AF Day 231

Phoenix, Arizona, at 2200 - Saturday

We spent the most wonderful day today with my father and his beautiful Brazilian wife, Viviane, or Vovo to Kaesen. They made the most delicious feijoada, a traditional Saturday afternoon Brazilian feast of black beans, rice, smoked pork meat cuts, a traditional collard greens dish, and a sauce, very similar to our pico de gallo. Man, I tell you this dish was superb and is always superb!

Kaesen and I spent the day playing, packing, playing, packing, and catching up on as much loving as we could imagine. This son of mine is golden. He lights up my life in a way I never dreamed possible. What a lucky man I am to have Kaesen in my life!

Tonight we watched the ball drop in NYC on time, their time on the east coast, and are now all off to bed. Kaesen was out by 2100, then Vovo, and then my father and, finally, me.

I am not looking forward to leaving my son tomorrow. This is always the hard part in my life - leaving and saying goodbye regardless of the length of time between the goodbye and the next hello.

143, Kaesen.

Good night and good day.

AF Day 230

Phoenix, Arizona, at 2300 - Friday

Breakfast at Bobo's in Tucson, Arizona, this morning was fabulous. Billy Wilson and I used to eat there four times a week back in 2001 when he first moved to Tucson. I am telling y'all, Bob's makes the best pancakes around and their other breakfast menu items are delicious. Kaesen had a single plate-sized cake today for the first time. He ate half and he ate well.

We made it up to Phoenix earlier in the afternoon and were both so happy to be back in the loving arms of my dad and his beautiful wife, Viviane. Kaesen loves his Goppie and Vovo! They barbecued chicken and made a tasty potato salad for dinner tonight. I had a few beers with the neighbor and Kaesen played with their two similarly-aged children for a couple of hours. Kaesen and I fell asleep watching his cartoons on television tonight. This is probably the best thing I can say that makes me feel so close to my son. When he falls asleep in my arms I am whole, I am complete, and everything in the world is absolutely right in those moments.

Tomorrow is the big feijoada and I am stoked for all of the tasty meats and beans and rice to eat! I plan to finish packing for our trips back home, Kaesen to Washington with his momma and me to Frankfurt, Dubai, Kandahar, and finally to FOB Smart. The packing should take at least 24 or 48 hours knowing me, but I am certain I can make exceptions and get it done in about three! LOL

I am so happy to have been able to spend so much time with all of my family that was available. I am sad to have missed my momma and Ted due to snow and bad weather in Odessa, Texas. This summer will be fun for Kaesen and me to drive over there and visit them and my brother, Tay, and his family. Kaesen needs another dose of Texas reality! I miss my momma and cannot wait to see here again! Also being able to see friends during this trip with Kaesen has been special. Family and friends are what make everything in life more enjoyable.

143, Kaesen.

Good night and good day.

AF Day 229

Tucson, Arizona, at 2230 - Thursday

My son and I intended to leave my brother's house in Las Cruces this morning at no later than 0800; however, this was not to be and we in fact left about two hours later. This extra time ensured we were able to pack appropriately, say our interim goodbyes, and eat a little breakfast. My time in New Mexico was very relaxing, enjoyable, and I am glad Kaesen was able to be there with me for Christmas.

We arrived in Tucson around 1430 today and headed straight for my best friend's, Billy Wilson, house. Billy took off early from work today and we enjoyed a little calm and caught up from another 15 months since our last visit during September 2010 for my son's third birthday gathering in Phoenix at my dad's. Tonight we met with him, his two sisters, Stephanie and Kim, Kim's husband and son, Billy's dad and stepmother, and Stephanie's daughter, as well as my sister Amy and other mother, Julie, all from Tucson. Of course we ate dinner at my world favorite Mexican restaurant, Las Margaritas, and the two beers I drank tasted mighty fine. It was so wonderful to catch up with everyone, all of whom I consider or are my close family.

Today was another of those really good days I am fortunate to have spent and being in Tucson has really brought back a lot of wonderful memories. Billy is a terrific man of the finest character. Having been best friends for 16 years, I value his friendship immensely. His family is my family and mine are his. We have been through a tremendous amount of wild and tame nights and days and it is always interesting for both of us to compare our current lives with that of the lives we had so many years ago. Kaesen loves the Wilson family and Billy's children are not too far off in age from him, so we should have many good family years ahead of us.

Tomorrow I am looking forward, more than words can justly express, reuniting with Dad and Viviane again. Kaesen just loves them and it is always such a wonderful time for us when we are visiting them. We'll have a delicious feijoada dinner Saturday, which is a traditional Brazilian Saturday family meal. Man, it is the best meal around town for certain!

143, Kaesen.

Good night and good day.

AF Day 228

Las Cruces, New Mexico, at 1230 - Wednesday

We have had a grand old time here in Las Cruces with my brother and his family. Kaesen seems happy and content, which is all that really matters after all, and I thoroughly enjoy visiting here with Blake and Jill, and their wonderful sons. Tomorrow Kaesen and I travel back west to Tucson to spend the day, the night, and the next morning with my best friend, Billy Wilson, and his family, as well as my other mother, Julie, and one of my three sisters, Amy. Friday we'll travel back up north to Phoenix to spend more time with my dad and other mother, Viviane, before Kaesen and I fly north to Seattle on Sunday and my own travels begin thereafter to Frankfurt, Dubai, Kandahar, and beyond. This has been another one of those both wonderful and painful "vacations" home from Afghanistan. I look forward to the years ahead when life is a little more "normal" when I am back here in the States.

