AF Day 108

FOB Smart at 1430 - Tuesday

At approximately 1630 on Sunday, 28 August 2011, suicide bombers, one vehicle and one vest, attacked FOB Smart. I cannot say anything else other than what has already been reported by news agencies. We dealt with the attack as we have all been trained, with great regard for safety, concern, responsibility, etc. We suffered no severe casualties. We all survived! We received significant damage and we are now working quickly to reconstruct and recover. Our team and that of our operational command have responded incredibly.

Sleep has been difficult for many, but our spirits remain unbroken. This latest challenge that we face now is the same so many have fought and died so valiantly facing. Helping others is not always a peaceful or easy task. The tasks we voluntarily face daily can often include danger and the presence or threat of death. Standing up and working toward a common cause is an amazing privilege and I am so thankful for the countless men and women who choose to serve. They serve the American people, the Afghan people, and their own families in the way so many do here at FOB Smart and elsewhere throughout Afghanistan. These same people also served the same only in Iraq and many other conflicts we have been involved. Service is an honor.

I leave to see my family in less than nine days. I am ready for R&R, especially now.

143, K&K.

Good night and good day.