FOB Smart at 1800 - Saturday
We completed a mounted combat patrol with dismounts into New Qalat City this morning. I observed progress on three projects, including one for its final walkthrough. The little ones were out in full force today. Most are good kids, but as with everyone on the planet, their groups also included the mean, even hateful, older ones. We had rocks thrown at us today on our way out. Fortunately, we were in our up-armored vehicles. It is completely deflating and mostly discouraging to witness and be the recipients of such awful behavior. You won't hear this on the local news as it seems only the bad actions of our own personnel seem to garner attention. What becomes of the rock throwing - at the end of the day, we chalk it up to being big boys and big girls in a world where we have to consistently turn the other cheek. I should also say that 90+ percent, or greater even, of the local population warms to us - most of the time, and if it is not "warm," it is equal or greater than tolerant.
During my walkthroughs at the various projects I manage, I walk with the thought that these will soon be managed by another, capable, and friendly PRT engineering team member. My contacts at these various projects mostly know that I am leaving Qalat in four more days. The photographing and warm handshaking has already begun. I will truly miss many of these local partners whom have treated me with dignity, respect, and honor. I wish the very best for them, their families, and the future of their richly populated country.
Dinnertime has arrived again here in Qalat. As with many previous months, I am famished at this time each day - especially since I stopped eating lunch so long ago. A ham sandwich with mustard, lettuce, tomato, and cheese, sounds delicious right about now! Maybe I will splurge and go for some popcorn later too. We'll see; I have always repeated, "Thin feels better than food tastes." Right now, thin feels so very good - and making it a permanent condition is my pending focus once I return "home" and have completed my vacation with my little boy.
I think I have two more missions outside the wire remaining - can you believe it? After all this time and over 200 missions later, the final two are finally here!
143, Kaesen.
Good night and good day.
No comments:
Post a Comment