FOB Smart at 1620 - Friday
Night will soon befall our wonderful forward operating base in quiet Qalat, Zabul Province, Afghanistan. Situated in northern southeast Afghanistan, the weather played tricks today in that it was bright and full of sunshine, but cold and freezing outside.
Our military members of the current PRT rotation received their end of tour military awards. We watched many deserving airmen and soldiers receive their Bronze Stars, Army Commendations, and Army Achievements, as well as one of multiple Purple Hearts. Our dedicated commander, Paul LaVigne, Lt Col , USAF awarded the medals and handed out challenge coins to his PRT cadre. Afterward I shook the hands of every military member and offered a heartfelt "Thank you for your service." These young men and woman exemplify sacrifice, service to others, and service to the United States of America. I have had the pleasure of witnessing two such ceremonies, once with the previous rotation and again today with my current team. I am very proud of each and every member of this team, military and civilian, as well as most thankful and appreciative of the professionalism on display day in and day out.
These days are really no different than any of the last 285 I have experienced. Some of these days have been extraordinary, some filled with "excitement" or plain excitement, some have been stressful, some have been super-chill, and some ordinary beyond the pale. I can say with certainty that none of these days will ever be lost from memory. I have come a long ways at improving myself in so very many humbling ways - but the most poignant for me is the civil-military bond I have developed with my comrades.
I am counting my days until Kaesen, until family and friends, and until I am once again on American soil.
143, Kaesen.
Good night and good day.
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