Day to Day

The turn over with the guys we are replacing is going well, and what seemed overwhelming when we first got here, is quickly becoming the day to day. I have now gone on some missions, done some paperwork, sat in on some briefings, seen some local construction, ate some local food, met with some local political leaders and gave some kids a few pens. I haven’t done it all by any means, but I have done enough to know that this reconstruction mission is both noble and extremely difficult.

Just like my first night in Afghanistan, there are still events that remind you that it is not “all quite on the western front”. Today we had two children playing outside the gate get blown up by a land mine. One of the kids died as a result of his wounds and the other had to be airlifted to another medical facility. Interestingly enough this came off the heels of talking to our local engineer about how poorly the Soviets treated the Afghans. He also brought up that the coalition forces respect the people; we build schools and roads and MEDEVAC the locals when they are in need. Knowing that we can do some good helps on days like this.

Thank you and God Bless.