Half Staff...

There are things that we don't want to happen but have to accept, things we don't want to know but have to learn, and people we can't live without but have to let go.
~~~~~Author Unknown



I hadn't checked my Department of Defense News emails in the last few days. I should have.

It saddens me greatly that there were 4 more names added to the roll-call on Friday, 25 September, of those who have paid the ultimate price in this War on Terror. The price was paid for us and the people of Afghanistan. 4 more men whose families will suffer and bear the pain of not having their son, husband, brother, uncle, nephew and cousin to love and be loved in return.

May we be worthy of their sacrifices.


The Department of Defense announced today the death of a Marine who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

Lance Cpl. John J. Malone, 24, of Yonkers, N.Y., died Sept. 24 while supporting combat operations in Farah province, Afghanistan. He was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Fore, based out of Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Kaneohe Bay.

The Department of Defense announced today the death of three soldiers who were supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. They died Sept. 24 in Omar Zai, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when enemy forces attacked their vehicle with an improvised explosive device. They were assigned to the 4th Battalion, 23rd Infantry Regiment, 5th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, Fort Lewis, Wash.

Killed were:

Sgt. Titus R. Reynolds, 23, of Columbus, Ohio;

Sgt. Edward B. Smith, 30, of Homestead, Fla.; and

Spc. Joseph V. White, 21, of Bellevue, Wash.


In the night of death, hope sees a star, and listening love can hear the rustle of a wing.
~~~~~Robert Ingersoll

Even more mothers to add the unwanted Gold Star to their window. Sunday was Gold Star Mothers Day, an organization that was formed in 1925.

Each year on the last Sunday in September, the nation observes Gold Star Mother's Day and its culture of support that has helped mothers and families grieve for more than 80 years. Congress designated the observance in 1936, and the president issues a proclamation each year. This year, President Barack Obama has proclaimed Sept. 27 Gold Star Mother's Day.

Pray for the families of these Fallen Heroes. God be with them in all the days ahead.
May we always honor and never forget them. Never.

A Sad Day For France...

As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.
~~~~~John Fitzgerald Kennedy


Another one of our Allies who are aiding US in this war on terror in Afghanistan, took a heavy loss of soldiers lives today. No, the bad guys didn't cause their demise, for once. But mother nature and bad luck. My heart and prayers go out to their families and country.

PARIS, Sept 27 (Reuters) - Three French soldiers died in an accident during a night time operation in Afghanistan, French President Nicolas Sarkzoy's office said on Sunday.

A military spokesman told France's I-Tele that the three men died when their unit was hit by a violent storm, with one soldier struck down by lightning and the two others swept away by a fast flowing river.

Sarkozy's office gave no details of the accident, saying only that it took place in the Afghanya valley.

"These three soldiers ... have paid with their life for France's commitment to peace and the security of the Afghan people," Sarkozy's office said, adding that the president continued to support this mission.

The unnamed military spokesman said the French soldiers had been tracking down insurgents who had been preparing homemade explosives.

Before Sunday's incident, 31 French soldiers had died during operations in Afghanistan.

(Reporting by Crispian Balmer; editing by Myra MacDonald)

The French Forces have been in the Tagab valley of Kapisa Province for some time. Their base is located at Nijrab. I've mentioned Nijrab before, haven't I? Old Blue had spent some time there on his first tour. It was also where he had the worst day of his tour. He had to identify the remains of four Afghans (after their truck was hit by an IED) that he had been working with in that same valley. He suffered a great loss that day, and remembers it still.

They, the French, took over from 'Our Guys' when we left there. They were doing good things, but in doing so, the Taliban made their travels in and out of the valleys difficult to say the least. Some time back I had posted a series of videos of the French in that area. The Battle of Alasay. You can go to YouTube and do a search or do a search here on the blog.


The deep pain that is felt at the death of every friendly soul arises from the feeling that there is in every individual something which is inexpressible, peculiar to him alone, and is, therefore, absolutely and irretrievably lost.
~~~~~Arthur Schopenhauer


Shortly after reading of the above 3 French Soldiers, I read another article that gave the sad news of another death. A French Foreign Legion soldier who had died when his vehicle rolled down a ravine. 5 other soldiers in the vehicle were injured as well. They were nearby in the Surobi district on their way back to base in Toro. You can read the original article here.


I've made it clear that I consider all Soldiers who have joined forces with us to counter the terrible atrocities the Taliban and others have forced upon the people of Afghanistan to be part of what I call 'Our Guys'. Their sacrifices for their country are no different than what our men and women who serve in our military are. Their deaths are felt as keenly here as in their home country. Heroes one and all.

To all the French Soldiers, family and to France herself, I extend my deepest sympathy and gratitude for your sacrifices freely and unconditionally. My prayers go with you all.



And so it goes......

The Wheels Move Slowly...

