AF Day 037

FOB Smart at 2150 - Monday

I had meetings today with interesting people from all walks of the government and military. We discussed road building, road repairs, and the facilitation of such. I am enjoying this piece of my work routine. I have a few jobs to look at tomorrow, another few meetings, additional project coordination (ongoing), and the world is my oyster! A portion of the new PRT team has finally arrived and we are briefing them constantly in preparation for the turnover.

I miss my wife so much tonight, and always, and miss my son so much tonight, and always. In fact, I miss all of my family and friends. I am looking forward to visiting my family in New Mexico in September for my first 21-day R&R. Then in December we will be in Arizona and who knows where we will be in March 2012. I had previously thought I would be home for April 21st; alas, that may not be feasible. Regardless, I get to see my lovely wife soon...

Okay, tonight I jogged on the treadmill for 30 minutes, for two miles, and hit my target heart rate for a good portion of the time. Tomorrow I will jog at lunch and again after dinner. My goal is to lose weight, to eat healthier, and to live as long as I can for my wife, my son, and myself. Day Two tomorrow will be just a little bit easier.

I am tired now.

143, K&K.

Good night and good day.

AF Day 036

FOB Smart at 1835

Whew! Today's mission was fairly long and, unbelievably, tiring. Riding across the countryside in an up-armored vehicle, with cold A/C, wearing an IBA vest and Kevlar helmet is taxing by itself. We looked at completed erosion control measures, bridge construction, and had two ribbon-cutting ceremonies with the provincial government. There were security personnel from local army, police, private, and US forces. The actual ceremony I attended included a true cutting of ribbon, Afghan media, and refreshments consisting of bakery goods produced in Kandahar and very tasty chocolates. I tried the baked goods; sweet is the only way to describe such.

Along the way today, one could view the burned-out hulks of trailers, trucks, cars, etc. sitting aside the main highway. The way people transport cars and goods is amazing. Take a Greyhound bus and load the entire length of the top of the bus with cargo goods. Then, for good measure, as two or three cars, literally, atop that and then you have a traditional, and very commonplace, view of the highway. These buses pass our military convoys, whereas we may be going along at 45-50 mph, travelling 25 mph faster with these ridiculously unsafe loads. Excitement is all around here, my friends.



Photo taken 02 Feb 2011 near Qalat, Afghanistan

You know, I absolutely love construction. While construction out here in the country, in the far reaches of provincial Afghanistan, is far different than most of what you would find in Kandahar or Kabul, we really do have the ability to affect lives in an awe-inspiring manner. Mud huts to block and concrete buildings. Mud walls to concrete block walls. Unlevel and dusty dirt roads to asphalt paved roadways, with striping and crosswalks to boot. Well, the crosswalks might need many more years to catch up in terms of usefulness and reason, but I am saying that construction is impacting lives here in a way that can be truly beneficial to all citizens of this country. I go on...

I love my fathers, Randy, Ted, and Don, on this day we celebrate fatherhood. Happy Father's Day to my fathers and to all of you fathers out there today. I love you all.

143, K&K.

Good night and good day.

AF Day 035

FOB Smart at 1905

Five projects observed today, including roads, ministry buildings, security upgrades, and a warehouse. Our mission this morning last nearly three hours, with a 30-pound vest and heavy Kevlar helmet, and the walking was good for me. I am constantly struck by the complete difference in lifestyle we observe whenever we are outside the wire. The kids were out in en masse today and they were as friendly as I have seen them. One of my coworkers commented that the kids were flocking to me for some reason. This is probably because I was making an effort to shake hands, give fist bumps, and offer high fives.

I have another longer mission tomorrow that I am looking forward to and am expecting some sort of excitement to be present. Travelling in a military convoy is always interesting... Since we will be going some distance and frequently observing completed construction, I should have good photo opportunities during the mission.