Kaesen and I went to Lowe's earlier to buy a couple of hard totes for storage in my truck, which I will be storing at my dad's this time. Who knows when I will drive it again, but I know it will be in good hands. I still need to go by the UPS store and have a custom cardboard box made for Kaesen's new Smart Cycle, which I bought him for Christmas, along with other Christmas gifts and clothing we acquired for him on this trip. My brother, Blake, is home from work today, so maybe we can all find something fun to do later this afternoon and/or evening.

My mind is constantly on the future, regarding my son and my own destiny ahead - whether realized or forced, and I cannot stop feeling the familiar pang of trepidation as I look forward and fail to see everything clearly. You know though, this is a product of our lives and we can choose to accept that which we have no control over and move in ways that can account for the unknown or we can choose to live cautiously inside of our safe zones and miss out on golden opportunities waiting for us on our misty horizons. I choose, as always, to look ahead with great hope and will continue to endeavor to live my life as respectfully, responsibly, and honorably as possible. This ensures, for me anyway, that I can greet change and the unknown with a glad heart.

143, Kaesen.

Good night and good day.

AF Day 227

Las Cruces, New Mexico, at 0830 - Tuesday

Plan for Today: we will build more Lego sets with KT, drive 35 minutes to the western edge of El Paso, Texas, with KT and shop - just a little! Later we will lunch at IHOP and deliver KT his requested Norwegians, which are just the same as crepes to all others. Ever more later we will dinner with my brother's family. All throughout the day we will endeavor to play more, love more, and hug more with KT. Sounds like an excellent plan to me.

The weather here is cold and the winds are intermittently fierce. I get the winds, but this cold is unusual for this location. Or maybe I am imagining that the desert southwest is not normally a frigid experience. It is beautiful here nevertheless and Kaesen is enjoying his time, which is all that matters anyway.

143, Kaesen.

Good night and good day.

AF Day 226

The Day after Christmas in Las Cruces, New Mexico, at 2000 - Monday

Kaesen and I woke early - again, and enjoyed a breakfast of Lucky Charms and coffee for me. We built more Lego sets from Christmas today, went to lunch at our favorite Mexican restaurant here in Las Cruces today, and played at a nearby middle school playground. Later we picked up dinner from the same restaurant and afterward played a game with my brother's family.

Kaesen is adroit with a soccer ball now. His kicks are solid and well placed. I was impressed. He can run like the wind now and has such a happy disposition. We also climbed the dome bars, slid down slides, traversed monkey bars, and played for a long time on the swings. He loves to be pushed as high as possible on the swings - obviously, he is a little boy!

I am in my last remaining days for this R&R with my son here and I cannot think of anything more I'd like to do with our remaining time than to spend it the way we have every day since I arrived - having fun and doing so together. Kaesen is my best friend and most favorite person to spend time with - of course!

143, Kaesen.

Good night and good day.

AF Day 225 - Christmas

Christmas Day in Las Cruces, New Mexico, at 1100 - Sunday

Christmas Day and all is very well! Kaesen and I rose early today to spy under the Christmas tree to see whether Santa Claus had indeed come and gone - he had! Of course, Kaesen enjoyed opening his many and various gifts brought to him by Santa, Daddy, family, and friends. This special day, for me and for Kaesen I presume, is made special not by the gifts, but by the togetherness, especially for my son and I, of family and friends here in Las Cruces. Nothing warms my heart more than seeing my boy smile, laugh, and I know he is as happy as he can be right this moment.

I wish all of my family and friends a Merry Christmas and may all your dreams be brighter, fuller, and realized today and in the coming year.

I send a special and warm Merry Christmas to my "family" of brothers and sisters serving at FOB Smart, at PRT Zabul, across Afghanistan, and everywhere around the world tonight and today who are graciously serving in honor for the United States and its allies.

143, Kaesen.

Good night and good day.

AF Day 224

Christmas Eve in Las Cruces, New Mexico, at 0830 - Saturday

We woke up to more snow and it is snowing something fierce, well - as fierce as it could be imagined for southern New Mexico. My parents from Dallas say the white stuff is coming down in Odessa, Texas, as well and they are unable right now to travel anywhere. Christmas Day may be short a few travelers here in my brother's home, but we'll be with them in spirit anyway. Merry Christmas comes in many forms and the course of weather and life is sometimes stronger than our will to travel and be in places.

Kaesen and I played in the snow yesterday for awhile, he making snow angels and me throwing snowballs at him directly. We stayed out for as long as reasonable, and until his outer layer of clothes were beginning to soak. His cough is improving, but I wanted to be cautious, so we probably could have stayed in the snow longer, but... Today we may find a park to go play in the snow again. However, as it is snowing strong right now, the winter weather and road conditions will dictate our plans.

Jill, my wonderful sister-in-law, made Tater Tot Casserole for breakfast, the coffee is hot and the way we all like it, and our plans for today mainly include lounging, laughing, and loving. I am so very happy - and so is my son!

143, Kaesen.

Good night and good day.