There is no moment like the present. The man who will not execute his resolutions when they are fresh upon him can have no hope from them afterwards: they will be dissipated, lost, and perish in the hurry and scurry of the world, or sunk in the slough of indolence.
~~~~~Maria Edgeworth

*Be forewarned that this is going to be a long post. I've held my frustrations within for far too long. *


I've waited with bated breath for General Stanley McCrystal's assessment on the state of Afghanistan. He has been in country long enough to determine what was needed and where. The President was supposed to make his decision once he had received that particular piece of information from the General he had given the job to. I say "supposed" because now it seems that the "President" is waffling on just what the best decision would be. It remains to be seen whether that would be 'best' for his political career or 'best' for the United States' security as seen from around the world.

From an article in France 24 on 21, September comes this excerpt...

Fifty-eight percent of Americans now oppose the Afghan war while 39 percent support it, according to a recent CNN/Opinion Research poll.

Obama said in interviews aired on Sunday he wants to wait to determine the proper strategy for U.S. forces in Afghanistan before considering whether more troops should be sent there.

"I just want to make sure that everybody understands that you don't make decisions about resources before you have the strategy ready," he told ABC.

Congressional critics, including his 2008 Republican presidential opponent Senator John McCain, have urged the administration to approve the deployment of more troops immediately, saying any delay puts the lives of troops already in Afghanistan at greater risk.

Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell told CNN on Sunday his party would be supportive of a U.S. troop increase for Afghanistan if it was needed as part of a new strategy but he said he was troubled by the delay in the decision-making.

"We think the time for decision is now," McConnell said.

I have to agree with Kentucky's Senator Mitch McConnell. I, too think that it's time for President Obama to grow a set of cojones and get the ball rolling. Give General McCrystal, who is in charge of all of "Our Guys' and their actions in Afghanistan EXACTLY what he requested and do it now!

We've had enough time to see that our actions over the last 8 years are making little progress. ISAF and yes, even NATO, will take 1 step forward and 5 steps back every time we lose another villager to those bad guys. We've poured billions of dollars into reconstruction only to have it destroyed by those who oppose our presence and help to their countrymen. Why, you might ask, to continue doing something the same way only to expect a different outcome? That's the definition for insanity! And we've been doing it for 8 years? INSANE!!

Baba Tim at Free Range International has been living in Afghanistan for over 6 years, and has proven time and time again that living among the villages results in security and progress while providing the local Afghans with jobs that will support their families. Isn't that what a population-centric application of COIN supposed to do? Give the local population security and provide a way for them to live while showing them that their government is much better at taking care of them than the Taliban? Tim's last two post give up a few answers on what to do in Afghanistan. Part One is here. Part two is here. Both are must reads, if you are interested in what's going on. Oh, just so you know. Tim has been joined in county by his son, Logan. And he's loving it! That speaks a whole hellva lot about what can be done with his ideas. Just sayin'...

Apparently some of our Special Forces are doing exactly the same thing as Tim. Read this about one team that has moved into a village of Afghans. What I'd like to know is why is it only the SF that are able to do this? Why is it not everyone of those units with boots on the ground doing the same thing? If you read Old Blues post from his visit to Bagram, The Pirates of Pogadishu, you will understand that there are way more of 'Our Guys' deployed to BAF than any other place in country. Again, insanity!

There are many more educated people than I, who have weighed in on this boondoggle we are now calling something other that the War on Terror. Many of them have been debating their ideas for far too long. This piece "Afghanistan- No Time To Cut and Run" by Ed Feulner, president of the Heritage Foundation is spot on! And yet, that is what many of those men and women who have the President's ear are calling for. Cut our losses and run back home. To me, that should not be an option! There must be resolve within our elected officials that sit in Washington D.C. to complete this mission. They had it once upon a time. When, where and why did it dissolve into this complete and utter game of one-uppance?

Secretary of Defense, Robert Gates states his aversion to the withdrawal of our troops. Shouldn't he have more sway with the decisions being made than say...House Speaker, Nancy Pelosi? She's done more flip flops on Afghanistan than the entire competition of gymnast's at the Olympic Games. And Boy oh Boy! Can she change her mind? Why yes, yes she can! Here, she states officially and unequivocally she supports the Presidents plans. Of course, that was several months ago. Another flip flop.

While I don't agree completely with this article found over at Small Wars Journal, there are many good points that can be taken and expounded upon. Small Wars Journal writers are made up of many of those in the "Higher pay grade" bracket. What I'd like to see is more of them actually doing something other than just putting their words in writing. Get off your asses! They, of all men know what it's going to take to make this war go forward instead of backward. Yet, once again... ACTIONS speak louder than words. I want to see some!

I know that all the cogs in the wheels we call our government move slowly, especially the one we call The Big Army. Can't we give them a gigantic push now and then? Oh, and about those polls they cite repeatedly? I've worked long enough with SPC to know that numbers can be manipulated to show things that support the idea you want to make. How many times do members of the media and of our elected officials use those polls if they show the complete opposite of the point they are tying to make? Yep, you've guessed it. None!

Okay, some might not know the basic history or strategic use of COIN, then read this article by Peter Mansoor. Mr. Mansoor is a professor at Ohio State University and a retired Army Colonel.

From Baghdad to Kabul: The Historical Roots of U.S. Counterinsurgency Doctrine.

There are so many more links that I could give for you to understand this latest delay by the President and all of those in favor of US hightailing it out of Afghanistan is just plain wrong, I could write a fifteen page post. Hopefully y'all are following along with people like Mudville Gazette, Blackfive, Blue and reporters like David Wood who wrote this piece from Afghanistan. One of many you should be tracking with regards to the war on terror.


I'll be praying that our President makes the right choices and makes them soon. We've had so many losses of good men who believed in why they were there in Afghanistan. We can't allow them to have given their life for nothing. This is a fight that must be fought to a higher ground.

And that my dear friends, is just my little opinion on this particular part of the War. I reckon my point to this little rant is that I hate to see our country torn apart from within. We are involved in a war that has far reaching effects. One that will not only affect our children, but our grandchildren as well. Part of it goes back to what my parents taught us as children. Don't ever start a fight, but by golly, you best plan on finishing it...

I feel much better now. Thank you for listening reading.



And so it goes......

What They Do...

The three great essentials to achieve anything worth while are, first, hard work; second, stick-to-itiveness; third, common sense.
~~~~~Thomas Edison



Another week completed, last one of the night shift until rotation comes back around in a mere three weeks. Still, I'm thankful that I'm able to go to the pay check place and that I live in a peaceful country. So many don't.

