson today. The last few days have been both challenging and fun; we practiced urban combat and convoy techniques. I cannot imagine a scenario when I will actually be involved in urban combat or room searches, but it was very informative to see what our Army brothers do on a daily basis to push back the insurgency. I've posted a video of one of our room searches...many of the sailors fired blanks. I used a 9mm pistol that didn't have blanks. I had to yell "bang" when I shot my gun. It may look funny, but it was good training!

We just got word that we leave for Kuwait on Friday. We will be there for approximately eight days while we receive additional training and wait for our flights. While in Kuwait, we will be sleeping in tents and experiencing life in the desert. I will try to send some photos from Kuwait sometime next week.

The past few weeks have been an amazing experience. I have made great friends and learned so much more about our military. While I'm ready to arrive in Afghanistan and begin work as a PAO, it's dissapointing to say goodbye to all my new buddies. I have a feeling, though, that I've forged some long-term friendships. There's an inexplicable bonding that happens sharing the experiences such as the ones we've had these past few weeks.

Family and Friends

2009-01-27T07:29:00.009+04:30

This weekend, my dad and stepmom came up to see me off. My flight to Kuwait leaves this Friday, and it was so great that they wanted to drive all the way from Miami to visit. While we had only 24 hours together, it was so special to see them one last time before beginning my year-long journey. We had a nice dinner in downtown Columbia and they even reserved a hotel room for me so I didn't have to sleep in the barracks.

This experience is giving me even more appreciation for friends and family. In the rush of daily activities, sometimes we don't stop to fully appreciate the people in our lives whom we love. My parents fully support my decision to serve our country, and their love and encouragement continue to be the wind in my sails. I cherish them and you, my extended family, and thank your for helping to keep my spirits up during this difficult mission.

Heavy Weapons

2009-01-24T05:45:00.008+04:30

On Friday, we fired heavy weapons, fully automatic machine guns with large ammunition. These are the guns placed on the top of HUMVEE's and other military vehicles and are intended only for heavy combat. They are very scary, and I hope never to be in a situation where they are necessary to use. The drill sergeants at Fort Jackson simply gave us the opportunity to briefly use and become familiar with them. As a Public Affairs Officers we are not likely to be gunners on a convoy.

These weapons give the United States the unparalleled advantage when fighting adversaries directly, and it is probably one reason why the insurgents have used asymmetric tactics to inflict NATO casualties.

Here is a picture of me firing the M240 Bravo machine gun and some video shooting the .50 cal, the largest machine gun in the US inventory. The shells have a range of up to four miles and will pretty much destroy anything they hit, including vehicles and buildings.

Standing Watch

2009-01-22T08:13:00.006+04:30

It is 1 AM here at Fort Jackson, and I'm standing watch, standard military practice. One person stays awake and alert all night in case of unforeseen threats or, in this case, to provide security for our weapons. This training course has us living in a barracks with 40 people, and each of us carries two weapons. Someone must be responsible for these weapons 24/7. Tonight it's my turn.

What I enjoy about standing watch is finally having some time to myself to check email, write this blog, and use the Internet when hundreds of other people aren't trying to log on, slowing down the system enormously. How, I'll feel tomorrow? Stay tuned!

I must admit, while this training has been rewarding, I am ready to get to Afghanistan to start doing my job. It's great that the Navy prepares us like this, but any longer than three weeks, and I think it would start to wear on me. I can only imagine the long boot camps that some of the young enlistees go through. We see them here on base every day, and they look so young, many right out of high school. I wonder how I would have reacted to this situation at 18. These kids are tough.

Before signing off, I will leave you with an interesting story about what's happening in Afghanistan. General Petraeus met with President Karzai to discuss a myriad of issues. With our new Commander-in-Chief taking office just yesterday, I would have given anything to be a fly on the wall for this one. Click here to find out more.

Inauguraltion Thoughts

2009-01-20T04:59:00.009+04:30

The historical implications of January 20th are almost beyond comprehension. Our nation's first African-American President will be taking the oath of office at perhaps the most difficult time our country and world have seen in generations. As a Washingtonian, it is hard to be in South Carolina watching from afar when I want nothing more than to be on the Mall to celebrate our new Commander-in-Chief.