AF Day 223

Las Cruces, New Mexico, at 0600 - Friday

We awoke this early morning to inches of snow on the ground and winds blowing the pure white stuff, this glorious snow, all around the skies over Las Cruces. Kaesen asked for Lucky Charms and me for coffee and we have enjoyed the scene unfolding outside the windows. Who knows whether it will continue to stick as the days wears on, the sun rises on this beautiful valley, and the temperature slowly creeps up again, but right now it is picturesque and perfect for a Christmas holiday with family and friends.

Kaesen's presents are wrapped and the one's from Santa Claus are ready to be positioned right in front of his eyes when he wakes and runs down the stairs to see the living room transformed into a Christmas morning retreat. I love the spark in his eyes now and whenever he hears jingle bells, even if they are merely the family dog playing with a dog toy, he thinks Santa's reindeer are flying overhead and asks everyone if they hear the same.

I know not what the future holds over the next four months and I know a fierce fight for personal survival will ensue, but right now I know my son is healthy and happy and this is all that could possibly ever matter.

143, Kaesen.

Good night and good day.

AF Day 222

Las Cruces, New Mexico, at 0700 - Thursday

Christmas is only three days away and Santa comes in two. My son is excited with the prospects of a white Christmas and a nice haul from Santa, he hopes, this year. I have, in recent years before Kaesen was born, slipped away from the magic and excitement of Christmas, but with my son I regained the feeling and love how he is coming to love this holiday. As such, I happily have more shopping to complete before the big day.

We enjoyed three fires in my brother's back and front yards last night, Kaesen and I splashed massive in the hot tub, and the hot cocoa was flowing freely before bed. Kaesen and I woke early today and the first thing he wanted to do was hit the hot tub - but I have to draw the line somewhere and said we have to wait until at least 0800 - LOL.

143, Kaesen.

Good night and good day.

Kaesen and Daddy on the 21 Dec 2011 road trip to Las Cruces

AF Day 221

Las Cruces, New Mexico, at 2200 - Wednesday

Kaesen and I had a terrific drive from Phoenix, Arizona, to Las Cruces today. We drove on I-10 the entire way, which is not necessarily the fastest, but it is the most familiar. Kaesen enjoyed watching DVDs with the new flip-down DVD player and IR wireless headset. Interestingly enough, this is the longest road trip Kaesen has ever completed without falling asleep even once! The miracle of modern entertainment systems I presume. We stopped in Benson, Arizona, to visit with my best friend, Billy Wilson, and took less than eight hours total to make the journey here. Kaesen spoke with his momma several times today.

We are here at my brother's home and will be visiting his family, our parents, his wife's best friends from Lincoln, Nebraska, and watching for unusual snow here in southern New Mexico during the few remaining days before Christmas and Santa's big world tour! I have last-minute shopping needs to meet today and tomorrow, as well as some adult beverage tasting along the way. Happy-happy joy-joy!

143, Kaesen.

Good night and good day.

AF Day 220

Phoenix, Arizona, at 1730 - Tuesday

Little by little the time of being "home" passes and with each moment comes a bit of comfort and peace restored from having been away. Today has been enjoyable and somewhat relaxing, even though Kaesen and I seemed to be on the go again very early. We started with having Norwegians cooked for breakfast, then a hot shower and bath for the little boy, then shopping for a DVD player for Kaesen in my truck, then lunch at Freddy's Frozen Custard, then to Target to buy a few DVDs, then a doctor's visit for the boy, then more shopping for a wireless headset, batteries, and much-needed candy Kaesen could not live without, then Walgreen's for the prescription, and finally back home to my dad's for some homemade taco dinner. What a beautiful day!

Tomorrow Kaesen and I leave for New Mexico. Of course KT is excited now that he can watch DVDs the whole way there and I am excited for him. We are looking forward to spending time there with other family, including more of my parents, siblings, near-siblings, and nephews. Shoot, I love the holidays - especially this year!

Peace be unto y'all!

143, Kaesen.

Good night and good day.

AF Day 219

Phoenix, Arizona, at 2100 - Monday

Kaesen and I had the most wonderful of days together. We began early with a yummy breakfast at Dunkin Doughnuts in Scottsdale, Arizona. We found a very cool park in Scottsdale, McCormick Train Park, on Scottsdale Road south of my old office with Fulcrum. We played and took lots of photographs for sharing. After the park we stopped in at Fulcrum to say hello to my old employer and discuss our joint future - this was a very enlightening and enjoyable meeting. Afterward we drove home to my father's and Kaesen left with his "Vovo" to her gym so he could play at the LA Fitness children's play area. I picked him up there an hour or so later and Kaesen and I went to watch "Hugo 3D" at the AMC theater in Deer Valley, Arizona. Finally, we shopped a little, for a drop-down DVD player for Kaesen's truck (my truck) and returned home. Kaesen then played with the neighbor kids for an hour or so and later my father, his wife, Kaesen, and I went to dinner at Red Lobster (Kaesen's choice) for a delicious shrimp dinner. What an amazing day for Kaesen and I - just the normal routine and fun stops all along the way.

Tomorrow Kaesen and I have a little more shopping to complete, I need to take him to the doctor, his old pediatrician, for a cough that is not relenting, and more fun breaks wherever we can fund them! I cannot think of anything else in my 39+ years that have been more rewarding than spending time with this boy.

My thoughts now are also of my comrades back at FOB Smart in Afghanistan. I wish them safety, wellness, happiness, and joy as they work their way through December.

