AF Day 170 - Halloween

FOB Smart at 0015 - Monday

Another description of what it is like here in Qalat, Afghanistan:

I usually wake between 0500 and 0700 daily, dependent on whether I have a really early, slightly early, or no missions planned first thing each morning. If it is really early, around 0600, my showers and breakfasts are brief, then a mission brief, and then the start of a foot patrol through Old Qalat City. Otherwise, we generally start at 0700 and get truly rolling by 0800 or 0900 - again dependent on scheduled contractor meetings, staff briefings, team meetings, etc. We have a lot of meetings here, even in a war zone.

Once the morning particulars are completed, it is on to paperwork and contract admin or construction management tasks. Lunch comes on at 1100, then dinner by 1700, and finally we watch a movie, or two, in my room/office every single night of the week! Phone calls to my son occur around 0700 and 2000 daily - I love speaking with my son.

All in all, my days are good, rewarding, fulfilling, and often exciting or "exciting" dependent on local insurgent activities. Never is a moment dull and always are there opportunities for excellence in everything we do here. I have thrived, professionally at least, here in Afghanistan. I enjoy the camaraderie with my other military and civilian counterparts.

Challenges are plentiful and nothing but time is on our hands and side here. I am considering whether to volunteer for a 12-month deployment extension. Such can only be based on my attitude and reaction to how well Kaesen is performing without me. Plus, and more importantly, I really miss my son, I miss living with him, holding him every day and night, and being able to be there for him physically.

I am ready for R&R No. 02, which comes now in less than 47 more days. R&R No. 03 comes in less than 139 more days too! Redeployment home then comes in less than 159 more days - but who is counting anyway... LOL

143, Kaesen.

Good night and good day.

Special Post No. 063

JL Summerlin with Khalil #01, Khalil #02, and a site superintendent at a local hospital expansion project.
Taken on 29 October 2011

JL Summerlin at a local ministerial offices project.
Taken on 29 October 2011



AF Day 169

FOB Smart at 1330 - Sunday

I gave a tour of our local projects this morning to an incoming deputy commander of an ADT, or Agriculture Development Team, which is deploying to nearby FOB Apache. We observed progress on five projects and interviewed multiple contractors and subcontractors along our way. I think LTC Bohmer benefitted from such and was very happy to share our projects with him. We will begin partnering on project visits in the future.

The remainder of this day will be filled with paperwork, checking on a project ongoing within our FOB perimeter, and thinking ahead to 47days from now when I will leave for my second R&R. Spending time with my boy is my greatest pastime and I would not give up seeing him for anything. He is so very excited and so am I; we'll have a grand old time.

Kaesen is away at an overnight party with certain of his schoolmates. I cannot believe he already old enough to start doing these sleepovers. I had so much fun as a child going to these or hosting them at my house. I am sure that he will too.

143, Kaesen.

Good night and good day.

AF Day 168

FOB Smart at 0845 - Saturday

This morning was crisp and very cool outside. We just returned from a dismounted foot patrol through my usual nearby construction projects, including a hospital expansion, a ministerial office project consisting of three new buildings, two rehab buildings, and various related site work and site infrastructure, and finally a perimeter wall project surrounding a boys dormitory. The dormitory project ended with several young Afghan boys throwing rocks at me. You may imagine that we react professionally, and sternly, when these events occur. We did today and threw no rocks thereafter while we completed our exfiltration from the site.

I have more projects to see later this morning and more meetings thereafter. Work has been good, so very good, for me here in Qalat. I cannot ever express enough the gratitude I feel toward the United States for allowing me this fine opportunity to make a difference in the lives of those whom I feel live in unimaginably austere conditions. It is especially gratifying when young and old alike walk up to you amongst your gang of security and shake your hand in appreciation.

143, Kaesen.

Good night and good day.

AF Day 167

FOB Smart at 2345 - Friday

Today was rather quiet with several of team gone on overnight missions, R&Rs, and transitions. "Excitement" lurks around the corner always, but it has been especially so lately. My outside-the-wire missions are scheduled, my projects are performing acceptably, and the weather here for us continues to chill. All is quiet tonight, especially at this hour, on our lovely FOB.

