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.