143, Kaesen.

Good night and good day.

AF Day 218

Phoenix, Arizona, at 2000 - Sunday

Kaesen and I woke up early, took a long, hot bath, and prepared for a day of fun, visiting, playing, and relaxing. We accomplished these as planned and with not an ounce of wasted energy. My son is such a bundle of "go-go-go!"

We began with his favorite doughnuts from Starbucks, a burrito from a local Mexican restaurant for Daddy, and began our fun at Surprise Park in Surprise, Arizona. Kaesen got to drive "his truck" in El Mirage, Arizona, in out old neighborhood and we visited some friends out there. Rain forced us to curtail our further park plans and we instead came home to my dad's and colored and made paper airplanes. He has an incredible imagination and forces everyone in contact with him to revive their imaginations. What a joy.

We later enjoyed a four-hour nap, snuggled together forever today, and ate a delicious dinner made for us by Vovo, Portuguese for grandmother, my dad's wonderful and beautiful wife, Viviane. Mixed in during all of this fun today Kaesen gave plenty of unsolicited hugs, kisses, and "Daddy, I love you" moments - which are the greatest gifts he could ever offer to me.

Tomorrow we have more parks planned for visiting, a trip to Dunkin Doughnuts, possibly a quick doctor appointment for Kaesen, and much more visiting and hanging around. What more could be better than enjoying time with my son?

My party last night with Fulcrum, my old employer, was very fun and I danced my booty off at a bar in Scottsdale! All is well.

143, Kaesen.

Good night and good day.

AF Day 217

Phoenix, Arizona, at 1800 - Saturday

I woke up around 1100 today; my son had been up for several hours already. The jet lag has been especially harsh, but I am working through it as best as I can.

I went shopping for some clothing today, primarily because I am going to a party this evening with my old employer, and also because with 50 pounds of weight loss, nothing I own fits me anymore - literally! I also picked up four craft kits for Kaesen, which he loves and is already playing and coloring with this evening. Tomorrow we'll spend more time on these and as each day passes. He loves creating artwork and we love receiving such and hanging it all over the world!

Being home again from Afghanistan, with my son, and enjoying all of the fruits of life here in America has been especially rewarding so far. I am constantly amazed with just how very much we have here versus back in Afghanistan. I am so thankful for everything I have in life, but most of all for my beautiful son. We leave in a few days to go see my brother and other family members in Las Cruces, New Mexico.

143, Kaesen.

Good night and good day.

AF Day 216

Frankfurt Airport in Frankfurt, Germany at 0815 - Friday

Okay, I made it from FOB Smart to KAF in Afghanistan, then on west to Dubai, United Arab Emirates, and now I am stopped at Frankfurt, Germany. In about two hours I leave for Seattle, Washington, to pick up by boy and we'll soon be back in the air down south to Phoenix, Arizona, and a drive even farther southeast to Las Cruces, New Mexico. I cannot contain the excitement, and the exhaustion, any longer. I enjoyed a long Skype call with Kaesen a few minutes ago and he sounded just as excited as his daddy.

I will post more when I can, but right now I need to locate a few necessities for the next leg of my marathon journey. Home sweet home - who knows where home is right now? All I know is that I love my son, he loves me, and home is where we make it together, roger?

143, Kaesen.

Good night and good day.

AF Day 215

Dubai International Airport at 2000 - Thursday

I left Kandahar Airfield (KAF) at approximately 1430, which was an hour and a half late, but all is well anyway. I learned, the hard way, that once you land at Dubai International Airport (DBX), you cannot check into the departure terminal until you have your boarding pass, which is not issued until they open the ticket counters NLT three hours prior to departure. I am waiting in the Terminal 1 staging area at DBX, have had three coffees, two waters, and no beers. I am so ready to get into the main terminal, check out the lounge, shower, and get ready to get ready. No worries though, I am as calm as they come right now!

Traveling throughout the Middle East is certainly an interesting experience. I would recommend it to anyone and everyone, so long as patience and respect reign supreme. I love Arab culture and hope I get more immersion before it is all said and done. I also love the Persian cultures of Afghanistan, including my favorite - the Pashto. As-salamu alaykum, (peace be upon you), y'all!

143, Kaesen.

Good night and good day.

AF Day 214

Kandahar Airfield at 1945 - Wednesday

It is finally Wednesday night here at Kandahar Airfield in Kandahar, Afghanistan. Words can barely describe my level of excitement and anticipation as I look forward to beginning my homeward journey tomorrow early afternoon. Kaesen, I am told and I know in my heart, is also as much as, if not more than, filled with joy at such a prospect. I long for his hugs, his kisses, his sweet and gentle embrace, and I know how much fun the two of us will have in Arizona and New Mexico. I know I write this all the time, but he means the world and more to me. Having your own child gratifies and satiates like nothing else and is my most fulfilling accomplishment in life.

I bought two coffees at Green Beans, a local war-chain coffee shop. I also sent another video of me reading another book for my son. Later I walked back to the Boardwalk for a little shopping. In between all of this I found time to review some work reports and prepare for my return to FOB Smart in about three weeks. All in all it was another "normal" day at the US Army Corps Engineers compound on KAF.