Kaesen sounded so tired when we spoke a few hours ago as he was on his way to school. I am so excited to see him in about 48 days.

143, Kaesen.

Good night and good day.

AF Day 166

FOB Smart at 1915 - Thursday

My missions have been going very well, knock on wood, and today's mission was no different. We observed progress on a radio station, two perimeter walls, a hospital expansion, and a ministerial office project. Concrete issues are still intermittently prevalent, as well as interior finishing, but all-in-all, they are going rather well these days. Well that is with the exception of having a contractor rip out 75% of a building foundation for trying to hide the use of unauthorized cement! I still find my work here more than extremely fulfilling, the people I work among very professional in their fields, and the life we endure satisfying.

This afternoon I went to FOB Lagman to mail KT another box of yummy treats, another flashlight (LOL - he loves flashlights), and more Lucky Charms cereal.

I cannot wait to speak with KT tonight! He always brightens my days and nights.

143, Kaesen.



Good night and good day.

AF Day 165

FOB Smart at 2359 - Wednesday

Yesterday's "excitement" has carried over into today, but all seems and appears well for us here. This is becoming somewhat routine and living here for any length of time eventually desensitizes us to the goings on of war. My thoughts are never far from my son, whom i am here for and working to better his and my own life for every second we are apart.

We watched another movie tonight. All is well.

143, Kaesen.

Good night and good day.

AF Day 164

FOB Smart at 2359 - Tuesday

Missions, meetings, and a movie to boot. Another good day has come and gone and I am ready for bed. I spoke with my beautiful son; he is happy and misses his daddy.

Major "excitement" near FOB Smart today.

143, Kaesen.

Good night and good day.

Special Post No. 062

On Sunday, 23 Oct 2011, we completed a mounted combat patrol into several villages near Qalat, although outside of Qalat's municipal boundaries. The striking and overarching takeaway, for me, was how absolutely beautiful this face of Afghanistan was that particular day. Everywhere we walked in the villages, we could see tree orchards on either side of the narrow "streets," which were little more than worn extra-large footpaths, standing above and beyond the mud walls (similar to North American adobe construction). We also encountered local farmers, definitely subsistence farming in this area of Afghanistan, tilling their fields, and preparing for the next planting season.

Walking around I commented several times that if one were to take away the reality of war and Taliban in the area, you could easily be standing somewhere in the desert southwest of the United States, especially southern Arizona. The air, here in these villages, was free of smoke, dust, and foul-smelling aromas and replaced with light scents of cooking fires, bread baking, and meat grilling. Another perfect Sunday by my book. Moreover, another perfect "walk through the park" of life here, or anywhere.

Enjoy.

AF Day 163

FOB Smart at 2305 - Monday

This day has been long, although not boring at all, and I am happy for the sweet release of sleep to be upon me once again. My beautiful son sounded so wonderful when we spoke a few hours ago when he was on his way to school. He offered "I love you," to me several times. What an incredible four years he has already given me.

I am exhausted and feel, believe this for certain, again ready for my next R&R, which will begin in about 52 more days. Many around me are also taking their R&Rs, or will soon. I am so incredibly happy for them, as I know how good it feels to be back in places familiar to us. Working here really means you earn your time home with loved ones.

I met with the governor of Zabul Province last night and again this morning. I also met with nearly all of his line ministers this morning and negotiated assistance in certain of our pending projects close to FOB Smart. It feels rewarding to connect and successfully complete business with people - especially here. Tomorrow will be another day quite similar to the last 162 days and I am ready for Day 164 as with all of the rest.

Sweet dreams you fellow few whom I have grown to respect more than you'll ever know. Cheery day you many whom I call my family and friends back home.

143, Kaesen.

Good night and good day.