Saturday night is movie night this week. They are playing "Hangover 2." I will likely pass and opt for a movie in my room with a warm blanket and ice-cold air conditioning!

143, K&K.

Good night and good day.

AF Day 034

FOB Smart at 2010 (8:10 p.m.)

There are quite a few characters living here on FOB Smart! I so enjoy the different personalities and humorous interactions that have become a daily, as in throughout the entire day, occurrence. I suppose you find this anywhere and everywhere, but it seems accentuated by the close quarters and close relationships that naturally develop in contingency environments such as Afghanistan. Working with mostly Air Force and Army military men and women brings back such fond memories from nearly 20 years ago. I am grateful to be here rather than anywhere else in Afghanistan. I have come to realize, and am told so by others that have direct experience, that FOB Smart is the best place to live for us over here.

My new office with my pending counterpart from the US Army Corps of Engineers, Capt Ciccarelli, who is still an active duty Air Force engineer currently, is coming along well. We moved our new big-screen TV and all of the related office computers, new desk workstation, new partition wall, new air conditioning, etc, into our office and it is coming together well. For those of you who know me all too well, I love new organization projects and this certainly fits the bill.

I have multiple projects to observe in the field tomorrow. I am looking forward to working with the assigned personnel on these missions. Actually, I have more missions on Sunday and Tuesday and the following Saturday to look forward to as well. Life has picked up to a busy pace and I am appreciative of such.

I wish you all a terrific Friday; mine is quickly concluding and a movie is waiting for me in a few minutes...

143, K&K.

Good night and good day.

AF Day 034

FOB Smart at 0735

Rise and shine have I with all the verve of 10,000 smiles and the nerve of 10,000 miles! Alive and well and kicking in this glorious day am I gladly. Such beauty to behold and life to be sold, traded, and freely given. Fortune has set upon me and rightly bestowed the love of my wife, the love of my son, the love of my family and friends, good work, and health.

Breakfast is beckoning fast and my stomach is happy to oblige.

I received two care packages yesterday from Kimberly. I can't tell you how much it means to me, Kimberly. Thank you, my soulmate.

143, K&K.

Good night and good day.

AF Day 033

FOB Smart at 2215

The day was good and long. I met with several contractors here at the FOB; they are so interesting and completely different than you or me.

Call me crazy, but I am tired. I will take more time tomorrow to write. I have many missions coming up in the next six days, so there will be more interesting photos and stories to describe herein.

143, K&K.

Good night and good day.

AF Day 032

FOB Smart at 1920 (7:20 p.m.)

Another long day draws to a close for me here in Qalat. I have a little more work left in me, but the morning rang early for me and I am, once again, a tired boy. Tomorrow will be a good day, as was today, yesterday, and beyond. I miss my family and friends terribly, but being here with the people who are here with me make the distance apart seem a little easier to manage.

I wonder what you are all doing right now. Sleeping for some, breakfast for others, and off to work yet more of you. It is strange being half a day away and 10,000+ miles to boot.

Today's excitement was a little unusual drama that unfolded locally on our FOB. People drama that is, not anything scary or dangerous, but interesting nevertheless. Even here in war-torn Afghanistan amongst my military and civilian counterparts I find that life, as we know it back home, is much of the same with regard to personality conflicts, dysfunctional events or conversations, etc. This was something I observed mind you, not participated in, and it is best to say that it involved several unrelated events. Again, think strange behaviors.

I wish you all well.

143, K&K.

Good night and good day.

AF Day 032

FOB Smart at 0840 (8:40 a.m.)

We completed a mission including observations of new roads, a radio station, a ministerial compound of buildings and walls, and a walk-by of another security project. The interesting things often include noticing how the people appear, how they live, how they interact with you and each other. Another facet of the experience often includes young boys from a nearby boy’s school throwing rocks at the foot patrol. Some of these kids have good arms!