I have been residing in our "bunk room," which is filled to capacity with 15 others sojourners. We all are always coming and going when staying here. It is never dull in here and sometimes the war stories can get fairly thick with embellishment, seemingly or otherwise, but they are fun to listen to nevertheless.

143, Kaesen.

Good night and good day.

AF Day 213

Kandahar Airfield at 1430 - Tuesday

I leave here in approximately 48 hours. I sent Kaesen another video of me reading a book to him, "Tomorrow's Alphabet," from the USO here on Kandahar Airfield (KAF). It is a joy to be able to send him boxes of surprises, treats, and books. It is even better for him to see a video of me reading the book he receives that can be played repeatedly. I am so connected to him.

The weather here is slightly warmer right now than FOB Smart in Qalat. I still needed a jacket first thing this morning, but it has warmed considerably throughout the morning and afternoon now. I have spent a portion of the day training for work and am now at a break point. My thoughts are clouded by the reality of being home in several days, and the long journey it takes to get there, and how much I will enjoy this R&R. Even so, I miss my work at FOB Smart already and the friends and comrades I work with there.

143, Kaesen.

Good night and good day.

AF Day 212

Kandahar Airfield at 1445 - Monday

Happily and eagerly I finally departed FOB Smart after a short wait at our helipad this morning, but not before I had a chance to fill up on some hot chow and say my goodbyes to a few friends. We flew north and then back south to get here today, so I had a chance to view FOB Bullard for the first time, and see the new construction from an aerial perspective here on Kandahar Airfield (KAF).

One of my USACE buddies, Pete Delaney, picked me up at the KAF helipad upon arrival and took time to show me some of his USACE construction projects. Talk about "wow!" I am impressed and amazed at the difference in quality of construction and craftsmanship from place to place here. We had a quick lunch at one of the ten dining facilities here at KAF and then separated so I could walk to get a haircut, browse around the Boardwalk, our shopping mall, and rest up a little from getting a start earlier than 0500 today.

I also crossed paths with an Air Force buddy, Major Gregory Anderson, from FOB Apache, also in Qalat, here at KAF and plan to catch up over dinner with him and other local friends tonight. All is well here at the USACE compound and every time I arrive something major or dramatic has changed. This time it includes additional personnel quarters, IT upgrades and capacity increases, and a host of new faces. I love this place!

I leave here for Dubai on Thursday!

143, Kaesen.

Good night and good day.

AF Day 211

FOB Smart at 1745 - Sunday

With another good day of project observations outside the wire behind me, I am confident in the progression of them during my absence and with my coworkers. Being so close to the winter no concrete construction stoppage anyway, it was good to see them before the cold really sets in, which will most certainly occur during my pending R&R.

I leave tomorrow for Kandahar and then several days from now I will be aboard a wonderful airliner carrying me back home to my boy.

We were treated with homemade pizza by our DynCorp dining facility tonight. Craft, our favored engineering interpreter, also bought me traditional Afghan kabobs and delicious Afghan bread, which was delivered to us hot and fresh, so we ate a feast for dinner a few minutes ago.

143, Kaesen.

Good night and good day.

AF Day 210

FOB Smart at 2300 - Saturday

This weekend day began and ended with me thinking of my beautiful son and enjoying photographs of him as shown below.  I spoke with him seconds ago. He and I are too excited to sleep the next six days until we see each other again. Kaesen is also excited for Christmas. He actually visited with Santa Claus today in Washington. I guess Santa was down there on a scouting mission to ensure all the chimneys and rooftops were structurally loaded and sound enough for sleigh landings.

I worked out in the frigid cold again today. Okay, maybe not frigid, and the beautiful sun was shining, and I did get hot enough to take my jacket off when I was positioning 14-foot tall concrete barriers with my crane crew, but it was chilly anyway. We finished the work we needed to absolutely finish today and we will have more of the same tomorrow. If I have not said this in awhile, I really enjoy and am appreciative of the work I do, and we do, here in Afghanistan.

143, Kaesen.

Good night and good day.

Kaesen and Santa Claus discussing the letter he wrote on 10 Dec 2011

Kaesen is a magical little boy. Taken on 10 Dec 2011

Kaesen enjoying the 2011 holiday season on 10 Dec 2011

AF Day 209

FOB Smart at 1945 - Friday

Another one has come and gone, folks. Friday night is upon us again and I worked hard at working hard today. With a good breakfast I started the day, and ended it too, working with two of my contractors on the forward operating base (FOB).

One of the contractors worked all day again expanding and upgrading our security while the other showed up a little late and moved a heavy connex container in preparation for more heavy lifting, with a crane, tomorrow morning first thing. I did have two missions planned for tomorrow, but they fell through on account of higher priority mission override. All is well because I need to spend more time on the FOB with the contractor to ensure our plans are met with successful execution in my R&R absence.

I spoke with my dad earlier, via Facebook, and my momma (well, I sent her a Gmail email), and sent siblings and friends alike Facebook chats to check in, check out, and check up, as I like to say. Without having a regular access to Skype, Facebook is the miracle social networking addiction that keeps me, and most of my comrades, connected to reality. I'd also have to say that, even though this sounds like a plug for Google, having Gmail access is paramount to survival here. Anyway, in the future Skype should be the preferred medium for social networking across distance or even from cubicle to cubicle, as it offers that visual perspective so important in maintaining modern relationships. Some of y'all will remember when I used to write home handwritten letters from San Antonio, Biloxi, Bitburg, and Las Vegas. Yes, those too were the days for "modern communication!"

