Settlin' In

If you've ever doubted the design expertise of our Maker, plan a visit to the Forward Operating Bases in southern and eastern Afghanistan. The adaptability of humankind to change, be it the natural environment, emotional challenge, geographic and weather severity, loneliness, work stress, sleep deprivation, or solitude, somehow we find a way to celebrate the gift of life and the wonder of this world. Here in southern Afghanistan, you literally are compelled to view the world through a translucent, hazy, dust-filled lens. Clarity of vision is an oxymoron when applied to any circumstance or experience here. It seems that every statement of fact or opinion is followed by..."but, in Afghanistan you can't".....

But the victories over day to day challenges here are myriad and expected and each "win" strengthens your resolve and contributes to your adaptability and confidence. Being a witness to the ability of men and women to excel, despite conditions that are literally indescribable, is fuel for the soul. These are some of the things I love about being here. And all of us here are looking for something positive to take away from the experience.

The largest base in the south is Kandahar, a NATO base with troops and support mechanisms from a couple dozen countries. It's an international place governed by NATO, not the U.S. And, we're in a Muslim country and obey their laws. That's right...no beer, wine, or, ever more difficult to accept...no Margueritas!! Kandahar is the second largest air operations center behind Bagram Airfield outside of Kabul. The airfield is busy 24/7 and helps you recognize that outside the wire is a dangerous place to be...particularly for the bad guys. Drones are flying constantly, as are helicopter and jet close air support for the ground troops.

Living conditions aren't that bad. Most of us live in hooches that are about 8'x9', or in tents that sleep 8 guys...or ladies. There are more women here than you might expect, both troops and support services. There are D-Facs (Dining facilities acronym) on each base and, while the food at Kandahar is fairly bad, the food at the FOBs is pretty darn good.

The company I work for, DynCorp International, provides every version of support for the war effort. The concept is simple, the Marine Corps, Navy, Army and Air Force supply the fighting men and women, and DynCorp does everything else. From construction, to operations management, to logistics, to food water supply, transportation, security, laundry, roads maintenance, waste management...everything. Kinda like running a whole bunch of small towns. And that leaves the military to do their thing and utilize more manpower in the field. Kinda makes sense. Privatizing the war is what they call it. I originally thought it sounded a bit nuts...but I've changed my mind. We've got a lot of room for improvement, but the neat thing about private companies is that you are more agile and able to adapt on the fly that the government can.

I guess you can tell that I'm settlin' in. Got my routine...get up at 0500, shower, shave, skype my family..(I'm 9.5 hours ahead of you guys..10.5 central time hours), be at work by 0600, work till 8 or 9 pm every day....every day....every day...no weekends, no sick time, no holidays...It would be impossible to not be in a routine.

I miss you all...counting the days already to my first "leave" in April. And thanks for the emails!! They matter when you're so isolated. Kinda like a lifeline to reality. And I know I promised pictures....they're coming. There are a lot of restrictions on pics and I really don't know the "laws" yet in that regard. My good friend Lt.Col. Farrell is on R and R in Israel with his family right now, but when he returns, I'll find out what the limitations really are. Thanks for following! Leave messages...ask questions...I'll do what I can.