I have another meeting scheduled in an hour and twenty minutes. The day started, for me, at 0445 and I am ready to conquer this one! I feel great and on top life right now. K&K were heading back from Olympia. It sounds like it is still cool (read too cold for me) up there in the Pacific Northwest.

Have a terrific evening, y'all. I miss every one of y'all.

143, K&K.

Good night and good day.

Special Post No. 018

Photos...


13 Jun 2011

13 Jun 2011

14 Jun 2011

09 Jun 2011

The three top photos were taken yesterday evening of the two Apache gunships circling nearby in Qalat, Afghanistan. The photo of me and the three Afghan guards was taken shortly before a mission today to a nearby project. The last photo was taken on Kimberly's birthday. The people are (from left-to-right) TSgt Latha Caillouette, Capt Edward Ciccarelli, JL Summerlin. Mark Bridges (he was here two years for USACE and just redeployed stateside), CW2 Ron Brooks, and Capt Chris Bulson. All of these people, excluding me, are redeploying in early July, although Capt Ciccarelli will likely be rejoining me here as a USACE civilian like me.

AF Day 031

FOB Smart at 2040 (8:40 p.m.)

Capt Ciccarelli and I spent the entire evening moving all of the office equipment, paperwork, files, supplies, junk, tools, boxes of more items, empty boxes, etc. from our US Army Corps of Engineers office trailer, which my former counterpart utilized as his office previously, into our storage container. Today we had a new 1.5-ton air handler (fan coil unit) and condensing unit installed and tested. With less than 500 SF to cool, 2.5 total tons of cooling appears to be more than enough, as in super-cold, which I am a huge proponent of, of course. Tomorrow we will have the custom-built desktops and shelving installed, new floor covering, and a good cleaning. We also "procured" a 46" plasma TV and we are on the lookout for two comfortable chairs for break time and after-hours movie watching.

I worked on more projects today, met with a new Afghan contractor who will be selected on a new project of ours, had a couple of meetings, and enjoyed my day. Tomorrow I have a few missions to complete, as well as more reporting, more file updating, etc. Good stuff no doubt.

I woke this morning before 0430 as my power went out and the computer drained my APS backup battery to the point of it setting off the low battery alarms here and in my office next door. I actually heard the alarms in my dream and eventually woke to the sounds. Funny how that works.

I am a tired boy and I need to wake up at 0445 tomorrow.

143, K&K.

Good night and good day.

AF Day 030

FOB Smart at 2130 (9:30 p.m.)

I shared an interesting night in that we on the FOB were able to view two US Army Apache helicopters circling overhead, often very low to the ground and at times in high circuitous patterns off in the distance. These aircraft are full of awesome power and demonstrate such an amazing ability to defend, offend, and prove their agility. While it is better to say they were just flying around, once could imagine what the sight must have appeared to eyewitnesses here...

I had another safe and regular day here on the FOB. I coordinated multiple projects and planned for upcoming missions outside-the-wire. I have a few meetings tomorrow and a few deadlines to meet with regard to paperwork. At times the work here for me seems very similar to such that we regularly complete back home in construction management, only without the military uniforms, for me at least, and without the constant threats of hostile action right outside your walls. Well, it is hostile outside anywhere here in Afghanistan these days, but peace will someday overtake this insurgent-stricken land and allow the local, peaceful, and hard-working population to return to to some resemblance of "normal." What "normal" is here is so completely different that where you and I live, but "normalcy" will in fact return.

My coworkers are usually filled with lighthearted joking and pranking, at appropriate times that is, and I do enjoy their camaraderie. Life is still evolving and shaping into routines and familiarity in this unfamiliar land.

143, K&K.

Good night and good day.

AF Day 029

FOB Smart at 2345 (11:45 p.m.)

I am tired. Today was a good day. Today was a long day. Tomorrow is in 15 minutes. All is well and life is good. I miss y'all. We are designing a new office in our second US Army Corps of Engineers office trailer, which is right next door to my office/quarters trailer. Lots of potential...