'Our Guys' are out in parts of the world where the peace is nebulous or non existent. A few days ago, I posted a few pictures from the Kapisa-Parwan PRT. Today, or rather yesterday since it's long past midnight, I saw a few more from them that I'd like to bring to your attention. Photographs that show what they are doing while traveling around the Kapisa province. Men on a mission, they are.

Another group of 'Our Guys' are doing much the same things in the Kunar province has started their own blog. Drop by and see what they've been doing, won't you?

Now, I'll let these photographs speak for themselves and for the men featured in them. May God keep them safe in their travels. And that goes for all of our men and women in uniform no matter where they be.

U.S. Army soldiers visit the Kohistan district, Afghanistan, Sept. 16, 2009, to assess the progress of a road construction project. The soldiers are assigned to the Kapisa-Parwan Provincial Reconstruction Team.
U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Teddy Wade

U.S. Army Sgt. Chris Miller jumps onto a stone wall to get a better view for any suspicious activity while providing security at the Kohistan district, Afghanistan, Sept. 16, 2009. Miller is assigned to the Kapisa-Parwan Provincial Reconstruction Team.
U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Teddy Wade

An Afghan man walks pass a group of U.S. Army soldiers and Air Force airmen assigned to the Kapisa-Parwan Provincial Reconstruction Team visiting the Kohistan District, Afghanistan, Sept. 16, 2009, to assess the progress of a road construction project.
U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Teddy Wade

U.S. Army Cpl. Michael Tacker provides security inside the new building for the Mahsaab High School in the Kohistan district, Afghanistan, Sept. 16, 2009. Tacker is an infantryman assigned to the Kapisa-Parwan Provincial Reconstruction Team.
U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Teddy Wade

Oh! Wait... A few more pics can be found here.




And so it goes......

The Reality Of War...

Ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you mad.
~~~~~Aldous Huxley


Please watch the following video that was taped by some of 'Our Guys' with boots on the ground in Afghanistan. Apparently the directive from the Big Taliban isn't being followed, you know the one where they said "Do not to target civilians"...because this video shows the exact opposite! What it shows is the true reality of the actions of bad guys. Something that isn't being covered too well by our esteemed media. Of course, that's no surprise. They have their own version of what those of us back here at home want to know. Myself, I'd rather read and watch the real truth from our men and women who know what utter BS some of those journalist put out.

There's been much ado with the IO (information operation) from the war front. The bad guys seem to have a pretty good handle on it, that they use to their advantage. While we are left holding the bag much too often. This time though, the real truth was captured on film and quite honestly, this video should go viral. Please watch and then do what you can to spread the word. And yes, feel free to copy, link or point...because that's exactly what I've done. The original was posted at Soldiers' Angels-Germany. There are many other mil-bloggers who have it posted on their sites at her request. You need to go read their thoughts regarding this. Many and varied, they are.

Anti-Afghan Forces detonate a rocket on a convoy in Afghanistan with children in the immediate area. The 951st EN Sapper Co, attached to Task Force Spartan, treat Afghan children wounded when they are conducting a routine patrol near Charkh Afghanistan and their convoy is struck by a rocket. Spc Chris Baker of Task Force Spartan, 10th Mountain Division, reports.

And so it goes......

Touching Hearts...

I expect to pass through life but once. If therefore, there be any kindness I can show, or any good thing I can do to any fellow being, let me do it now, and not defer or neglect it, as I shall not pass this way again.
~~~~~William Penn


Clicking through the news today, I spotted this wonderful story that was published at Boston.com. Yes, I know it's from the AP. But every once in a while, even they must print good news. As this story is one that comes from the results of the actions of some of 'Our Guys' in Afghanistan, I can't help but share.

Please read about this little Afghan boy whose father had his prayers answered. His son went home a normal little boy after being taken care of by the American medics who stopped at the clinic that wasn't able to help him. I'm praying that this little drop of kindness and love given by those medics will have far reaching ripples for as long as that child lives...

Just look at those smiles on their faces. Priceless, indeed.

Malik, age 2, and his father Khodadad smile as a Special Forces soldier does a trick to make the child smile at the team's camp in Afghanistan Friday, Sept. 18, 2009. The rooftop fall that cracked Malik's skull Aug. 19 set in motion a chain of events that took the boy from his remote village to the U.S. military hospital in Kandahar, where doctors patched the tear in his brain and replaced the bone. On Saturday, his crescent-shaped wound healed, Malik, the baby in the family of five children, headed home with his father, Khodadad. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

By Kevin Maurer
Associated Press Writer/ September 19, 2009

DAY KUNDI PROVINCE, Afghanistan—

The Afghan father left the mountains on foot, carrying his 2-year-old son, but the health clinic could not treat the skull fracture that blinded the toddler and immobilized his left side. By chance the next day, two American medics stopped by the clinic in Day Kundi Province to check on another patient.

The rooftop fall that cracked Malik's skull Aug. 19 set in motion a chain of events that took the boy from his remote village to the U.S. military hospital in Kandahar, where doctors patched the tear in his brain and replaced the bone.

On Saturday, his crescent-shaped wound healed, Malik -- the baby in the family of five children -- headed home with his father, Khodadad

...."God answered our prayers," Khodadad said. "God sent someone to save my son."

Lt. Col. James Miller, commander of the 2nd Battalion, 7th Special Forces Group, said the resolve of the U.S. medics to treat the child "demonstrates we mean what we say." "And at the end of the day, the boy needed help," Miller said.

On Friday, his vision and movement restored, Malik was kicking around a soccer ball -- and using both sides of his body as he played.

"When Malik goes home, that is a village of mainly poor people. This will be their only memory of Americans," he said. "At some point somebody will be working in that village and hopefully they will say these are the guys that helped that baby."...

Please click on that link above to read the complete story of Malik and his father. And about the Medics who helped right their world. Heroes one and all, and not only to the child they helped.




