FOB Smart at 2200 - Wednesday
I completed two missions outside the wire today; one earlier in the afternoon with a dismounted foot patrol to a nearby prison to observe progress on a previously completed phase of new construction and an overview of work required during another pending phase. The second mission, a mounted combat patrol, was into New Qalat City to visit a nearby forward operating base. The former mission lasted about 1.5 hours and was quite enjoyable; both from the walking outside the wire perspective and from the construction management view. We have opportunities literally every single time we step foot onto a project to improve the delivery of each project in a manner benefitting the local populace and safeguarding our dollars spent in support of our Afghan partners. Today was no different in that work previously completed which may require alteration to perform better, was easily identified and will quickly be planned for completion.
I feel very comfortable and confident in my own approach to evaluating issues or potential issue and recommending resolution, especially from having many years now of construction management experience, especially of that which I gained whilst working for Fulcrum in Scottsdale, Arizona. Property conditions vary, it is the nature of life and of construction, and no problem encountered is exactly alike, however similar, and poses refreshing opportunities to determine cause and propose changes to effect a positive outcome or end state. I love my job!
As with recent blog posts, our new team is displaying signs of increased comfort and are recognizing their requirements so that the remainder of their deployment will "go off without a hitch" and be "smooth sailing from here on out." Forgive my colloquial spirit, but there is really no other way to espouse their current state and relate it appropriately. New teams and old teams are vastly different, inherent to their individual experiences, training, and planning. I presume most new teams arrive in a similar mindset and most old teams depart with such. Naturally, the more we encounter the more we begin to change and mold ourselves to the requirements and processes necessary to achieve success of the mission.
My mind is definitely beginning to focus on the pending changes in my life. I say this because of my departure from Afghanistan, arrival in the States, reunion with my son, my family, and my friends. I will have new work to engage in and old work to bring closure to and settle. Life is absolutely amazing, at times or most of the time anyway, and I feel honored to have been in a position to serve my country again as I have here for nearly one year now. Ahead of me I see and feel great things are unfolding and taking shape. Seattle is beckoning and I am embracing the purpose of this next phase of my life wholeheartedly.
143, Kaesen.
God night and good day.
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