143, K&K.

Good night and good day.

AF Day 028

FOB Smart at 2020 (8:20 p.m.)

Twenty-eight days later... and I am loving Afghanistan, albeit from a lonely perspective of being away from my wife and son. And from my other family and friends.

I worked well today and enjoyed the fact that I was and continue to remain busy each day. Such makes for short 12+ hour workdays for sure.

I have a couple of ribbon-cutting ceremonies tomorrow with LtCol Veres, Capt Ciccarelli, and the governor of Zabul Province. One requires a foot patrol and the other a mounted patrol. These are unique moments to glimpse into the other world of local politics here and to see how the Afghan people receive their new construction projects.

I am tired.

143, K&K.

Good night and good day.

02 June 2011

Say hello to my little friends!

AF Day 027

FOB Smart at 2150 (9:50 p.m.) - I sent an email to a friend describing life here and thought it worthwhile to revise and repost here, too.

All is well for me here in Afghanistan. I have been on approximately 20 combat QA missions to-date. I have had the opportunity to observe construction progress on a variety of work. Such includes CMU walls, concrete slabs-on-grade, structural concrete columns for buildings, rather than steel columns which require inherently more costs due to skilled-labor deficiencies here, Afghan-style roadway construction, including subgrade, ABC, and AC, security walls (HESCO barriers filled with clean soil or sand) for the provincial governor's compound here in Qalat, a new radio station under construction, etc. I have traveled hours south of FOB Smart by military convoy (think six up-armored military vehicles with bulletproof glass and armor, as well as mine and RPG protection), and have flown by helicopter (military and civilian contract) to Kandahar and back several times. I have a multi-night mission coming up soon possibly (think camping and campfires), again via helicopter, and several nearby ribbon-cutting ceremonies to attend soon, too.

I have developed many short routines and several long ones. I work nearly 160 hours every two weeks, so the time seems to blend quite a bit on a day-to-day level. There are so many things here that take time, Afghan time, such as waiting for an email reply confirming work requested will be performed, which also takes certain military security coordination, file scrubbing, file processing, payment processing, COR documentation, etc. Simple phone calls to the local Afghan contractors require a Pashtu translator and a lot of patience and coordination. Work life here can be very intense and always interesting.

It is easily said that more happens here, on a local level in Qalat, which is where we are located, than what could ever possibly be reported on the news there back home. I guess I could best describe life here as intense, as interesting, as exciting, as harrowing at times, as unnerving at times, etc. I am so grateful to be here in Afghanistan with such professional soldiers, airmen, marines, and sailors. The other US civilian agencies here at FOB Smart are equally as impressive. We are one big family here.

I know, I can go on and on...

143, K&K.

Good night and good day - again!

Special Post No. 017

Photos...

10 Jun 2011

10 Jun 2011

I found the little green flashlight, Kaesen! Daddy will send it to you soon... I just need a ride, in a military convoy across hostile terrain, to send it to you from FOB Lagman. Maybe I can get a haircut while I am there. Wait, I don't need a haircut! Maybe I can do some shopping there at the Post Exchange (PX).

AF Day 027

FOB Smart at 2030 (8:30 p.m.)

Friday night in Qalat, Afghanistan, is so completely different that in any other town I have ever lived. Here on FOB Smart we have some people watching movies in the MWR tent, playing cards here and there, or watching movies in their rooms. We had steak and shrimp for dinner tonight; I had the shrimp. There are plenty of folks here from all walks of life to have conversations with and enjoy their stories. Tonight's interesting conversation was with a former soldier in the US Army who is now working here as a security agent. His stories were very interesting.

