Afghanistan Through My Eyes - Home

Hurry up and wait. This phrase was coined in the military. I think it has to do with learning patience, restraint and composure. Good traits to have in combat...but really hard when you're on US soil and you just want to be in the arms of loved ones.

After we landed in Hawaii we were bused up to Schofield Base. 

First everyone is checked in and weapons surrendered. The soldiers were treated to an escort from the Veteran's Who Ride Harley Chapter of Hawaii. Veterans and USO came out to greet them. Then follows a briefing and snacks for the soldiers while their loved ones wait as patiently as possible on the other side of the partitioned building. 

Finally after a film created by the PAO office of the 25th's Division year in Afghanistan the soldiers march in!

After the Start Spangled Banner played and there were thanks for the safe return the soldiers they were released. 

Then we just had to find our gear and we were home.

HOME!

Afghanistan Through My Eyes - re-deployment

As always the day finally arrives when the division gets to go home! The joy one feels on this day is about the most joy a soul can take.

The way it works from Afghanistan is that everyone in the division has to somehow get to Manus Airbase and then take a wide-bird back to their home base. In this case it was Schofield, on Oahu in Hawaii. Not to shabby.

This is complicated by all kinds of factors. First of all your replacements from the new division must have arrived. Depending upon where you are in country, a large base, FOB or small COP this can take days of travel and waiting until you arrive at Manus.

Lastly, there's the RIP/TOA where the commanders leave. The commanders are the last to leave, but generally get to go straight to Manus and skip any interim bases on the way.

Casing the flag for it's journey home back to Schofield Base in Hawaii

Waiting at the PAX Terminal on FOB Fenty

Down comes the Welcome to the 25th Divison FOB Fenty Sign

Marching out of FOB Fenty to the awaiting C-130

Heading to Manus Airbase on our C130

Afghanistan Through My Eyes - Memorial Day

It's easy to ignore what today is all about. But while your scarfing your bar-b-que and slamming down your beer I want you to think about the warriors who have died today.

The latest fallen hero:

Army 2nd Lt. Travis A. Morgado May 23, 2010 OEF

There have been 25 deaths in Afghanistan in the month of May alone.

Click here to read about the fallen.

I ask you to take the time to click and read about each and every warrior that is posted on this site. It lists all of the fallen heroes from Operation New Dawn, Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom.

Even if you just go to this site and scroll through until your heart hurts I know that the next time you look at the American Flag flying you'll have a different perspective.

When it flies in the air free and in it's glory be proud, those red stripes are equal to blood and the stars could be souls.

Afghanistan Through My Eyes - Memorial Day 2012

The journey of writing this book is only half over. I began it almost two years ago with a simple idea. I wanted to let our troops know that average, everyday people appreciate them for who they are.

I've met and talked with so many warriors, in the hundreds, and each one has been unique, yet the same. They all are part of a unit, a platoon, a battalion, a division and will take a bullet for whomever is standing next to them and for you and me here at home.

Memorial Day is a special day set aside to honor those that give service to their country. But like any day you can always thank a Veteran or a warrior in uniform. It's pretty easy, you just walk up and say thank you. You'd be surprised at what a smile it puts on their face, just to know a stranger has taken the time...a mere moment to thank them.

"“He is fighting for his life, and killing now for him is as much a profession as writing is for me.”

Ernie Pyle

Afghanistan Through My Eyes: Memorial Wall

At the end of a division's deployment a plaque is placed on the wall of the quadrants FOB. At least it is here at FOB Fenty.

It's a day of remembrance and a day to remember the fallen heroes, those that gave their lives for our country. It is the ultimate sacrifice. I remind you, this is not a political statement. It's a reality. A job in service to your country, can end in death.

FOB Fenty

Each soldier has the opportunity to salute and honor the fallen.

The Fallen of the 3BCT 25th Division, Broncos.

All of the memorial plaques from all the divisions who have fought out of FOB Fenty in OEF.

SSG Vimoto stands next to the plaque of his son's division, 173rd Airborne BCT. His son, gave his life for service to his country.



















I often wonder at the decision young soldier's make while in high school or out of high school believing this is the only opportunity that affords them...if they really understand the sacrifice involved.