And so it goes......

Kapisa-Parwan PRT Picture Post...

While there is perhaps a province in which the photograph can tell us nothing more than what we see with our own eyes, there is another in which it proves to us how little our eyes permit us to see.
~~~~~Dorothea Lange


There are more pictures showing the activities of the Kapisa-Parwan Provincial Reconstruction Team located here...



U.S. Army Cpl. Michael Tacker walks back to his vehicle after providing security at the Panjshir River Bridge in Mahmood Rahqi, Afghanistan, Sept. 9, 2009. Tacker is an infantryman assigned to the Kapisa-Parwan Provincial Reconstruction Team.



U.S. Air Force 1st Lt. Graham Auten shakes hands with an Afghan contractor during a visit to a road construction site in Mahmood Rahqi, Afghanistan, Sept. 9, 2009. Auten is a civil engineer assigned to the Kapisa-Parwan Provincial Reconstruction Team.
U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Teddy Wade


U.S. Army soldiers and Air Force airmen listen to Afghan locals complaining about infrastructure problems at Shoki School in Mahmood Rahqi, Afghanistan, Sept. 9, 2009.
U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Teddy Wade


Isn't it nice to actually see what 'Our Guys' are doing while they are deployed to Afghanistan? These PRT's in country are working with the governors of the different provinces to address the need of the local citizens. AND that's always a good thing!




And so it goes......

'Cause We're Friends...

There is magic in long-distance friendships. They let you relate to other human beings in a way that goes beyond being physically together and is often more profound.
~~~~~Diana Cortes



For my friend... without mentioning any names.

Always know I'm here if you need a ear, a hand, a hug and or prayers. All are yours, any time...day or night.







And so it goes......

Final Inspection...

And help us, this and every day, to live more nearly as we pray.
~~~~~John Keble

The Final Inspection

The U. S. Marine stood and faced God,

Which must always come to pass.

He hoped his shoes were shining,

Just as brightly as his brass.

Step forward now, Marine,

How shall I deal with you?

Have you always turned the other cheek?

To My Church have you been true?

The Marine squared his shoulders and said,

'No Lord, I guess I ain't.

Because those of us who carry guns,

Can't always be a saint.

I've had to work most Sundays,

And at times my talk was tough.

And sometimes I've been violent,

Because the world is awfully rough.

But, I've never took a penny,

That wasn't mine to keep....

Though I worked a lot of overtime,

When the bills were just too steep.

And I never passed a cry for help,

Though at times I shook with fear.

And sometimes, God, forgive me,

I've wept unmanly tears.

I know I don't deserve a place,

Among the people here.

They never wanted me around,

Except to calm their fears.

If you've a place for me here, Lord,

It needn't be so grand.

I never expected or had too much,

But if you don't, I'll understand.

There was a silence all around the throne,

Where the saints had often trod.

As the Marine waited quietly,

For the judgment of his God.

'Step forward now, you Marine,

You've borne your burdens well.

Walk peacefully on Heaven's streets,

You've done your time in Hell.'

~Author Unknown~

And so it goes......

Busy Bee's...

Follow your passion, and success will follow you.
~~~~~Arthur Buddhold


Just a few reports from the folks at American Forces Press Service, bringing to light the things the Guard farmers are accomplishing while deployed to Afghanistan. I think most people who think about this war on terror might seem to think that all 'Our Guys' do is shoot big guns and kill innocent civilians... Not so! These men and women do so much more. They help the Afghan people try to reclaim more of regular life each and every day. The following three stories prove that. Please read them and understand just how undertaking actions like these will improve Afghanistan so much in the long run. And that's where we stand with them...

Guard NCO Shares Passion for Agriculture

Army Sgt. Robert Moore, left, demonstrates beekeeping techniques to a student taking his beekeeping course at Forward Operating Base Gardez, Afghanistan, Sept. 9, 2009. U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Warren W. Wright Jr.

By Army Sgt. Warren W. Wright Jr.
Special to American Forces Press Service

FORWARD OPERATING BASE GARDEZ,
Afghanistan, Sept. 16, 2009 -

National Guard agribusiness development teams from the United States are helping to rebuild Afghanistan's agriculture industry, and people with extensive knowledge are needed to ensure mission success.

That's where Army Sgt. Robert Moore fits in. The Lavinia, Tenn., native has decades of experience in the agriculture trade and multiple degrees to show for it.

Moore's military experience dates to the end of the Vietnam War; he served from 1972 to 1975, and was a witness to the fall of Saigon. He was set to leave the National Guard in November 2008, but then he learned about the opportunity to come to Afghanistan and share his agriculture experience. He re-enlisted to deploy with the Tennessee agribusiness team.

Need I remind you to do the clicky click thing on the title to continue reading the rest of Sgt. Moore's story? Nah, didn't think so.

Of course, in keeping with this vein of thought, here's another story from American Forces Press Service highlighting those Agribusiness Teams who are working throughout Afghanistan.

Guard Brings Agriculture Expertise to Afghanistan

Army Sgt. Philip L. Wallace takes measurements of a cool-storage unit during a quality assurance inspection in the Ahmedabad district of Afghanistan's Paktia province, Sept. 8, 2009. The team supervises and funds more than 40 agriculture-related projects in Paktia province to help build Afghanistan's infrastructure. U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Warren W. Wright Jr.

By Army Sgt. Warren W. Wright Jr.
Special to American Forces Press Service

FORWARD OPERATING BASE GARDEZ,
Afghanistan, Sept. 16, 2009 -

In the 1970s, Afghanistan was a major exporter of produce, but since the 1979 Soviet invasion and the subsequent Taliban rule after the Soviets left the country, the nation's agricultural output has decreased dramatically.