I am missing my boy right now... although I am so excited to see him in less than eight earth days!

143, Kaesen.

Good night and good day.

AF Day 208

FOB Smart at 2200 - Thursday

Into the night I follow the beckoning of sleep, but not before I say a prayer for my son in whom my love I keep. I travel these roads so very far from home, but I am never lost and never without him, for while my mind and body may be 10,000 miles away, my heart and soul is beating within my son like no other heart have I known. I surrender myself and submit to the force of love so strong with me. I care not more for myself than the happiness intended for my boy and will stop at nothing to ensure his security, his right for a better life than my own, and his chance to succeed and be free.

I spoke with my son moments ago and heard those words he speaks so well. "I love you, Daddy." The world is right again for me. I am able to drift away into the night of dreams once more knowing that he is safe and sound. I cannot wait to see him next week.

My day began with a crack and a boom, or maybe that was my alarm waking me from a sweet slumber. I quickly readied myself for the day and ate a hearty breakfast. I met with contractors, completed a single mission outside the wire, and feel that my work and efforts today were worth the price I am paid. Tomorrow and until I leave for my next R&R I plan to work hard, will plan for the continuity of my projects in my absence, and I will take time here and there to speak with my contractors to ensure they continue to work unabated.

With winter setting in fast, the attitudes among the local Afghans we work with are turning to the familiar. Familiar in that everyone everywhere on this shared globe prepare themselves for the cold of the night and look forward to warmth of their fires. Work slows down dramatically, and it is here too, so much so that life seems to pause for the freezing weather and winds carrying the chill. Our local contractors seem to be happy for the winter approaching, as though they know that the hot summer will soon be upon us again and now is a time for rest, recuperation, and preparation for another year.

143, Kaesen.

Good night and good day.

Special Post No. 070

Capt Jonathan R. Ball, USAF preparing for a mounted combat patrol from FOB Smart on 7 Dec 2011

Jon Leyton observing progress on a local women's affairs project in New Qalat City on 7 Dec 2011



Jon Leyton striking a pose at FOB Smart on 7 Dec 2011

Jon Leyton shooting the guns to Navarone at FOB Smart on 7 Dec 2011

Jon Leyton is ready at FOB Smart on 7 Dec 2011



AF Day 207

FOB Smart at 1915 - Wednesday

Wednesday night is here and the week is moving right along. I found ice in low water areas on the FOB this morning, well actually water with a thin layer frozen on top, which means it was downright cold last night and early this morning. It stayed cold most of the day and reminded me a lot of North Dakota, especially Devils Lake where the winds are relentless - just like here today. If we had kites we would be flying them high.

I enjoyed a mounted combat patrol into New Qalat City this morning, albeit a brief patrol, but thoroughly enjoyable nevertheless. We stopped at two of my ongoing projects, a ministerial offices project and a cistern construction project in a women's affairs compound. The visits themselves were typically routine, but the folks we encounted, if only briefly, between the two stops were as lively as could be. I stopped a mother and her child along the way and gave a bag of Famous Amos cookies and a toothbrush. The little Afghan child smiled big - which was the desired effect!

I am thrilled to be here, thrilled to be leaving for R&R again soon, and thrilled at the prospects of my life ahead.

143, Kaesen.

Good night and good day.

AF Day 206

FOB Smart at 1900 - Tuesday

Whoa, I woke up to really chilly air! The shower room I use in my building has a fan, an exhaust fan, which is bigger than Texas, and we have no heat in the room. So in the summer, fall, and spring - excellent. But I now realize during the winter it will cause and make for exceptionally cold shower experiences. The bright side is that it forces us to conserve water, which is good for our water supply and for the earth, as it forces world record-breaking speeds for showering, shaving, and getting going each beautiful day! Seriously though, life is much more than comfort and joy and there are plenty of our comrades here and there with much less, so we have absolutely nothing to complain about now.

Speaking of beautiful days, I had another one. I suppose it was because of the wonderful people I encountered along the day. Smiles all around and cooperative spirits really do go quite the long way. Even in the midst of strife we seem to be able to pull it enough together to offer kindness and share pleasantries. Thank you, world!

I now have roughly nine days to wait until I hold my boy again!

143, Kaesen.

Good night and good day.

AF Day 205

FOB Smart at 1930 - Monday

We completed another foot patrol mission this morning to look at five local construction projects. Progress appears to be advancing appropriately, save for the typical pitfalls our local contractors fall into, such as concrete work, masonry work, carpentry work, plumbing, electrical, mechanical, etc. I am now looking forward to the winter shutdown of concrete construction, if only because it will allow us to focus on more how to better mentor them for the next construction season in concrete work.

We had a late staff meeting this evening and I ate dinner early. I am not sure about a movie tonight, but a book is available for my reading pleasure should I opt to not invest time in another movie. I'd say I have watched, at a minimum, 150 movies in my time here so far. This is a lot of movies, folks.

Enjoy the photograph of my son below, it is festive, seasonally appropriate, and sums up my son in a smile.

143, Kaesen.

Good night and good day.

