Lessons From Afghanistan...

It is not hard to learn more. What is hard is to unlearn when you discover yourself wrong.
~~~~~Martin H. Fischer


A wise person once told me to always be willing to learn something new everyday. I've tried to keep the mind open enough to do that and still keep what I already know to be true from falling out. A difficult task on some days...

Growing up with a father who was a professional (yes, there is a difference) truck driver created within me a deep love for the wanderlust. Most of my summers and school holidays were spent within the confines of his semi-truck cab as co-pilot/navigator. Well, mainly I kept him awake as we traveled the highways and bi-ways of the Eastern United States. I was a night owl back in the younger days. Not so much now. But whenever I have the opportunity to travel, I jump at it eagerly. Within our United States are mini cultures not to be found elsewhere. Much like other countries. Ever been to China Town in San Fransisco? I can only imagine how it resembles the homeland of China. And I loved it!

Now, I've got this chance to travel Afghanistan. And I'd like to invite you to go with me and thousands of others. How, you ask? Why, you ask?

First the how... Two Airmen journalist; Ken Raimondi and Nathan Gallahan, working for ISAF-Afghanistan will be traveling throughout the country for 30 days. You can join their page on Facebook or you can also go to the ISAF website and register there to follow them on their trip. They also have a forum to allow questions and answer sessions.

Now the why... So many of 'Our Guys' and 'Gals' have spent a good portion of their lives in the past 8 years working, fighting and paying the ultimate price with their life for our freedoms in the land called Afghanistan. There are many negative images of the country, people and the reason we're there and what we're doing. This 30 day trip being videoed by these two Airmen will perhaps give everyone who is curious and questioning a better understanding of what our soldiers see everyday. It's like taking a trip without ever leaving your home. Not quite how I like to travel, but sure beats reading the newspapers accounts and opinions.

Please join me in this trip; 30 days though Afghanistan. Who knows, we might just learn something. Today was Day 1. They started at Camp Julien. Listen along as they spoke to Major Roz Rice; chief instructor for the COIN Training Center. It's so nice to be able to put a face to name on a thank you letter for a few books sent to their new learning library.

Can't wait to see what the next month will teach me/us about a land I'll never set foot in.



And so it goes......