Afghanistan Through My Eyes - Jacksonville hero Sgt. Clint Campbell

Looking for some good news surrounding Afghanistan it appears Sgt. Clint Campbell, just became a local hero. On January 18th, Tech. Sgt. Clint Campbell received the Silver Star for gallantry in battle on August 4, 2010.

The citation states: "His bravery in the face of withering enemy fire turned the tide of the battle, defeated the ambush and saved three teammates' lives and prevented certain additional casualties."

Read more:

Congratulations Sgt. Campbell. Our troops are still over in Afghanistan fighting for their lives and the lives of others and their freedom against the Taliban. We must still keep them in our hearts for as long as they are there.

It doesn't matter what your politics are. They are there now. Let's not forget that and let's honor them when they come home.

I was also happy to hear on NPR this morning that 40% of the Veterans that return to Florida find jobs. It should be 100%, but given the economy, this is a pretty good figure.

Afghanistan Through My Eyes - Is there any good news about Afghanistan

I'm still working on my final embed into Afghanistan. It is going to be more difficult as rules have changed and it takes a lot more time. I probably should have begun this sooner, but I was relying on past experience. I am hoping I get in because I still have a lot of soldiers to meet and talk too.

While waiting I am looking for some good news about Afghanistan. While not great news, I found an interesting article regarding Polio and it's resurgence in Afghanistan. Apparently, polio is only found in Afghanistan...it was almost completely eradicated.

The irony is Karzai is blaming the Taliban for not allowing children to be vaccinated, but this is untrue according to the Taliban. In fact the children carry notes saying they are allowed to be vaccinated.

It's a great article. Polio on the rise

There is a small grain of good news here...you just have to look between the folds of hatred.

Afghanistan Through My Eyes - Marines disgrace

The rules have changed a bit regarding an embed into Afghanistan. This time I'm trying to embed solely on my book, "Bullets In My Pocket".

But I'm not giving up, just beginning.

What really upsets me this week is of course the video that came out with the Marines urinating on the Afghans. I am throughly disgusted by this in every way.  Those Marines do the Marine Corp, the US Military and the US Citizens an injustice. I am deeply embarrassed they represent me.

The Guardian

I have great respect for the Marine Corp in general and embedded with the 2/3 Echo Outlaws down in Helmand last year. That group on COP Spenghar was an exemplary unit let by Capt. Chris Richadella. Each of the 75 Marines I met there were outstanding and seemed to have a real grasp of where they were in the world and what their mission was and how best to achieve it. They are the Marines I am proud to have represent me anywhere in the world.

Afghanistan Through My Eyes - 1 year later

My daughters have been told and I've gotten my newest Visa into Afghanistan. I'm beginning the process for my third and last embed.

The 25th Division 3BCT Broncos are getting ready to pull out, their year almost finished. I watch with interest as some of them plan their arrival back in the US. It's great news.

The year has gone by so fast. This time last year I was on my second week in Afghanistan with the 2/3 Marines Echo Outlaws. When I wake up in my cozy bed I remember the hard cot with cold air whistling underneath me until Pete, the contractor, put in a jet engine rigged up to a heater in our hootch. Of course then it was so hot the door had to be cracked open and of course I was sleeping right next to the door.

I played Gin Rummy with the Gunny every night and he beat me badly. It was the best of times and the worst of times.

I will never forget how incredibly well I was treated and once when I asked I was told I was to be treated like a Major...which was funny because the highest ranking officer on the COP was a Captain.

I hope my embed is approved and I'm allowed to fly back into the theatre. I'd like to talk so some of the soldiers I interviewed on their way in and see how it worked out for them.

I'll keep you posted.

Afghanistan Through My Eyes - 1 year later

Wow...I can't believe it's been an entire year since I started this project and amazing adventure. Last year on New Year's Eve I remember riding the escalator down while watching fireworks explode through the windows of the Dubai Airport.

So far it's been a fantastic journey. I have learned so much and met so many incredible people. I understand what it means to go to war and why we as a country need to support our military more than ever. I don't understand why stating this fact always gets me in hot water with politics. Supporting our men and women in the combat zone has nothing to do with politics. It has to do with respecting what someone has chosen to do. They are risking all for what they believe. YOU have to respect this no matter what your politics.

As I sit here in Viet Nam, with mixed emotions I salute all who have served...of course I can't actually salute as I'm not in the military, but I think you get the point.

I do believe that war is not the answer...especially after touring Viet Nam. The juxtaposition makes my head hurt.

But regardless...Afghanistan continues.

To all...have a great 2012. Make it count.