AF Day 039

FOB Smart at 2215 - Wednesday

The last two hours have been a lot different for me than any other two hours since I have been here in Afghanistan. All is well. We are all secure and safe. Considering my location, I feel so very fortunate to be sitting here in my office typing this and to be doing so in relative safety. Kimberly, have fun fishing and do not worry.

I had meetings this morning and evening. I worked diligently to quickly organize my new office. I spoke with Afghan contractors, coworkers, and other influencers today regarding the many projects either I manage or which I am participating. I should say that we are relatively slow now in terms of overall projects compared to just six months ago when the current PRT team was in full swing. The distant future may hold an additional return to increase funding and multiple new projects. However, I have several multi-million dollar projects to look forward to managing, as well as the ongoing participation with additional projects currently valued at between $5,000,000 and $10,000,000.

I am receiving exactly what I asked for when volunteering to come here and manage construction. Such includes an increased responsibility, an opportunity to participate fully in a construction design/build team, and to do such alongside the best of the best! I cannot say enough how much I appreciate the sacrifices these young men and women, and their families back home, and whom I now call friends, make. I feel blessed to live with here at PRT Zabul with this outstanding group. My commander, LtCol Veres, is an inspired man and one who holds a common vision in helping the Afghans help themselves. Priceless...

Folks, I ran another two miles this evening. I am feeling good about such. I see many faces younger than mine, and a few older as well, and another shared common trait is personal fitness and health. I live to learn and I am learning how to appreciate fitness and health again.

Kimberly is out fishing today with her father. They went out with his friends somewhere in western Washington and Kaesen is enjoying a fun day with his cousins and Uncle Chris. I hope the rest of you, my family and friends, are waking up to something equally fun and/or relaxing ahead.

143, K&K.

Good night and good day.