I feel somewhat removed in Fort Jackson, away from DC, but at the same time, my mission is directly connected to the success of the incoming Administration. President Obama not only will be my new boss, but he has pledged to concentrate on the effort in Afghanistan to ensure that we bring stability to that country, opportunity for its people, and deny a haven for terrorists. In that regard, I feel more linked to our new Commander-in-Chief.

I am proud to serve our incoming President on a very important mission for the security of our country and other parts of the globe. It is my sincere hope that the American people support him in his policy for Afghanistan, as well as for the large endeavours that he will undertake to bring us to peace and prosperity. I promise to work every day toward that goal.

Profiles

2009-01-18T23:51:00.005+04:30

We have the day off today, and this post is from Starbucks.

This post is to introduce you some fellow Navy Reserve shipmates with whom I am training at Ft. Jackson to prepare for service in Iraq and Afghanistan. It's a privilege to work with such talented people, and they are destined to make major contributions to our efforts overseas.

LT Gus Perez: Gus is a fellow Public Affairs Officer and we have known each other for several years. He's a Reservist who lives in San Diego and works for Ernst and Young on the civilian side. We share many interests, and he is a good friend.

LT David Parr: David lives in Adams Morgan (another DC friend!). He went to Texas A&M and is heading to Afghanistan. He will be at Bagram Airfield, about 30 miles from Kabul, but we probably won't see each other due to the danger of travel in Afghanistan. David and I plan to grab coffee at Tryst on 18th Street to compare "war stories"when we return next year.

LT Brian Walsh: Brian, a Naval Academy graduate, could be a stand-up comedian. He's hilariously funny, and we've enjoyed spending time together. He, too, is headed to Afghanistan. Brian is an avid reader with a keen intellect, and we spent today together reading the New York Times. He lives in Annapolis and is someone I'll look forward to seeing when we return from our missions.

LT Timothy French: Tim is a graduate of the Naval Academy and Georgetown Law. He is a member of the Navy's Judge Advocate General (JAG) corps and is going to Iraq to handle detainee operations. His wife is an attorney for the International Red Cross in Geneva.

It is an honor to serve in this community with men and women of outstanding talent and character. They truly are the best and the brightest.

Home on the Range

2009-01-17T07:16:00.011+04:30

We've spent the past two days out on the range, learning to use our weapons. I have been issued both an M16 rifle and a 9mm pistol. Let us up that their use is not necessary in Afghanistan, but it's important to learn how to defend one's self when going to a dangerous part of the world. Target practice has been fun, although the weather is unexpectedly cold. Temperatures in the teens are unusual for South Carolina, and shivering while shooting is not helpful for accuracy.

Now that we range training is completed, it's time for our first day of "liberty", the military term for a day off! Waking up daily at 5 A.M. is not my usual rising time, but that will be the rise-and-shine time in Afghanistan!

These pictures--even some video--are from the range.

It's Really Happening

2009-01-13T05:09:00.011+04:30

For the past few days, we have been at Fort Jackson for combat training. Today, we were issued the equipment you see on TV: body armor, helmets, weapons and several other bags worth of gear that could be useful in Afghanistan. Wearing it for the first time was a stark reminder of how dangerous this duty really is. It's no longer an abstraction or a job performed by others. This is the real "it," and very sobering. Please be assured that our military is taking good care of us as we embark on this important mission to bring peace to to a country devestated by brutality and warfare.

These photos show how wearing body armor can take some getting used to. We are required to carry our weapons with us at all times. I took a picture standing in a long line waiting to clear our rifle, which is to ensure that no ammunition goes indoors.

Training Begins

2009-01-11T06:23:00.007+04:30

Here's a tiny glimpse of Fort Jackson, near Columbia, South Carolina., where I arrived yesterday for a three-week training stint to learn how the Army does business. With me is my new friend, Lt. Tim French (JAG). As a Navy Reservist, I am part civilian and part sailor, but not a soldier. Army terminology is different, the ranks are different, and the mission is different. By the time we finish here in three weeks, we are expected to be ready for full deployment to Kabul (via Kuwait). True confession? I have the jitters, but expect that's normal considering the assignment I am about to undertake.

While time for blogging will be scarce, I'll do my best to share experiences and information you may not find in the media. Sometimes, photos will tell it best. Please don't forget to send me your news!