Key to the nation's recovery is a self-sustaining economy based on agriculture, said Army Maj. James W. Thompson, an engineering advisor with the Tennessee agribusiness development team.

To help with that effort, the Defense Department worked with the National Guard
to deploy agribusiness development teams to Afghanistan to help Afghans rebuild their agriculture infrastructure.

The program is about two years old. It started with just a handful of states in the first year and now has 14 states participating, Thompson, a Louisville, Ky., native, said.

The Tennessee team is responsible for Paktia province and parts of western Paktika province. The team, all volunteers from the Tennessee Army National Guard, includes 12 soldiers with an agriculture background and a security team.

Again, be sure to do the clicky click.

So, do you want to see some of the results of the above teams? Please check the following story out and yes, gotta do that last little click. Surely you don't want me to do all the work for you, right?

Bees Boost Economy, Agriculture in Afghanistan

A beekeeper in the Dara district of Afghanistan's Panjshir province tends to one of his hives Sept. 7, 2009. The original two colonies given to him in 2008 have grown into 10. U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Mike Keller

By Air Force Capt. John T. Stamm
Special to American Forces Press Service

BAGRAM AIRFIELD,
Afghanistan, Sept. 15, 2009 -

In an effort to increase agricultural productivity and boost economic capacity, 450 families throughout Afghanistan's Panjshir province were supplied with training and materials to operate and manage their own honey production businesses.

The program, sponsored by the province's agriculture ministry, began in July 2008 with the delivery of 900 bee boxes called "lower deep supers," or brood chambers, complete with a queen bee and a starter colony.

Initially, starter colonies produce only enough honey to survive, but as the colonies continue to grow, they produce excess honey that can be harvested. This natural progression requires an "excluder" for the queen, "deep upper supers" for the bees and additional training for the beekeepers.

"The deep uppers are where the bees store the excess honey that will be harvested and will allow the queen growing room for the colony to keep them from swarming to another location," said Greg Schlenz, a U.S. Department of Agriculture representative to the provincial reconstruction team. "The training is necessary to ensure understanding in bee colony development and use of received materials."

Local residents said they had no recollection of a substantial honeybee population ever existing in the province. Abdulla Shah, a lifelong resident of the valley, said Dara district had some honeybee hives prior to the team's arrival, but doesn't know what happened to them.

Good stories, don't you think? Well, I do! There are so many more like these. Yet, do we hear about it on the news? There aren't too many regular newspapers and online news sites that will bring this type of 'good' news to light. It's up to you, the reader, to search them out to understand the big picture. I'm just here doing my part.





And so it goes......

Ooops, Nevermind...

Every man has the right to risk his own life in order to preserve it. Has it ever been said that a man who throws himself out the window to escape from a fire is guilty of suicide?
~~~~~Jean-Jacques Rousseau


Oh My! Watch this video of a couple of bad guys who are trying to plant a IED(Improvised Explosive Device). Apparently some of 'Our Guys' were in over-watch position, waiting for the opportune moment...

If you listen to the transmissions from those watching these bad guys, they were waiting for the Afghan child to get out of the area before they introduced the diggers to their 72 Virginians.


Good thing they waited. Saved us a bunch of money and loads of paperwork for those guys waiting and watching!


The many hazards of implanting an IED on a road in Afghanistan.






And so it goes......

A Mother's Grey Hair...

It's hard to detect good luck - it looks so much like something you've earned.
~~~~~Frank A. Clark


Talk about turning a mother's hair grey! But oh how extremely proud! When he gets home, one can only imagine the amount of love given to one of 'Our Guys'... Well deserved, don't you think?

Forward Operating Base Shank, Afghanistan - The soldiers in his New York-based combat unit call Staff Sgt. Brandon Camacho the "Bullet Magnet."

Camacho - either the luckiest or unluckiest soldier in Afghanistan - is on his second tour here with the Fort Drum-based 10th Mountain Division's 3rd Brigade Combat Team.

The reason for the nickname: He's just earned his fifth Purple Heart after being shot in the left knee in a firefight 100 miles south of Kabul, military officials said.

"One of my friends said, 'You're the luckiest unlucky person I know,'" said Camacho, 24, who grew up in Saipan in the Northern Mariana Islands. "I don't know what to make of it."

Purple Hearts are awarded to soldiers wounded or killed in combat. It is the oldest of U.S. military decorations and was established by Gen. George Washington with an order from his upstate Newburgh headquarters on Aug. 7, 1782.

Washington wrote: "Let it be known that he who wears the military order of the Purple Heart has given of his blood in the defense of his homeland and shall forever be revered by his fellow countrymen."

So, by Gen. Washington's standards, Camacho has earned reverence five times over.

There's a bit more to SSgt. Camacho's story... Please do the clicky click thing to finish reading about someone who might possibly be called a "living legend".




And so it goes......

Folly Turns Into Dream Come True...