The last few days have been different for me in that I have really begun immersing myself in the construction projects assigned to me and helping out with project scrubbing. Scrubbing involves going through project files, both soft and hard formats, and ensuring that all the files are in order and ready for turnover to the next PRT rotation. I came at a perfect time in that I started with one PRT team and will endure here long enough to see several more teams' rotations. So because my current PRT team is rotating out soon, I also get to experience the scrubbing process, which in my case makes me more aware of intricate details and processes of each project that I am working on or assisting others with during my tour.

Speaking of my tour, I have discussed the possibility again with Kimberly that I, if she and Kaesen agree, may opt to stay here in-place for two years rather than one. This will provide the PRT with enhanced continuity, which is beneficial to the overall success of all PRT missions, and would allow for additional time here to acquire desirable higher-level construction management, albeit contingency, experience. It is meaningful, to me, to be here, even for a year, and I cannot imagine not having taken the chance to volunteer for this tour. I acknowledge this even in light of the inherent risks to life, the nature of the PRT mission, and the very painful separation from my loved ones.

I ramble on...

143, K&K.

Good night and good day.

Special Post No. 016

More photos...



02 Jun 2011



09 Jun 2011

 

09 Jun 2011



09 Jun 2011



Is that really Justin Bieber sitting and standing next to me?

Special Post No. 015

Photos from today...

The photos above depict typical gatherings of local (Qalat, Zabul Province) Afghan children when we are walking through areas, in this case we were looking at road work that was recently completed. They are mostly full of smiles and requests for chocolate or to take their photo.

AF Day 026

FOB Smart at 2040 (8:40 p.m.)

Round and round we go this place is something else. Move two steps forward, if not first two steps back, and then we progress some more. Take a moment to pace yourself because the road is long, winding, and at times narrow, albeit with a little, or more, dust and troubles along the way thank most we travel elsewhere in our lives. Well, this is the place to be for me right now and I am one to go forward and prosper. Opportunities are abundant here and waiting for the right passersby to grasp them and run with them. Anyway...

Today was good. I had several missions out in the city. We looked at office buildings, and roads, and walls, and concrete work. It was a good day for construction observations. A little "noisy" this evening, but all told, a good day. We are all here and that is what counts now when we close our eyes each night.

I have a few good photographs from today... some I can show herein and some much later down the road. Stay tuned for such.

Today my beautiful wife celebrates her 37th birthday; however, as I am 11.5 hours ahead of her, I have celebrated her birthday all day in a manner fitting for the distance between us. She, my son, my family, and my friends are on my mind always. I hope she does something nice for herself today.

It is getting late in the evening here and I am tired. What with waking at 0445 this morning, leaving early, travelling a short distance with our security forces, another mission after that, and more training, briefings, and work thereafter, I suppose I earned being tired.

143, K&K.

Good night and good day.

Special Post No. 014

To my dear wife of 11 years and lover of 14 years. Happy 37th Birthday!

On this joyous day so few of years ago, 37, I know that your parents were overwhelmed with love and more to show. Today we celebrate your special day and today is but one more. However, for me from afar to you I say, I love you, wife, and a happy birthday you'll have in store. I wish I could be close to you when you wake from last night's slumber, but since I am not, know that I am holding you in my mind and smiling at your number (37).

 

Have a terrific day, enjoy something refreshing to drink, eat a little something you shouldn't, laugh, love, and smile, honey.

Happy Birthday!

I love you, Kimberly.

Leyton

Special Post No. 013

Interesting progression!

May 7, 2011 

May 10, 2011 

May 17, 2011 

May 21, 2011 

June 7, 2011

I think I have decided to grow my beard and hair back out, if not long at least longer than what it looked like yesterday. But it can wait until after a Command Brief with a few "tops" later next week. Oddly enough, the last two photos are of me without a smile on my face. I smile all the time! Seriously, I really do. Funny that these are more like grimaces than my normal happy-go-lucky appearance. More smiling photos to come...

AF Day 025

FOB Smart at 1829 (6:29 p.m.)