AF Day 162

FOB Smart at 1430 - Sunday

Afternoon on a Sunday in Qalat is very unlike such back home. As today is the beginning of the week here, we moved forward with a five-stop mounted combat patrol this morning. Today we ventured out into nearby villages to perform a quasi-assessment of village needs, such as power, water, and sewage works. I have to say that this was probably one of the single best missions I have been on. This is so because of the incredible beauty I experienced in the environment and surroundings encountered during long walks through these three villages today.

Life is certainly full of pleasant surprises too. Today I shook many hands, exchanged pleasantries in the local Pashto language, and observed conditions in three similar villages near Qalat. Photos never lie, so the photos I will post later will help me express why we had such a good time. Nothing ever happens here without a little "excitement," so we had some of that too. What a terrific day it has been so far!

I spoke with my son earlier, several times at that, so I cannot complain about anything.

143, Kaesen.

Good night and good day.

Special Post No. 061

Kaesen enjoying a soccer game, albeit in the rain and mist of the Pacific Northwest. He looks like he is enjoying himself, which is all that is important, right? He said he'll play soccer with me someday.

Taken on 22 Oct 2011



AF Day 161

FOB Smart at 1730 - Saturday

Missions, missions, missions... I loves me some missions! Well, I really do enjoy them. Being outside the wire here is often akin to being out in the Arizona desert, hiking around, walking the trails (streets here), breathing in fresh air (well, here it is laden with smoke and other putrid aromas), and all while looking at construction work in progress. What could be more fun for a work environment? It also includes a certain element of security, or lack thereof depending on how one views the situation, which adds a little more excitement to the "excitement."

I am glad today is soon to be over. Dynamics have changed a little here with many of our team coming and going from their R&Rs. Attitudes seems to be a little on edge... All is well that ends well. I am so thankful for the team we have here at PRT Zabul.

143, Kaesen.

Good night and good day.

AF Day 160

FOB Smart at 1615 - Friday

Fridays are equivalent to American Sundays here in the Middle East and especially here in Qalat, Afghanistan. Since most people here, at least with our Afghan national friends, are in their mosques for worship, the days often are slow and good for command maintenance. However, since certain of my missions yesterday pushed forward for today, my day was anything but slow or mundane. We completed several missions this morning and afternoon, including two foot patrols through Old Qalat City and one mounted combat patrol into New Qalat City. The latter included five separate stops and project observations. The morning foot patrols included one village paving preparatory stop and three regular construction projects. All is well here in our little piece of the world.

I took some amazing photographs during my missions today, so I will share them soon here and on Facebook for those interested. "All is well that ends well, roger," as they say.

Dinner is soon to start, a shower is soon to refresh, and I am in an extraordinarily good mood this evening. I spoke with KT before his bedtime this morning, his last night, and look forward to another phone call in a few hours or less. What can I say other than when I speak with my son the world becomes right once more.

Today, right this second, I have 55.32 additional days until I leave for my second R&R and see my beautiful son shortly thereafter!

143, Kaesen.

Good night and good day.

AF Day 159

FOB Smart at 2200 - Thursday

We worked outside again today, for most of the day, and accomplished much in terms of FOB upgrades. As the weather is fast becoming colder and colder here, we are working to quickly rebuild walls and prepare for winter and eventual rains. The local Afghans working on our FOB are wearing their Afghan-style coats, which are merely sheets, some insulated and others not. I like this time of year here.

Kaesen and I had a chance to speak at good length this morning. He sounded so wonderfully cheerful and happy to talk to me. He said he wasn't sure what they'd be doing at school today, but he did say, as he always likes to, that he'd be drawings me another picture for his momma to send to me. I love his drawings.

I am extraordinarily tired tonight. The bed is calling me already!

143, Kaesen.

Good night and good day.



KT waking up from a long night's sleep. Good morning, sunshine!
Taken on 20 Oct 2011



KT all smiles for his daddy just before school.
Taken on 20 Oct 2011



AF Day 158

FOB Smart at 1700 - Wednesday

Another day, albeit one that felt a little long from wake to now, has nearly finished. We moved materials around on the FOB today to accommodate new upgrades throughout. Tomorrow we have more of the same and missions beyond. I feel good when I am tired from a day's work. It helps to feel the accomplishments all the more.

