Afghanistan Through My Eyes

As I write this post various emotions pass through me. I have just turned in my book proposal for Bullets In My Pocket, to the agent. Writing a book proposal is almost as difficult as writing the book, as it outlines the book in its entirety. I only opened the sealed fed-ex envelope once to add something. It's very hard to let a work that has encompassed your life for an entire year go. It was just last July when I had the idea to go to Afghanistan to hug warriors and let them know that they are not forgotten and are appreciated. It's the first step in the process of getting my book published and out to you.

My mixed emotions come from the news of the helicopter that was shot down on Friday killing all on board. NATO Crash: Team Seal Six Members Killed in Afghanistan - ABC News

 I wonder how this conflict in Afghanistan will end. I can not help but bring to mind the fall of Saigon in 1975. I wonder how many of us remember or even know how this conflict began. It began because of our incessant need for oil. The US backed the Taliban as the safe keepers of an oil pipeline to run through Afghanistan...a country that has been at war for 3000 years. After learning of the atrocities against women the Taliban purports we did a 180 degree turn to protect the people of Afghanistan from them.

It is a strange day and age. The US credit rating has been lowered. Our elected officials seem to have very little idea of what life and economics are like for the average citizen or have conveniently forgotten and are advocates for huge corporations and no longer their constituents voice. They don't even finish their job...a work ethic that is an embarrassment.

We need to pull together and stop placing the blame and solve the issues. One step at a time, the first always being the hardest.

Afghanistan Through My Eyes - Schofield Barracks

Being deployed out of Hawaii with the 25th Division, Tropic Lighting, Broncos, I was at Schofield Barracks for one night.

When I went out to the local shopping center on base I was surprised to see so many people out of uniform and not carrying a gun. It may sound obvious because I was in the United States, but I was used to the military in uniform carrying their weapon as another appendage.

Waiting to deploy was one of the longest days of my life. I tried to put myself in the soldiers frame of mine. It was probably one of their shortest days. Full of anticipation, angst and sadness. For many going off to war the first time is an exciting moment full of romanticism, patriotic duty and a chance to prove their metal. For others it is a job and requires separation from their families for a year. For all it is the unknown of if they will return...or not.

Afghanistan Through My Eyes - deployment Manus and Bagram

Writing about deployment brings so many feelings back. The first deployment you have the anxiety of what the war is going to be like. Of course you've seen pictures and heard stories, but nothing captures the reality and you know this. War is different for everyone. It's not only about the visuals, but about the sounds, the smells and the taste. These sensory perceptions will stay with you forever.

The second deployment you face the boredom. It is unbelievably boring and tedious to deploy. With an itinerary designed by the government it generally takes one week to get to your base "in country" where it takes a civilian about two full days. It's not because of the circuitous route and security issues, but because of the waiting. "Hurry up and wait." was definitely coined in the US Military.

Manus...waiting...notice the silk pillow.

Stuck in Bagram and making the best of it.

A troop knows what to expect during their deployment and it's almost unbearable. But a second deployment has it's advantages. You know more about comfort. Being in a foreign country where people want to kill you a person definitely wants to make their down time as comfortable as possible.

Red White & Blue Veteran's Farm - Jacksonville

The other day I had the privilege of being at the Red White & Blue Veteran's Farm in Jacksonville.

This farm is the brainchild of Adam Burke a wounded Veteran of Iraq. With the help of his wife, Michelle they've organized funding and volunteers to create this sanctuary of 8.5 acres for wounded veterans to farm.

There will be a total of 15,000 blueberry bushes. On this day 1,500 were delivered. Here are the guys that unloaded the bushes and worked on the irrigation system. 

It wasn't easy getting these guys to pose as they had a lot of bushes

to unload, plant and irrigate before the day was over.

The bushes are planted in raised planters so the veteran can maneuver easily down the rows to pick the berries and tend the bushes.

It was a great day at the Red White & Blue Blueberry Farm. Everyone has worked really hard both physically and spiritually to make this happen. Click here to see more and how you can help.

Afghanistan - 4th of July

NANGARHAR PROVENCE, Afghanistan – As Americans prepare to celebrate the country’s independence this July fourth, one should take time to think about the men and women who protect and defend that independence.  Think about the men and women who lay down their lives, and think about their loved ones who sacrifice along with them.

No one understands sacrifice better than the friends and family of US Army 1^st Lt. Dimitri Del Castillo. 

Del Castillo was killed on June 25^th when his unit, the Hawaii based 2^nd Battalion, 35^th Infantry Regiment, part of 3^rd Brigade Combat Team, 25^th Infantry Division, Task Force Bronco, was conducting a massive counter insurgency operation in the Watahpur District of Kunar Provence, Afghanistan.

He was just 24 years old, a newlywed, and just starting his career as an infantryman. 

The news reached his bride just minutes after his death.  She was just a few miles away at a Forward Operating Base in Jalalabad, Afghanistan.

Within hours of being notified of Del Castillo’s passing, Pulliam was on her way back to the United States where she will spend the next several days preparing for the arrival of his body and making arrangements for his memorial.

So as you prepare for your picnics, parades and fireworks this 4^th of July, remember Katie Pulliam and Dimitiri Del Castillo’s story. 

They are just two of the thousands of brave Americans whose lives will forever be changed because they chose to serve a greater cause. 

Their story is a one of sacrifice and love, not just for each other, but for the country that affords you the liberties you enjoy.