Afghanistan Through My Eyes - ANA

Okay, so I finally figured out that I should get my orders the 10th of December....

I've been reading all the latest about the war and am not surprised. It is very depressing. It's depressing that we can do so little to help the Afghanistan people.

What I have seen regarding the Afghanistan Army is pathetic. Where are the men who walk barefoot in the snow and fought off the Russians in 1977? They can't have all joined the Taliban. Why is the Afghanistan Army filled with hash smokers who don't care, can't care about their life? Who is that person wearing the Afghanistan uniform? I think they plucked deadbeats off the street who wanted a meal...

Afghanistan Through My Eyes

Another week with no news.
It's really cold there now. Two feet of snow.

Obama made a surprise visit today to Afghanistan. It had been planned for a month and didn't exactly go as planned because of the weather. He wanted to thank the troops for being there on our behalf over the holidays instead of being with their families.

I thank them too. I thank a soldier everytime I meet one. It's the least we can do for someone to step out of their life and into the life of a soldier.

Afghanistan Through My Eyes

Still no news...
The holidays are upon us. Tonight was the first night I drove around with holiday lights twinkling their bright colors in the dark. I doubt if there are any signs of holiday cheer in Afghanistan.

Reading an executive travel magazine got me to thinking about adventure travel. I have always loved to travel and been lucky to have spanned the globe as many times as I have. But being a traveler you always look for the next place...In Three Cups of Tea it's Pakistan and K2. For me it's war, but not as a soldier, as a traveler an observer of the natives.

When I first planned this trip I definitely didn't want to be in Afghanistan proper, just fly in and get to ISAF and check in. But now that the airline tickets are so freakin expensive...I just might stay a few days more and see the sights of Kabul.

Afghanistan Through My Eyes - VAS

I haven't heard anything yet. But I'm not so worried anymore. If I don't get this embed I will try again. I am lucky enough to have the support of the 25th division thanks to Captain John. I almost feel like a poster girl. The 25 division will go back to Afghanistan in the spring and will request me by name. So I surely can get in then. If I'm lucky enough to get in during the holidays I will try and save my pennies to go back in the spring as it would be such an honor to be with them.

I wanted to mention a WARNING TO VETERANS

An organization called Veterans Affairs Services (VAS) is providing benefit and general information on VA and gathering personal information on veterans. This organization is not affiliated with VA in any way.
http://www.vaservices.org/us/index.html

VAS may be gaining access to military personnel through their close resemblance to the VA name and seal. Our Legal Counsel has requested that we coordinate with DoD to inform military installations, particularly mobilization sites, of this group and their lack of affiliation or endorsement by VA to provide any services.

In addition, GC requests that if you have any examples of VAS acts that violate chapter 59 of Title 38 United States Code, such as VAS employees assisting veterans in the preparation and presentation of claims for benefits, please pass any additional information to Mr.Daugherty at the address below.

Michael G. Daugherty
Staff Attorney
Department of Veterans Affairs
Office of General Counsel (022G2)
810 Vermont Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20420


Tomorrow I will be calling sweet Juliet at US Cav to order my ballistic helmet. I needed a letter from the Editor in Chief at Saturday Evening Post. I am so blessed to have so many people in my corner. I just received it tonight.

Afghanistan Through My Eyes - body armor - US Calvalry

Okay, I still haven't heard from ISAF, but I ordered my ballistic vest with the IV level ceramic plates and the disbursement plate and carry bag.

While I was ordering my helmet, sweet Juliet who was helping me and was once with the military police gave me a great tip on wearing the vest. She said to put a hankerchief in between your boobs...she didn't actually say boobs, but that is where she meant to put the hankerchief. She said you sweat like crazy and it gets very uncomfortable and itchy and can't just reach your hand in and scratch.

Is that sweet or what! Thank you Juliet for your words of wisdom.

Afghanistan Through My Eyes - fallen soldiers

Today I was reading about the funeral of a fallen Ranger. What filled me with pride was how his brothers honored him with their words and presence. I know how hard it was for all of them to be living and carrying their fallen friend.

What hurt me and shocked me was a Church group from Kansas that came to terrorize the funeral. There is no other word to discribe their antics. These zelots who are so misguided by their ignorant interpretations can only be punished by the God they believe in.

Taps is played every evening. It is a reminder of how precious life is and what a soldier's sacrifice is.

Afghanistan Through My Eyes - Veteran's Chapter - Jason

Tomorrow is Monday, November 29th almost three weeks before my requested dates to go to Afghanistan.

On Saturday night I met Jason a Naval Reservist, fighter pilot on active duty. I told him my plan to go to Afghanistan. He thought it was an amazing idea. I told him how I was waiting for my orders and how it was beginning to make me a little crazy. I then mentioned I had friends with the 25th division. He said I was a lucky lady.