29 September 2010
My Boss' Thoughts
There has been a lot going around lately about President Obama's religious views. With all the emails and news reports I was with the rest of America in believing he was Muslim or at least leaned toward Islam. I think it is everybody's job to correct rumors no matter how you feel about the person. I encourage you to watch these two youtube videos. After the first one (part 4 of his speech) has downloaded, fast forward to 7:00 minutes in, it cuts off mid-sentence with how we are saved, but picks right up on the 2nd link (part 5), watch until about 3:00 minutes in. I was very encouraged by his words and agree with him on much of what he said. Christ died for our sins, we are saved by His grace, public service expresses our Christian Faith. We are predominantly a Christian nation, BUT we must respect others' freedoms to worship as they choose, (God doesn't force us to worship him, we can't force others). He is the president and it isn't the Government's job to regulate religion, including abortion, not matter how I feel about it. I'd appreciate your thoughts.
29 August 2010
Delayed
We got word awhile back we might be coming home a week early, so one of the first things you do is calculate the cut off date for dropping off laundry. We all stopped at the appropriate time, but discovered a hitch in our plans when our replacement plane broke before hopping the pond. It was a minor break so no precautions were taken in clothing rationing or turning in another bag. Word of another more serious break took longer reaching us (apparently there are NO extras of this part, they stopped making them all together, so it had to be fabricated from scratch). In an attempt to get more people home on time they threw everyone on the first flight out, leaving one brave crew to fight the war on their own (slight exaggeration) Not an exaggeration: we are starting to run low on clean PTs and underwear!!! The first step of rationing comes in the form of having a “dirty set” of PTs to be worn for working out, and a “clean set” for lounging and eating, socks and underwear are a little more tricky. Serious discussions are taking place on when underwear is vitally necessary, and how many wears is acceptable. All this is in good spirits with the end in sight, tomorrow should be our last mission. It is supposed to be med-evac, which I always look forward to knowing the chances are high for a cute nurse, which might justify clean underwear. :)
TRICKED ME, turns out it wasn’t our last mission and it wasn’t med-evac. The possibility for cute nurses was crushed & replaced by smelly PUCs with long unkept beards, escorted by special ops dudes , thanks a lot Bin-Laden.
25 August 2010
My Perspective - Very Long
This is a pretty long read, and more business than fun, not recommended for the sleepy.
Several people have asked me my perspective on the war. “Do I think we should be here” “Do I think we are making a difference” “Do the local people like us/want us here” “How do we ‘WIN’” First of all, by no means should I be considered a source to quote for US or USAF views nor should anyone put more weight in my thoughts than they would want to carry up Mt. Magazine, but I do carry people who know, and have opportunities to talk to people who know more than most. People with names like “Joe, Sam, Mr. Smith” who walk up to the plane out of nowhere wearing carharts and vibrams, with beards and baseball caps, whose name isn’t on a passenger manifest, but simply ask for a ride, and you’re afraid to say no. People who have zero body fat, and are carrying more ammo and equipment than the other 25 army guys combined. People with personalities who smile and instantly win you over wanting to be their friend then they speak and you realize you aren’t smart enough to be their friend. (sorry for the tangent, I really respect/look up these guys) So all that to say, this is a passing on of info from people who know.
Do I think we should be here?
I personally think we (the US) have an obligation as a blessed nation to be anywhere there are people unable to live a free life. Free to live a life, no matter how odd in my eyes, they choose to live with a sense of peace. Not having to worry about strange men with guns busting down their door at night to take their sons for soldiers and their daughters as possessions to use and trade. Free to worship, educate, and voice their opinions as they deem fit. I know that are a lot of oppressed places but it just so happens there are also people in Afghanistan who are funding and training to take that peace away from us at home, and neglected long enough will try again.
Unfortunately the state of the US budget makes this an impossibility and the US populous puts a value on human life (not a bad thing) such that it is only willing to sacrifice so much when it has current relative peace.
Do I think we are making a difference?
Without a doubt yes. No debate, quality of life (by our standards) has improved since we have been here. There are construction/engineering courses given at a majority of FOBs (forward operating bases) giving tools and skills to construct reservoirs, stronger buildings, education in agriculture and medicine/hygiene. Businesses established to employ women, specifically women w/o husbands and sons who would otherwise be at the mercy of the public and the non-existent government. And most importantly schools at all levels of education are being built. FOB medical facilities are open to the public on certain days to allow aid to local civilians with numerous touching stories in the local newspaper.
Do the people like us/want us here?
Yes if we are helping, no any other time. This is their home, it has been overrun so many times in the past 45 years, a life at war is all they know. When we fly, we see villages at each mtn river drainage, separated by impassable mtns. Many of these villages have little to literally NO contact with other villages, much less any government or organized power. The concept of “Afghanistan as their country” means nothing to them. They would much rather, we leave, the Taliban leave, Russia leave before that, and let them live their own life. The valley around Bagram itself which we would consider a large city, is composed of over 10 villages, all fairly indifferent to one another. So yes, they like us when we completely run warlords out of their village. But if we only partially run them out, they are stuck between helping them (which is dangerous if we find out) or helping us (which is often more dangerous). Several years ago there was an earthquake in Pakistan, several of these “evil” groups rushed in supplying all kinds of relief aid. Who wouldn’t let them hide in your basement after they gave you food, when all they want to do is kill someone you are don’t care too much for yourself and who wakes up your baby in the middle of the night with screaming jets.