Think tired… It has been a long day for me. I finished with a bid review preparation that took most of the day rather than the planned few hours. We received many more bids than usual and such required more initial review necessary to update the bid review file. My eyes are scratchy.

I have an early rise tomorrow, a mission brief, a mission, another mission brief, another mission, and then a somewhat quite day thereafter. Friday is shaping up to be a somewhat quiet day, too. I will never complain for such, as it affords me the chance to study more, take more tests, and improve.

It is movie time here in my room, so with that I bid you farewell, adieu, adios, etc. Still no DVD burner in the mail; alas, the video uploading herein continues to be on hold.

143, K&K.

Good night and good day.

Special Post No. 012

Drawings from my son...

143, KTS.

AF Day 024

FOB Smart at 2200 (10:00 p.m.)

I travelled far away, in terms of trip time, not necessarily distance, to southern Zabul Province today within a mounted convoy to observe progress on two of our construction projects. I should say, as I have often already, that each time I travel outside the wire, whether within a foot patrol or mounted convoy using awesome military vehicles, I travel with the greatest group of Army and Air Force professionals around. These young men and women are such a source of pride for me, for you, for our country, and for the world.

Today was exciting in that I was able to observe progress at one of our hard-to-reach project locations. I also travelled on a highway built by Afghans and contracted by my Provincial Reconstruction Team (PRT). I visited with different people, Afghans and Americans alike. While the work I observed left more to be desired, I did feel as though my mentoring to the contractor, regarding appropriate mixing of raw materials to be used for masonry mortar, or what the locals refer to as "concrete," will make a difference, if only a tiny difference.

I also participated, last night and again this early morning, in a series of briefings designed to provide an overview of our practices relating to wartime contracting to a representative of a US Congressional Oversight Committee. Listening to my commander effortlessly explain the "who, what, and why," as well as my direct supervisor and counterparts was again enlightening. I even took notes for my own future reference.

K&K told me that they were travelling to Olympia, Washington, today to visit her brother and his two children and to go shopping for me. I cannot wait to see what they send next. The last care package they sent included five drawings that Kaesen drew for me. It is nice to receive these care packages, which might include little tubes of toothpaste, small containers of deodorant, and these drawings from my son. Such allow me to feel so connected to them... at least the drawings do anyway. The toiletries allow me to feel fresh and refreshed each morning. Thank you, K&K.

I have a few more missions on the board to observe progress on more projects during the remainder of the week. Tomorrow I have bid reviews to prepare for my team. Maybe I should start running in the gym tomorrow. Maybe I should figure out a way to post more photos and finally some video to this blog. Lots of plans and lots of things to do or want to do.

I miss y'all.

143, K&K.

Good night and good day.

AF Day 023

FOB Smart at 2138 (9:38 p.m.)

Another good day for me is ending. I participated in a briefing this evening. Such involved our command staff presenting a very thorough overview of why Provincial Reconstruction Teams (PRT) are valuable, what the obstacles are that we face, why we face them, how we face them, what we are doing at our PRT differently than what other PRTs are doing, etc. I must say that it was enlightening, informative, engaging, and very interactive with questions and answers.

I also listened in on a contractor meeting, attending a daily briefing, met with my counterparts throughout the day, had another of my several computers stood-up, or connected, with access to its particular system, ate a good breakfast and decent lunch, missed dinner, and had quite a few laughs all the while. I really like doing what I do, where I do it, and why I do it; the only downside is being away from my Kimberly, Kaesen, family, and friends. Alas, time will pass and distance apart will be outdated.

K&K are doing well up in the Pacific Northwest. Kaesen seems to have really grown since I last saw him. He, like all children his age, makes leaps and bounds improvements, every day it seems, and it is very evident from my perspective now.

All is well here in the moment. I hope all is well for y'all, too.

143, K&K.

Good night and good day.

AF Day 022

FOB Smart at 2019 (8:20 p.m.)

