AF Day 004

It's all good in the neighborhood here in Qalat, AF. The weather today was beautiful and is warming up quickly to summertime highs. Once my camera photo transfer is squared away, I will post sights from my FOB, the town (Qalat), and other interesting life-here shots. Until then, my delightful writing will need to suffice.

I observed FOB Smart up close and personal today, climbed every guard tower, walked the perimeter walls, looked in nearly all buildings, etc. During this, I had the honor of meeting certain Afghan Security forces assisting in the protection of FOB Smart. The Afghan is a proud man and it was intriguing meeting them and seeing their faces, their eyes, and their work environments.

I work mostly with US Air Force officers/engineers who I am delighted to say are very polite, respectful, and engaging. My coworker, also USACE, is leaving soon to go back after two consecutive years here at FOB Smart. He is a civil engineer and is very well-versed in all things Qalat. I am fortunate to be surrounded by many people who have been here a year or more. There is a lot to learn with regard to the local ways of completing work, meeting with Afghans and interpreters, etc.

My missions will begin soon, which involve security details/briefings, travel - whether by foot, armored convoy, etc., meetings with local Afghan contractors, and QA/QC of my projects. I have several scheduled already, which will include walking around Qalat to observe certain of my new projects. My regular workweek is now 70 hours, compared to 40 in Devils Lake. There will even be plenty of additional overtime available here at FOB Smart for the working!

I miss you, Kimberly. I miss you, Kaesen. I miss you family & extended family. I miss you friends! Days go by so fast here, so the missing really becomes noticeable after all the work is done each day. Fortunately for me, my days will not be much slower again until right before I depart to come home on R&R Leave. Kimberly, Kaesen, and I plan to meet family in New Mexico for a mini-reunion/Kaesen's birthday (fourth).

Mail to:

JL SUMMERLIN

PRT ZABUL

FOB SMART

APO AE 09383

I love you, K&K, WAMHAS. I love you, everyone, as well.

Good night and good day.