I briefly spoke with Kaesen this morning, although he seemed a little preoccupied. His mother had company over, so he was a little rushed. When my son and I speak, even if it only for just a few seconds, it means the world to me. Every day, as I have been mentioning, he asks or I offer the day countdown until we see each other again. Today is now Day 58 to my next R&R, although it is really 57.31 - who's counting anyway, besides Kaesen and me? For those interested, I have 200.30 days until I return to the States, barring a previously-decide, although now up-in-the-air commitment to extend for another year.

We have advance team members here in our province who will become our next team leadership. They have an opportunity to review our processes, observe our projects and daily grind, and see where they can improve upon the already obvious successes and shortcomings. Again, I am amazed with the continuous caliber of cadre rotating in and out of this FOB and PRT.

143, Kaesen.

Good night and good day.

AF Day 157

FOB Smart at 2300 - Tuesday

Missions and meetings and even a little bit of "excitement" at lunchtime today made for another normal workday here in Qalat, Afghanistan. The missions went well, as did the meetings; however, the "excitement" was rather exciting and close enough for some to hear and feel! What can you do, you are in a war zone and "excitement" occurs every day everywhere for everyone. I'd say, all things considered, it was another good day.

Kaesen sounded so sweet on the phone as he was being driven to school. I told him that I had a little more or less than 59 days until we could hug and kiss each other again. He and I are both so excited for this again. What a great boy I have in Kaesen.

143, Kaesen.

Good night and good day.

AF Day 156

FOB Smart at 2145 - Monday

Nighttime has fallen here in Qalat again and the hours of this day are quickly fading away. The day began early and was relentless, or so it may have felt at times. Work all around me and everything that I do here and now seems surreal. Not so much in the sense that what I am doing or experiencing is unbelievable, rather it is surreal because of the reality of actually being here and now. Time flies by very quickly here, thankfully, and I am, as always, greatly appreciative of the magnificent opportunity to be working amongst these people, both familiar and unfamiliar.

Kaesen sounded tired on his way to school this morning. I asked him to provide Daddy a list for Christmas wishes and then I had an even better idea! I asked him to have his momma help him write a letter to Santa Claus and have her send it to Daddy. He thought it was a great idea - so did I. I cannot wait to see what he comes up with; however, he did say he wanted a "real telephone." Hmm, we'll see if Santa can produce that for him this year.

More missions tomorrow and beyond... more hard and easy work to complete ahead and, you know, it is good. Life is altogether complicated and I am grateful for it every day I breathe.

143, Kaesen.

Good night and good day.

AF Day 155

FOB Smart at 2200 - Sunday

We demolished half of our firing range today in order to make room for new expansion and improvements. "Shams," our local contractor, who is actually from Kabul, is quite a character. Well, a character he may not be, but he is quite a guy anyway. His English is far and above better than most people we deal with and his kindness in teaching me Pashto is equally far and above. They worked from 0730 to 1630 today, which is an hour less than they will normally. It was good to be in the sun most of today. My face is actually a little red... the perils of my war.

Another week passed and another movie night finished. Tomorrow is the beginning of yet another wonderful week filled with opportunities for excellence. Today I had the fortune to meet the next team's Sergeant Major, he is from Las Vegas, Nevada, with the Army National Guard. He was a nice and articulate man, but not without a "hooah" sense of being and a seemingly kind heart toward all people. I'll soon meet our next commander and the next team will begin to arrive here in late February to early March of next year.

I have not been able to speak with my son, Kaesen, today, as he is indisposed of at the moment. I hope that whatever he is doing right now, wherever he may be right now, he hears my whispers of "I love you, baby boy, and I cannot wait to see you in less than 61 days!" He is my pride, my joy, and my spirit.

143, Kaesen.

Good night and good day.