The remainder of my day included a foot patrol to look at a new project. We walked from our compound to a nearby location with existing buildings and perimeter walls. The new project will fortify such with a new, higher and stronger CMU wall to allow for a more secure meeting location for the Afghan people. During our observation on-site, we had an opportunity to review an additional project within this compound underway. The work they were performing, by hand, looked backbreaking, it looked tiring, and because they were literally busting unusable concrete by hand, it looked as though it would take them a lifetime. We take for granted at times the fact that life in our comfort zone is so much different than those of other nations and for other peoples.

It is interesting to note that when we prepare for any mission outside the wire, or the safe zone of our forward operating base (FOB), we are preparing for the absolute worst and hoping for the absolute best. Every time I have left with these professional soldiers and airmen it has been an amazing opportunity to examine their training, their responsiveness to the chain of command, and to their dedication to their profession. Today was no different.

This evening I was honored and privileged to witness a ceremony offering appreciation and praise to my US Army Corps of Engineers coworker, Mark Bridges, for his honored and meritorious service here for the last nearly two years. Our commander had an impressive array of accomplishments and accolades for Mark. We also honored another departing civilian and the promotion of a Senior Airman (SrA) to Staff Sergeant (SSgt). I can only hope my time here is as distinguished and honorable as theirs, especially Mark's for his length of tour, his dedication to USACE and the PRT, and the sacrifice he has made leaving his family and two very young children to voluntarily serve here in Afghanistan.

Tomorrow is filled with promise. I have completed my nomination package to become a Project Manager (Contracting Officer's Representative) at the request of my local supervisor, an Air Force Captain, and am looking forward to the challenges and opportunities ahead. Serving amongst professionals is such an exciting way to live life right this moment. I miss and love my wife, my son, my family, and my friends, but the bittersweet pleasure is now derived from offering to help where others need it so much in their lives right now.

143, K&K.

Good night and good day.

AF Day 022

FOB Smart at 1052 (10:52 a.m.)

I returned from Kandahar Airfield (KAF) moments ago on a Bell helicopter operated by a DoD contractor. The flight followed a more terrain-following flight path and allowed for an up close and personal perspective of the countryside I had not yet experienced in such a way. Obviously the route we flew this morning was similar to three weeks ago when we flew in for my first time to Qalat. Some of the terrain and even villages or homesteads were familiar. Many nomadic people, or so they seemed in their makeshift tents and goat herding ways, were conveniently observed. Many more subsistence farmers were noted everywhere between Kandahar and Qalat. Strange as it sounds, it feels really good to be back here in Qalat, which has become my home-away-from-home so to speak.

I am a little exhausted, but water and a small meal will zip me right up! I am eager to check-in with my team and see what the day has in store. Maybe a “wild, wild west” trip into the countryside for some down and dirty construction observations, or, possibly a walkabout within the city. Or, maybe another day similar to many others where paperwork dominates and laughs and smiles make the work, which can be tedious, even seem exciting.

Alas, I must go for the moment. I will return when I can...

143, K&K.

Good night and good day.

AF Day 021

This morning I rose still later than I normally would in Qalat. Since I had a day full of training to become a Project Manager and COR, I opted to rest a little longer. You know, it feels good to sleep in a little bit sometimes. My ride to the training was delayed, so the Air Force NCO who was driving me stopped in to give me his keys and allowed me to drive myself. Driving on a military base in a war zone in a foreign country... priceless. There are so many people and both commercial and military vehicles here compared to FOB Smart.

My training went well. I learned quite a lot and our classes also covered quite a lot of information I already absorbed through previous experience and recent training. This was the last step necessary to allow me to move up in progressive responsibility, so it felt good to finish such.

I had several meetings here at the USACE district HQ thereafter, then dinner (Mexican food), and finally another meeting and then a movie, "Old School," here at USACE. Tomorrow I fly back to Qalat. It has been a productive trip down here to Kandahar Airfield.