Every civilization is, among other things, an arrangement for domesticating the passions and setting them to do useful work.
~~~~~Aldous Huxley

Scot's folly brings renewal to a Kabul slum

By Rosie Dimanno


KABUL - It was considered a folly, the quixotic notion of an eccentric man who'd upped and walked across Asia, because he felt like it.

That would be Scotsman Rory Stewart, whose famous stroll – doubling back to traverse Afghanistan as well after the fall of the Taliban – turned into an international bestseller, The Places in Between.

Other adventures, and some misadventures, would follow, not least his unlikely year-long gig, when still in his early 30s, as deputy governor of Iraq's Maysan province. That ended with local militia bombarding his office, providing grist for a follow-up book, more cynical in tone, called Occupational Hazards.

Diplomat, foreign embassy gadabout, Eton prefect and, briefly, tutor to the Princes William and Harry. It was Stewart's friendship with their father, Prince Charles, another odd duck who tends towards unconventional ideas – talking to plants, excoriating modern British architecture – that resulted in the establishment of a carpentry school in the Iraqi town of Nasiriyah. The royal had suggested it and, though skeptical, Stewart made it happen, employing craftsmen out of work after the post-Saddam dissolution of all the unions.

Why not, suggested Charles, attempt somewhat the same in deranged, chaotic Kabul – a school of traditional arts and crafts? Thus was born Turquoise Mountain Foundation – named for a lost civilization – which began with seed money raised by the prince at a charity dinner, its continued financing now provided by Canada, the U.S. and other donors. At the school, located in a former fort, students are taught the old ways by old Afghans: woodworking, jewelery-making, calligraphy and ceramics. "These skills were lost to a significant extent," explains another Rory, Turquoise Mountain development officer Rory Brown, walking through a tidy compound where peacocks strut on the lawn and a dove nests high in the portico.

In one classroom, a greybeard instructs students in intricate wood-carving; in another, young men and women patiently paint calligraphy based on eight different types of script, from the Qur'an and the Hadith. Jewelery made from Afghan lapis lazuli and other local stones is already being sold at an on-site shop, with bold ideas contemplated for future retail via the Internet.

Yeppers, you've guessed it, there's more to this story. Please click here to continue reading.

If you would like to view their handiwork, please visit Turquoise Mountain Arts. I vaguely recall that I've mentioned them before. I know I've had their site bookmarked for some time. They have some very lovely things available for purchase. Perfumes, textiles, furniture, architectural designs... Please check it out for yourself. Perhaps you could even buy a few things. You'd be helping those who are striving to make a better life for themselves in a country that is full of strife. Yes, that would be Afghanistan.




And so it goes......

We Remember...

Another year slips by...



2996 Americans died that day.


And we remember them still...

May we never forget.

COIN's Wishing Well...

The road leading to a goal does not separate you from the destination; it is essentially a part of it.
~~~~~Charles DeLint


There's a team of men in Afghanistan who are in the processes of training all comers in the art of COIN. You know what COIN is, dontcha? COIN is the acronym for Counter-insurgency. It's a doctrine of war fighting.

It has been brought to my attention that those men have need of books in their endeavor to get everyone up to speed. Thus... COIN's wish list at Amazon. Read Bouhammer's guest post below from Scott Kesterson who has joined forces with Old Blue in this training effort.

After reading, Please do what you can. Yes, I realize that it may be a tough time to beg for more dollars to be spent on something that you'd think would be provided already by the big machine called the Army. Unfortunately, that isn't always the case.

Posted By Bouhammer on September 5, 2009

The Counterinsurgen​cy Academy is located in Kabul, Afghanistan at the base of the ruins of the Queens castle. The purpose of the Academy is to teach and expand the doctrine of population centric concepts for operations in Afghanistan, and beyond. The contributions the Academy is making to Gen. McChrystal’s strategy can not be understated, nor can the challenges of implementing an expanded doctrine of population centric operations.

In an attempt to support the operations of the Academy, as well as the many soldiers that attend and instruct here, I have developed a “wish list” on Amazon.com of books in hopes of creating an Honorary Counterinsurgency Learning Library made up entirely of donations from our communities back home. The intent is to further expand the awareness of culture, methods and operations that promote the end goal of national unity, governance and security for the people of Afghanistan.

To find the list, all you need to do is log into Amazon.com, click on “Wish Lists” and then on the right side of the page in the search window for “Wish Lists” type in:
counterinsurgency.institute@gmail.com
The name of the wish list is: COIN Library – Kabul.

I am continually being asked about donations for soldiers and items of need. This list, though only in the initial phases of development, is something that will have a lasting use and impact on the soldiers here at the Academy and the students of the Academy who eventually take what is learned here and apply the concepts downrange. If the interest is there to support the soldiers by way of donations, I would encourage you become involved in this effort through Amazon.com. The shipping address is listed through the “Wish List.” If you wish to donate another book for the library not listed on the list, or wish to purchase a book from another source other than Amazon.com, the same mailing address applies. For reference, the mailing address here at the academy is listed below:

Scott Kesterson
COIN Academy
Camp Phoenix
APO AE 09320

Thank you all in advance.
Scott Kesterson.

*Update*

Posted By Bouhammer on September 8, 2009

After only a couple days of looking for donations, I am so glad to announce that over 50 books have been purchased from the list on Amazon for donation to the COIN Center Reference Library. Several bloggers are helping spread the word on this and I hope even more jump on board soon also.

This is an awesome opportunity to contribute to the knowledge base that our soldiers and coalition partners need in order to execute the fight properly in Afghanistan.

To give you a brief glimpse of what is going on in country at the COIN Training Center, watch this brief clip from the Department of Defense that was released Tuesday. Don't forget to throw your quarters into their wishing well to buy these much needed books. You'll be helping to educate the minds of those who can and will be making a difference in the lives of all people in Afghanistan. And you do want to contribute to that, don't you?







And so it goes......

Regular Joe...