AF Day 154

FOB Smart at 2145 - Saturday

I just enjoyed another longer call with my son. His 4-year-old intellect is amazing and at the same time, his funny 4-year-old tricks are so funny to listen to and experience. I ask the question: "You know what?" and Kaesen says, "chicken butt!" We go round and round with this one sometimes... But then sometimes he'll say, "Daddy, you know what?" and I will say, "What?" and he'll then say those most beautiful of words to me, "I love you." And wham, out of nowhere, the day is brighter, or in my case, the night is brighter, and everything in the world is right.

It is Saturday night here in Afghanistan, which makes it Saturday morning back home. We watched another... movie; yes, you guessed it and we laughed a little tonight. Levity is so important, and not taking ourselves too seriously too much of the time, and relaxing - if only for a brief moment - before calling it a night and sleeping into the next day.

I have interesting missions planned for the week, not to anywhere new mind you, but to projects we have been managing for some time. I say interesting because not a mission goes by without some form of "excitement" occurring or some off-plan event transforming the routine to surreal. It is a good time here, save for the fact that we are here and not there, but imagine being on another planet with another purpose and you begin to feel the way we may feel here at times. The projects that I manage are moving along well, I have several new projects about to kick off and the interactions with most of my contractors is nothing if not interesting and challenging simultaneously. Pashto is a language unlike any other I have experienced, but I learn the key phrases and words, more every day, and connect as much as possible with everyone I can. We all do together!

143, Kaesen.

Good night and good day.

AF Day 153

FOB Smart at 2215 - Friday

Another week has come and gone, another Friday has disappeared into the night, and another day closer has come to being with my sweet son again in December! Today has not been rough, nor has it been tough, and it sure has not been lacking in interesting people and interaction with them. We watched another movie tonight, ate another light meal, and drank a few more liters of water, and laughed as much as we could. You know, as with most days of my life, it was a good day here in Qalat, Zabul Province, Afghanistan.

With 61 days and counting remaining, and me sharing this number with my son daily, and the prospect of a beautiful Christmas with family in Las Cruces, I'd say that there is nothing wrong in the world tonight. I'd say that all the pain I must endure in life to achieve success and happiness is worth every moment I have to spend with my beautiful treasure of a son. So, tomorrow the count will be 60, then 59, then 58, and so on until the day arrives where I fly straight back to him. Sounds nice, doesn't it?

Tomorrow I have more paperwork and planning to complete. The road ahead includes several more life-changing projects for the people of Qalat and I am excited at the prospect of many more successful works completed during my deployment here in Afghanistan. These people have so little, we so much, and the opportunity to help them, truly help them, is an amazing one.

143, Kaesen.

Good night and good day.

AF Day 152

FOB Smart at 1815 - Thursday

Man, I love Thursdays, LOL! But, seriously folks, life is good on Thursdays and you know it! Today was not disappointing. I began my day with a phone call from Kaesen, had work to complete, I completed such, certain of my friends returned from R&R, and the future is looking better through my eyes of today rather than yesterday.

143, Kaesen.

Good night and good day.

AF Day 151

FOB Smart at 2130

Afghanistan is a beautiful place to live, if only you open your eyes, your heart, and your mind. I should say, though, that living anywhere in the world holds the same beauty. Life is beautiful no matter where you live, as long as you keep an open heart and soul and challenge your mind daily. Well, I know my mind is challenged here, in many ways obvious and others not so obvious to the casual observer. Anyway, the rain in the skies the last couple of days has been amazing, and while it did cause a little mud, it cleaned the air, it cleaned away some of the battle-weary grime, and it reminded me so much of Arizona rain.

Kaesen is at school now. We spoke briefly earlier. Actually, all of my conversations, save for one last weekend, are very brief. Do not be so quick to judge sadness though, because every moment I share with my son, whether on the phone or in person, is another moment forever cherished deep within my love for him and my life with him.