AF Day 204

FOB Smart at 1830 - Saturday

Today began with an alarm chirping, ringing, and gonging in the background I suppose that I was not ready to wake up when I did, but I jumped out of bed, showered, and headed for breakfast nevertheless. Hot coffee did not cure my lagging and tired feeling. I finally cleared the cobwebs around 1030 and enjoyed another unassumingly normal Saturday.

Our FOB expansion project seems to be progressing very well these days. The winter weather will soon prevent them, or any area contractors, from completing concrete construction, so they are making as much "hay" as is possible during our remaining "sunshine" of warmer temperatures. Walls are transforming and being erected where walls never existed before, which is always fun to watch.

We have a busy week filled with all sorts of visitors beginning tonight through next weekend culminating with another unusual visit next week. Transition will be upon FOB Smart again before we know it and this PRT rotation will soon be handing over the reins of control to yet another new team. I am looking forward to greeting another new team and enjoy offering continuity during such transitional periods. I suppose it makes me feel a just a little bit more useful than normal, although I generally feel very useful to my teams.

With only a few more days until I leave FOB Smart to fly down to Kandahar, and then a few days thereafter I fly to Dubai, I feel the excitement building minute-by-minute.

143, Kaesen.

Good night and good day.



JL taking a moment to smile for the camera during a site observation on 3 Dec 2011

 

JL seen here observing progress on reinforced concrete construction of a cistern wall on 3 Dec 2011

 

JL enjoying a morning moment atop newly installed HSECO barrier walls at FOB Smart on 4 Dec 2011

AF Day 203

FOB Smart at 2200 - Saturday

We enjoyed another normal Saturday here at FOB Smart, complete with multiple missions outside the wire. I cannot think of anything specific to mention other than we encountered, as we always do, many more opportunities for mentoring, teaching, and training our local contractors in the ways of proper construction management, field construction methods, why concrete should be cured properly, why plans and specifications are written in a particular manner and why they should be, and have to be followed precisely. It was another good day interacting with our local "friends."

Tonight we sat around and talked about what we would be, or should be in some cases, doing when we go on our R&Rs. With the countdown for redeployment back home well into the short side, thoughts of returning to life back home seem to be on everyone's mind now. Thoughts of extending my deployment still remain, although the idea of living apart from my son one moment longer never escapes me.

I will be home with my son in less than 12.5 days!

143, Kaesen.

Good night and good day.

AF Day 202

FOB Smart at 0900 - Friday

Today is the end of this week, according to our local nationals, and work will be slow if not nonexistent today - at least on our construction projects. I ate a hearty breakfast moments ago and am now looking forward to a hot cup of Joe with maybe a little French Vanilla creamer therein.

My excitement is barely containable now. The closeness of leaving is palpable. Wonders await me and my son and the mini vacation we are about to share together.

143, Kaesen.

Good night and good day.

Special Post No. 069

These above were taken between the middle of October and the end of November. It is nice to feel the  progress of weight loss, and in my case it could be deemed extreme weight loss, considering the loss only started in May of this past year. Anyway, happy days and nights account for this, as well as other life changing events!

AF Day 201

FOB Smart at 0045 - Thursday

I am still awake from yesterday. I watched a movie earlier, congratulated an Air Force NCO on his promotion from Staff Sergeant to Technical Sergeant (E-5 to E-6), and conversed with a few friends. I cannot sleep for some reason right now. So I find myself here, writing a little more.

Later this morning I have several contractor appointments, including one outside the wire. I also have several internal meetings later in the day. I just know that today will be grand in every way. If I weren't so tired, I'd consider walking over to our fire pit and lighting a little fire to sit by for a little while. Well, that and if I didn't have to work today and weren't in a war zone. Such is life, right?

I have 14.97 days, or less, until I fly over 10,000 miles again!

143, Kaesen.

Good night and good day.

AF Day 200

FOB Smart at 2000 - Wednesday

We completed another foot patrol outside the wire this morning. The projects nearby appeared normal and were busy with work in various stages of completion. I know I say this all the time now, but it was cold this morning again. I am ready to start wearing my long-johns. It should start freezing here in the next two or three weeks, so work will halt immediately thereafter. The break will be a welcome change of pace, if only briefly, for us all.

The days come later and nights earlier than they used to, which is expected with the change in seasons. Maybe we'll get a large snowfall soon. Holiday spirit is felt even here so many miles away from home.

143, Kaesen.

Good night and good day.

AF Day 199

FOB Smart at 1830 - Tuesday

We completed another mission outside the wire today, only today's mission was for a supply run and personnel delivery. I added onto this so I could mail Kaesen, my son, another package of treats and sweets; he loves receiving packages now.

It was frosty this morning and I was cold. It is really winter 2011-2012 here now. The days and nights are cold. This morning I was observing progress on an expansion area and needed a heavy jacket due to a cold wind blowing. It felt a lot like Devils Lake, North Dakota.

143, Kaesen.

Good night and good day.

AF Day 198

FOB Smart at 2130 - Monday

After nearly 200 days, including my first R&R, I am pleased to pronounce that having been here has, for me, been a privilege, an honor, an inspiration, and an incredible journey. I should say that living in this land is nothing short of magical and transforming. I have many more days, weeks, and months to go, but right now, in this moment, I am incredibly grateful for the experiences and encounters I have lived through. Many more wonders await me, but next up is another R&R and another grand time with my young son.