I believe humans get a lot done, not because we're smart, but because we have thumbs so we can make coffee.
~~~~~Flash Rosenberg


Back on the night shift again. Ouch! There goes my sleep pattern. I do declare the three weeks I spend at the paycheck place doing the day shift hours disappears in a flash, yet those three weeks on the vampire shift drags. Ahh well... such is life I reckon. It takes up the time I'm waiting for that one guy to arrive back home, and gives me enough of the greenbacks to pay for everything we need to live this life. And that's always a good thing.

This afternoon though, I slowly stumbled around the kitchen trying to wake up. With barely one eye open, I fumbled in the cabinet for the makings of my daily. must. have. wake. up. juice...Coffee. Also known as Elixir to the Gods, Java, Cup of Joe, Go Juice, and as my Daddy called it "Regular Joe".

I flipped open the canister where I keep those little brown roasted beans just waiting to be ground into those little bits that soak up the steaming water flowing over them. Crap!! It's empty. Pulled open the cabinet above, frantically searching for another vacuum sealed bag with more. Nope! None there... Out to the garage to search the freezers for spares caught on sale and frozen for later use. HOLY CRAP!! No extra bags of beans to be found anywhere. This is not a good scenario to be experiencing. Looking deep into the recesses of the 2 freezers, finally found a box of Gevalia Signature Blend, already ground. Not my favorite brand, but still, coffee is coffee, right?

Full carafe brewed, cup in hand, I sit down to catch up on all that's happened in the world whilst I toiled. First sip of scalding hot brew immediately informed my palate that this was a strange taste from my norm. I think I've become a coffee snob. I want my regular Joe back!

There are so many different brands, flavors and grinds of those little brown beans that comprise my favorite drink of the day. It has taken me many years of trial and error to determine what mine is. I think I'll be stopping at the local Kroger to stock up on Spotlight Columbian and Spotlight French Roast. I've found that if I take a bag of each and combine, the outcome is something that produces one fine cup of Joe. For me, that is.

'Course, if I was more well endowed in the pocketbook area, I'd be ordering "Sniper's Brew". Alas, I've got more important things to save those pennies for than ME drinking the finest coffee around.

I've mentioned it before, haven't I? If you haven't tried Devil Dog Brew, Get yourself over there and order a pound or five. Hank will even ship any coffee ordered out to 'Our Guys' on those FOB's, and COB's. You know they need their morning wake up!





And so it goes......

Last Days Of Summer...

Our grandchildren accept us for ourselves, without rebuke or effort to change us, as no one in our entire lives has ever done, not our parents, siblings, spouses, friends - and hardly ever our own grown children.
~~~~~Ruth Goode


It's been a busy weekend for me and mine. The grand-kids came to spend a few days with me. As they do every other weekend. Hunny Bunny 1's dad (DB) thought we should take them to the local swimming hole for some much needed energy release.

Before we could go swimming, I had to go buy them all new swimsuits as they've outgrown everything I've got here at my house. Boy Howdy!! Do they ever grow so fast...

After completing our shopping spree where I found some great bargains on 'end of season' sales, we drove to the local swimming hole; Coney Island's Sunlight Pool. It's a good thing we made the trip on Saturday as the weather turned off rainy and cooler on Sunday. At least we got the last of summer hur-rah in. I'm hoping this doesn't mean there won't be warm weather again. I'm just not ready to welcome fall and winter so fast. Farmer's Almanac is predicting a bad winter for us here in the Ohio River Valley. Someone said it was going to be like the one we experienced back in 77-78. Yes, I do remember that year!!

Anyways, back to summer fun...

The following pictures are from our day swimming. The kids really enjoyed playing with "Daddy" and "Uncle Daniel". I enjoyed getting some time to just relax and do some people watching. I didn't take my swimsuit as I don't swim and am very self-conscious of being seen in a swimsuit...but after seeing everyone else in theirs, I shouldn't be.


DB and the littlest grand daughter Hunny Bunny 2 playing with a water toy.

Oh my! Daddy is going to flip over the round floaty!! "Here, let me help. Watch this Scotty!!"

Hanging on the rails... Hunny Bunny 1 and Booger Butt 2.

That look of Hunny Bunny 1's face is just so funny! I'm not sure what she was doing or getting ready to do.

Ruh Roh... Nana!!! Daddy is chasing us!

Okay, we're all in here, let's go play...

I love this picture of Hunny Bunny 2 looking so reflective... more like "Hmm, what kind of trouble can I get into now." Just keep that water filled toy pointed away from Nana!!


All in all, we had a wonderful day at the pool. DB took us back to his house for dinner. By the time he got chicken breast, baked potatoes and corn on the cob cooked, the kids were starving! But they did clean their plates and even asked for more grilled chicken. I have to admit that his cooking is getting better than when he first started his bachelor days. He loves eating healthier now. Last time we went out to dinner I had asked him where he wanted to go, he replied "Anywhere but fast food." A totally different story from when he was a youngster. I think I've passed the love of cooking down to at least two of my kids. SG also has proven that her cooking is on par with mine. And she loves to share the resluts from her time in her kitchen with those she loves. Always a good thing, yes?




And so it goes......

Providing Loving Care In Kapisa...

The question is this: Is man an ape or an angel? I am on the side of the angels.
~~~~~Benjamin Disraeli

A medic with the Kapisa Provincial Reconstruction Team, U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Ashley Jackson (left), assists a French soldier with Task Force Korrigan, while administering Typhoid vaccinations during a joint medical operation in the Afghania Valley of Kapisa province, Afghanistan, Aug. 29. PRTs work with the Afghan government to increase infrastructure and necessary services including schools, roads and medical facilities. The team aims to connect Afghans to their government and separate them from insurgent influence. (Photo by U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Jason Troup, Kapisa Provincial Reconstruction Team)


Blackanthem Military News

PRT, French Task Force conduct joint medical operation


By U. S. Air Force Senior Airman Jason A. Troup, Kapisa and Parwan PRT Public Affairs Office
Sep 2, 2009 - 7:47:26 PM



BAGRAM AIR FIELD, Afghanistan - The Kapisa and Parwan Provincial Reconstruction Team members joined with French service members from Task Force Korrigan to conduct a joint medical operation supporting local children, Aug. 29, in the Afghania valley of Kapisa province, Afghanistan.

During the operation, the group, which consisted of medical professionals from both forces, focused largely on preventative medicine, and vaccinated several children for Typhoid fever.

There's a bit more of this story over at Blackanthem. Be sure to do the clicky click thing to finish reading it why this type of practice is important.




And so it goes......

Integrity From The AP - NOT...Updated.

The right to do something does not mean that doing it is right.
~~~~~William Safire


Late last night, I was reading a report from a embedded photographer, Julie Jacobson who has been out in the dirt with the Marines in Helmand province. Her report detailed a TIC on August 14th where one of 'Our Guys' took a direct hit from an RPG which resulted in the ultimate price being paid by Lance Corporal Joshua Bernard. Unfortunately and sadly, Ms. Jacobson made the decision to photograph him as he lay on the ground severely wounded, and in pain, surrounded by his battle buddies.