Back to life here in Afghanistan, so today I completed two missions, although one was very close and the others just beyond the walls, somewhat literally, of the protection of our forward operating base. We began early, finished early, and then my day started with several coworkers at the provincial governor's compound addressing several construction projects. I also met with a contractor or two and worked again on paperwork. As I mentioned recently, the weather here has started to cool down rapidly. The recent rains and colder weather remind me of Phoenix or Tucson in December or January.

I cannot believe I am saying this, but I am already ready for another R&R back home! Days, me counting days... 64 to be exact, plus another 15-hour flight from Dubai to Los Angeles, another 3-hour flight to Seattle or Portland to pick-up  my beautiful son, another 5-hour flight to El Paso, and then a quick 45-minute drive to Las Cruces... Sounds wonderful, right? Yes, to me it absolutely does.

143, Kaesen.

Good night and good day.

AF Day 150 - II

FOB Smart at 1630 - Tuesday

We completed a mission today to take four of my USACE brothers from FOB Apache to Alexander Castle, built by Macedonians and Alexander the Great, and back to FOB Apache. They loved it; I always enjoy walking around up there. The views are amazing and today especially with the nearly 24 hours of rain we had! Overcast skies with little pockets of light shining through here and there was beautiful.

My day has been fairly routine and free of any "excitement," which is always welcome here at our FOB. I have nothing major planned for the rest of today. We may experience a little "excitement" tomorrow, but what is life without any "excitement?" Other than safe and secure... which is always a good thing.

The weather is rapidly changing here in Qalat high country. At approximately 5,200 feet, Qalat is nestled in a valley surrounded by mountain ranges in every direction. Well, Afghanistan is this way in most regions, but here the mountains, you can just tell from looking at them, will be perfectly covered in snow soon and we will continue to have more rain and cold weather building up through winter and our rainy season. I am excited for the cooling weather, which is nothing like last year for us in Devils Lake, North Dakota. Soon it will be the holiday season and beyond a new year. The future is promising and bright.

143, K&K.

Good night and good day.

AF Day 150

FOB Smart at 0015 - Tuesday

I am still awake from earlier today, well - yesterday, and I am thinking about my dear son. A friend commented on a Facebook post from earlier last night and I want to share it with you friends. I do so because I know I am not alone in this thinking... I should also say that my friend was honoring me in that he realizes, having served in the military before himself and also having deployed before, that it is hard for parents to deploy and leave their children. He also said he respects those that serve.

I will share a little secret with you. I am completely beside myself every waking moment of my life, whether right next to my sleeping son, holding him in my loving arms, or far, far away - across the oceans and 10,000+ miles away. I am as much in love with my son as I am the air I breathe, the sun that shines upon my face, the light the guides my life, and the sweet darkness that envelopes me at night and takes me to that special place where he and I meet and laugh and play in my dreams.

You know my story, friend. You know as well as I that sometimes, even in the worst of chances, life does not always work the way we want it to or feel that it should. I fall apart every waking moment and come back together all the same because I have a son in whom I cherish his future more than my own. I fall apart and hold it together because I have a boy who loves his daddy and needs his daddy and wants his daddy.

So, I can say this with all honesty. I am grateful to serve our country. It is an honor and a distinct privilege to be here far away from my son. My only hope is that he will someday know that often in our lives we must sacrifice so that others may succeed and in his case, a little sacrifice on the part of his father will take him a very long way.

You know, I am content in my life in as much as I can be considering my circumstances, my dreams, and my abilities. Life is good.

143, Kaesen.

Good night and good day.

Special Post No. 060

JL Summerlin with "Bismillah" and "Craft," our engineering interpreter (Pashto).

 



JL Summerlin with TSgt John W. Morgan taken at a nearby construction site.

 

Random photographs taken during a routine mounted combat patrol with dismounts and a foot patrol through different parts of Qalat, Afghanistan, on 10 October 2011, with US Army and US Air Force security.

The photo above of the young Afghan girls turning away was taken at the future site of Zarghona Girls School. The photo tells the story of girls that need to be in school and empowered in their lives. Striking.