Afghanistan Through My Eyes - 2013 begin withdrawal

I just got my orders to go back in with the 25th Division Broncos. I am very excited. I hope to reconnect with some of the soldiers I interviewed before. I also want to go over to FOB Joyce. My blog about FOB Joyce gets the most hits!

Interesting news regarding Panetta's decision. I am eager to hear how the soldiers feel about this.

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I just don't even know how to react to this?

Afghanistan Through My Eyes - A Difference

Ah ha!

Here is some good news out of Afghanistan.

January 27, 2012, 12:57 PM

Changes in Kabul Classrooms

By JAALA A. THIBAULT

Courtesy of Jaala ThibaultThe author teaching a group of teachers on methods for English language training at the Kabul Education University.

In this story the the Author tells how different a classroom is now at the University of Kabul. There is a mixture of boys and girls learning side by side. The girls wear mini skirts over skinny jeans, ballet slippers, knock off Versace sunglasses and trendy head scarves from Dubai!
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Good news

These changes could not have come without our presence in Afghanistan. We have made a difference!

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."

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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.