FOB Smart at 2200 (10:00 p.m.)
I travelled far away, in terms of trip time, not necessarily distance, to southern Zabul Province today within a mounted convoy to observe progress on two of our construction projects. I should say, as I have often already, that each time I travel outside the wire, whether within a foot patrol or mounted convoy using awesome military vehicles, I travel with the greatest group of Army and Air Force professionals around. These young men and women are such a source of pride for me, for you, for our country, and for the world.
I travelled far away, in terms of trip time, not necessarily distance, to southern Zabul Province today within a mounted convoy to observe progress on two of our construction projects. I should say, as I have often already, that each time I travel outside the wire, whether within a foot patrol or mounted convoy using awesome military vehicles, I travel with the greatest group of Army and Air Force professionals around. These young men and women are such a source of pride for me, for you, for our country, and for the world.
Today was exciting in that I was able to observe progress at one of our hard-to-reach project locations. I also travelled on a highway built by Afghans and contracted by my Provincial Reconstruction Team (PRT). I visited with different people, Afghans and Americans alike. While the work I observed left more to be desired, I did feel as though my mentoring to the contractor, regarding appropriate mixing of raw materials to be used for masonry mortar, or what the locals refer to as "concrete," will make a difference, if only a tiny difference.
I also participated, last night and again this early morning, in a series of briefings designed to provide an overview of our practices relating to wartime contracting to a representative of a US Congressional Oversight Committee. Listening to my commander effortlessly explain the "who, what, and why," as well as my direct supervisor and counterparts was again enlightening. I even took notes for my own future reference.
K&K told me that they were travelling to Olympia, Washington, today to visit her brother and his two children and to go shopping for me. I cannot wait to see what they send next. The last care package they sent included five drawings that Kaesen drew for me. It is nice to receive these care packages, which might include little tubes of toothpaste, small containers of deodorant, and these drawings from my son. Such allow me to feel so connected to them... at least the drawings do anyway. The toiletries allow me to feel fresh and refreshed each morning. Thank you, K&K.
I have a few more missions on the board to observe progress on more projects during the remainder of the week. Tomorrow I have bid reviews to prepare for my team. Maybe I should start running in the gym tomorrow. Maybe I should figure out a way to post more photos and finally some video to this blog. Lots of plans and lots of things to do or want to do.
I miss y'all.
143, K&K.
Good night and good day.
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