To her, graphic pictures of the effects of war. Something she wanted the people here at home to see and ponder. Her wish was for them to take action. Any action. Any that would garner her some attention, I'd bet.

Then... knowingly she sent the photo to her AP headquarters in New York. Hoping that they would go against the agreement she had signed when she was initially embedded with the troops. There's that lack of personal integrity issue rearing it's ugly head.


Well... this morning the shit hit the fan. Against the family wishes of LCpl. Bernard, they chose to publish that picture that no family member wants to see. Against the advice and pleas of Secretary of Defense Robert Gates even, they chose to show their lack of ethics and personal integrity by publishing something that should have been stored in the archives for considerable time.


There has been a firestorm of blog postings about this piece of photography and the journalistic bias of the AP in particular. These are the giants of the blog-o-sphere who have more meaningful words than I could express, ever. Please go read them. The links to those who understand the sacrifices given freely are below.

Old Blue leaves no doubt to his thoughts on this matter and his disdain for those involved.

Blackfive has spoken.

Mudville Gazette (Mrs. Greyhawk) speaks her mind and links to reactions written by so many others as well.

Two Marine wives from Villianious Company (Cassie and Carrie) voice their disgust with empathy. They know well the impact this photograph has had on LCpl. Bernard's family. They live the military life every single day. As the majority of the ones linked here do.

American Legion's Burn Pit, Neptunus Lex, Brat, The Donovan's and so many others have expressed their dismay at the crassness and uncaring attitude of the AP (Brat gives them a new name of 'Amoral Parasites) toward the family of one who laid down his life protecting the person who grabbed what she thought to be a golden opportunity to make her mark in the world of MSM news.

*Update* Some Soldier's Mom has posted her views from a parent's stand. I beg you to read her post.


We'll see how that works out for her and them, won't we? And no, you'll not find a link to that picture here.


To the family of Lance Corporal Joshua Bernard; My deepest sympathy and prayers are with you all in these dark hours. Thank you for your son's dedication and service. May God bless and keep you. We'll not forget.




And so it goes......

Getting Caught Up...

Criticism may not be agreeable, but it is necessary. It fulfills the same function as pain in the human body. It calls attention to an unhealthy state of things.
~~~~~Winston Churchill


Finally a free day I can use to get caught up on all the blog posts that I've missed in the last 3 weeks of toiling away in daylight hours. Too many I've just barely been able to skim, noting the ones I want to revisit. Amazed at how quickly it feels that I'm out of the loop on the current happenings around the world. Even more amazed at how fast the world of tweets moves on without me, I just can't keep up with it all. Ahh well... a reminder to myself to get on board or get left behind. I'm trying, truly I am.


My feeble attempts to keep abreast of the world news has left this 'lil computer bogged down with multitude open pages. So... instead of doing individual posts on the things I find interesting, I think I'm going to do snippets of those that caught my attention the longest. Right now I feel like I have AADD (Adult Attention Deficit Disorder), not a good thing in my book. Don't be surprised if everything is out of whack chronologically speaking. Who knows, it might be something one of y'all hadn't read already. Ya never know, right?


The War Report...

Canadians teaching Afghans...

STRONGPOINT DOG, Afghanistan - Canadians instructing Afghans on how to fight and prepare for war are following an honourable tradition, says Canada's top Operational Mentor and Liaison Team adviser to local forces in Kandahar.

"Lawrence of Arabia was an OMLTeer, too," said Col. Greg Burt, referring to the celebrated British army officer who helped lead the Arabs into battle against the Turks nearly a century ago. "It fits the Canadian ethos. We can lead from the front and help others."...

For the rest of the story, click here.

Care packages going to British troops not reaching them...

THEIR simple aim is to give a few home comforts to British soldiers on the front line.

But volunteers in Winchester are being thwarted as their parcels are not reaching the troops.

Armed forces postal chiefs have now asked them to stop sending the boxes — because they are clogging up the existing postal system...

To continue reading the remainder of this story, click here.

What the higher pay grades are saying...

WASHINGTON — Top US military chiefs sought Thursday to convince a war-weary public that President Barack Obama's new strategy is working in Afghanistan, saying troops must stay there to defeat Al-Qaeda.

"There is a limited time for us to show that this is working," Defense Secretary Robert Gates told reporters at a Pentagon press conference held as new polls showed American support for the war is waning...

Find the rest of the commentary from Def. Sec. Gates and Adm. Michael Mullen here.

Heroine of the Day, Medic continues to render aid despite her own injuries...

After coming under attack from the Taliban, a female medic, Lance Corporal Sally Clarke of 2 Rifles, caught shrapnel.

But, ignoring the terrible pain, Sally, from Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, treated the rest of her platoon.

Despite being entitled to get out as soon as she was hit, Sally didn't want to leave her comrades without a medic.

To meet this wonderful medic and finish reading her story, click here.

And there you have it folks, a few of the things that are the focus of my attention. However short that it may be. The rest of my time is taken up by the paycheck place and taking care of the ones I love here at home and abroad. Speaking of which, I need to make some "cow patty" cookies. Those little packages filled with love to get out in the mail, dontcha know? All I can say is...He best be liking them!




And so it goes......