I miss my family and friends.

143, K&K.

Good night and good day.

AF Day 020

I woke today much later than usual. Last night I found out that my flight to Kandahar would mot be until this evening. Even better, we learned that today would be a "relaxed" day with fun activities or time to spend in a down mode. I elected to sleep in for the first time since May 7, 2010. Today was a great day!

My flight, on a UH-60, was fast from Qalat to Kandahar Airfield. I observed mostly darkness with sporadic lights from very small villages or homesteads. There may have even been a couple of exciting moments during the flight... but I shouldn't talk about that. Let your mind travel to where I am at and imagine what I may have seen.

I called K&K to let them know how much I love them. Sweet dreams for me and great day to them!

143, K&K.

Good night and good day.

AF Day 019

Nineteen days in country and 25 days since I last held you in my arms. What time dispatches my heart recalls and my love is forever abundant, Kimberly. Kaesen, I love you my son and I miss you so much. I am eagerly awaiting the fiery moment where I will hold you both again.

Well, today started quite early with multiple projects to observe. The work that the local contractors have completed recently, and today we inspected, is not without challenge to say the least. Much room for improvement here! This afternoon we left to look at additional projects nearby. Today was one of those days where the day starts off in a particular direction and you can never seem to get away from that direction. So, these continuous challenges are certainly welcomed. We have much work to do and many lives to positively affect over the period of time we are fortunate to be here in Afghanistan.

I have a briefing a little later from now. My body is tired but, honestly, I am glad for it. I really need to work out... Dinner is on the horizon. Life is good.

More photos are coming soon. I am still waiting on my DVD burner to arrive. Once it does, and I do not require borrowing someone else's burner, then photos should become close to constant herein.

143, K&K.

Good night and good day.

AF Day 018

I completed more training today... are you surprised? Well, when one has an opportunity to dive right in, one should, of course, dive right in! So now I am ready to fly to Kandahar and take even more classes to take me where I want to go, so to speak. Acquisition education is vast and nearly limitless. My discussions of such may be boring to some, but to me it encapsulates me daily and I think learning is something we should strive to continue throughout our lives. Improvement is empowerment.

Wednesday here is like Tuesday and Thursday; well, it is like every other day of the week. Full of opportunities and bound to be exciting in some way or another. Today did not disappoint. We had an all-hands meeting to correct a couple of significant deficiencies. One was corrected and another is pending change. You may be asking what the deficiencies are and why wouldn't I just elaborate. Well, you know me... always protecting my comrades and careful not to disclose that which shouldn’t be disclosed. Needless to say, they relate to sensitive issues very uncommon and unusual for a military installation.

We had a mission today to perform assessments on certain roadway requirements; however, it was scrubbed and rescheduled for a later date. Tomorrow I have certain other projects to observe with my Provincial Reconstruction Team (PRT) counterparts. Such should prove "exciting," as every project we observe has the likelihood of becoming "exciting."

I spoke with my momma earlier and wished her a happy birthday. She and my nephews, Jonny and Toby, are off to play and experience more fun with their "Ninny." Someday my son will have the opportunity to go stay with his "Ninny" in Texas, too.

Off to dinner I go momentarily, then maybe afterward a little downtime somehow. I hope y'all have a terrific day.

143, K&K.

Good night and good day.

Special Post No. 011

Momma:

Happy 65th Birthday!

You are one in a million and have been an inspiration to me all of my life. You are a remarkable woman and an extraordinary mother. I hope today is filled with joy as you celebrate your wonderful day. Just think of how far you have travelled since June 1, 1946, and how many countless smiles you have created along the way. Think of the love that your husband, children, siblings, cousins, etc. feel for you today, your special day, and always.

I wish I could be there right now to give you a great big hug; alas, this blog post will have to suffice. Are your wind chimes ringing? They should be all the time!

Happy Birthday!

I love you, Momma.

Your son,

Leyton