Today we completed yet another wonderful mounted combat patrol with a dismounted foot patrol through two small villages, including Bakurzai, which is just south of Qalat in Zabul Province. The children there were terrific and although I have already given away all of the sweets and treats sent to me for the local children by my mother, I had left a few toothbrushes and energy bars, which they of course enjoyed just as much. Bakurzai sits atop the west banks of the Tarnak River and is a lovely hamlet of no more than 20 families. We met with several village elders during our visit there and were constantly swarmed and surrounded by their children, boys and girls alike.

I wake to very chilly mornings now, frosty air quite visible with each exhalation, and am happy for the respite from the long and hot summer. A cup of hot chocolate sounds good right about now, but walking to the DFAC does not, so it will have to wait for morning, although coffee will likely replace the sweet drink. I will once more hold my son in now less than 17 days and I am excited beyond words.

143, Kaesen.

Good night and good day.

AF Day 197- II

FOB Smart at 1700 - Sunday

Two additional missions completed today, and they were strong missions complete with lots of "excitement" for all. The skies threatened rain all day and even delivered a little during our afternoon mounted combat patrol with a dismounted foot patrol through nearby villages. We had a small key leader engagement (KLE) in one village and were able to observe some local Afghan life slightly removed from the urbanization of Qalat. I had a terrific time!

I have less than 18 days to go... my heart is swelling with love and excitement to see my son again. I imagine this is how most people feel when they are anticipating their R&Rs from here or other areas of the war zone we live in now.

I am hungry! So, this is where I stop writing again...

143, Kaesen.

Good night and good day.

AF Day 197

FOB Smart at 0830 - Sunday

This morning has started quietly, if not peacefully, and I am ready to go out into the world and do great things! Well, I am ready for missions, for meetings, for observations here and there, and even a little laundry. I presume another normal day is unfolding for me here at FOB Smart in Qalat, Zabul Province, Afghanistan. The air is crisp and you can see your breath as your walk around. Soon it may be snowing or raining and I am looking forward to this time of year here.

My son is winding down another fun day in the Pacific Northwest having eaten dinner and even ice cream for dessert. We spoke for a few minutes seconds ago; he said he had a good day.

143, Kaesen.

Good night and good day.

Special Post No. 068

The following were taken on 26 November 2011 during an extended three-hour foot patrol through Old Qalat City in Qalat, Zabul Province, Afghanistan. Provincial Reconstruction Team Zabul (PRT) and Agriculture Development Team Zabul (ADT) members participated with me. These photos were during the portion of our patrol where we stopped at local bazaar shops and purchased local goods, mostly fresh fruits and vegetables, and had conversations with shopkeepers. Talk about fun!

AF Day 196

FOB Smart at 2300 - Saturday

My missions today included a three-hour, multi-kilometer foot patrol through Old Qalat City. We observed the usual projects of mine, shopped along the bazaar, and conversed with as many locals as we could. The mission, while unusually long, was a wonderful experience, as usual, and proved invigorating to say the least. I would love to do this same mission every day save for the danger and potential for disaster. We also completed a mounted combat patrol mission this afternoon, also to usual projects of mine, and had a terrific opportunity to give away most of the candies and sweets my momma sent to me for this purpose. The children were eager as always to receive the "American chocolates" and other delectable treats. You know, if you take away the fact we are at war or in a war zone, this place is actually very beautiful and interesting. Well, I suppose it is both of these in spite of this war, but someday it would be nice to be here in a time of peace.

Time is quickly passing by and in approximately 19 days I will hold my son in my arms once again. It warms my heart immeasurably to think about all the fun he and I will share together again.

It has been a very long day, my body aches from all of the strenuous walking and riding. I think I will turn is as quickly as possible.

143, Kaesen.

Good night and good day.

AF Day 195 - II

FOB Smart at 2230 - Friday

You know, life is pretty amazing. If we slow down, are still and quiet, amazing opportunities often appear. Sometimes they come in the form of literal opportunities, such as work, or play, or even financial. However, the less common are with people. Even less so with people who have nothing to offer but company, compassion, and an eagerness to share their stories. It is within these stories where we may find inspiration, or rekindle zeal, or even motivation for positive change. Obviously, I had a conversation with a gentleman, whom I respect and admire, who happened to share a story of his hometown. If nothing else, it reminded me of why I would like to visit the historic northeast coast, but also because it revealed to me that anything worthwhile in life is attainable, so long as we work for it and focus on the end state. In the end, I always support and agree wholeheartedly with ridiculously dramatic change. I say so because such profound change often burns away the old growth, the kindled forest, and makes way for something brand new and beautiful in our lives. Have a terrific day, and night, friends.

Good night and good day.

143, Kaesen.

AF Day 195

FOB Smart at 0900 - Friday

Another Friday has arrived and all is progressing appropriately this morning as it should. I have workers beginning their tasks on my FOB expansion project and likely the workers on my nearby outside-the-wire projects are also starting their daily tasks, although some will not, as today is the holy day in the Muslim world. With another less intense days planned here at FOB Smart, it should prove useful for paperwork catch-up and work planning for the coming week ahead.

I imagine all of you had wonderful and delicious Thanksgiving meals today, yesterday for me, and that, with your bellies full and heart's content, sleep is moments away. I shared Thanksgiving with the soldiers and civilians of FOB Smart yesterday and had conversations with a couple of you back at home.

143, Kaesen.

Good night and good day.