How do we win?
We have to have more points than the other team when the clock runs out. Good deal, so what are points? Who is the other team? And how much time is left? Are all the teams playing under the same point/time system?
I have no clue what points are, I would say local people who agree with you and want to see you live, (the more of them you have the better).
For the other team you have 1) the Taliban who brought in an oppressive form of Islam. Many I have spoken with have said the Taliban is running scared, tired and beaten down from too many years on the run in caves. They can’t trust each other, as every day more fighters and even commanders give up to make plea bargains. (we witnessed a CC surrendering to get treatment for Tuberculosis, who still has TB, come on, Booneville kicked that years ago) They are never safe, one minute they are drinking tea in peace, the next an informer gives a signal and dozen helos swoop in to snag them all. 2nd enemy) an influx of people who don’t like the US, here because they know there is a fight to be had, from Iran, Syria, Chechnya, Pakistan, a dozen other countries who are hard core fighters. Border security and help from neighbors (Pakistan in particular) is the key. Before all the floods (we have been on non-stop MRE/clean water shuttles since) I heard $6 Billion as the latest figure for what we have given Pakistan to help secure their mtn regions between the countries these fighters use to roam at large. They took the money, said thank you, cleaned up some of their larger cities and forgot about it. Pakistan is completely undermining our efforts by inaction, and even some instances of informing the other team. We know this and are slowly stepping up pressure, but its ridiculous. They hate us more than the locals here. We flew in a few weeks ago, had to hide our weapons and weren’t allowed to take pictures or leave the plane under armed guard supervision. A few days ago we weren’t allowed into their airspace until after holding awhile, and again delayed clearance to take off. However this time the same armed guard did come over to shake our hands with a thankful demeanor. 3rd team) local leaders/terrorists/warlords (tomAto tomato) looking out for themselves and their village as they see fit. These guys will turn in a Taliban commander, shake your hand, and invite you for tea during the day, then shoot a rocket over your fence at night. They fought the Russians as Mujahedeen, they fought the Taliban as Northern Alliance, and they will fight us because they just want left alone. The man who helped me buy my Shalwar, agreed we are helping, but admitted the only way to permanently make a difference is by changing the mindset of these village elders. Proving, we are their friends and showing the value of education, our education vs Taliban education. We won’t win these guys over quickly or easily and is the crux of our future in the region and ultimately our future at home. How much time is left? For them, generations, for us Aug 2011.
Several people have asked me my perspective on the war. “Do I think we should be here” “Do I think we are making a difference” “Do the local people like us/want us here” “How do we ‘WIN’” First of all, by no means should I be considered a source to quote for US or USAF views nor should anyone put more weight in my thoughts than they would want to carry up Mt. Magazine, but I do carry people who know, and have opportunities to talk to people who know more than most. People with names like “Joe, Sam, Mr. Smith” who walk up to the plane out of nowhere wearing carharts and vibrams, with beards and baseball caps, whose name isn’t on a passenger manifest, but simply ask for a ride, and you’re afraid to say no. People who have zero body fat, and are carrying more ammo and equipment than the other 25 army guys combined. People with personalities who smile and instantly win you over wanting to be their friend then they speak and you realize you aren’t smart enough to be their friend. (sorry for the tangent, I really respect/look up these guys) So all that to say, this is a passing on of info from people who know.
Do I think we should be here?
I personally think we (the US) have an obligation as a blessed nation to be anywhere there are people unable to live a free life. Free to live a life, no matter how odd in my eyes, they choose to live with a sense of peace. Not having to worry about strange men with guns busting down their door at night to take their sons for soldiers and their daughters as possessions to use and trade. Free to worship, educate, and voice their opinions as they deem fit. I know that are a lot of oppressed places but it just so happens there are also people in Afghanistan who are funding and training to take that peace away from us at home, and neglected long enough will try again.
Unfortunately the state of the US budget makes this an impossibility and the US populous puts a value on human life (not a bad thing) such that it is only willing to sacrifice so much when it has current relative peace.
Do I think we are making a difference?
Without a doubt yes. No debate, quality of life (by our standards) has improved since we have been here. There are construction/engineering courses given at a majority of FOBs (forward operating bases) giving tools and skills to construct reservoirs, stronger buildings, education in agriculture and medicine/hygiene. Businesses established to employ women, specifically women w/o husbands and sons who would otherwise be at the mercy of the public and the non-existent government. And most importantly schools at all levels of education are being built. FOB medical facilities are open to the public on certain days to allow aid to local civilians with numerous touching stories in the local newspaper.
Do the people like us/want us here?
Yes if we are helping, no any other time. This is their home, it has been overrun so many times in the past 45 years, a life at war is all they know. When we fly, we see villages at each mtn river drainage, separated by impassable mtns. Many of these villages have little to literally NO contact with other villages, much less any government or organized power. The concept of “Afghanistan as their country” means nothing to them. They would much rather, we leave, the Taliban leave, Russia leave before that, and let them live their own life. The valley around Bagram itself which we would consider a large city, is composed of over 10 villages, all fairly indifferent to one another. So yes, they like us when we completely run warlords out of their village. But if we only partially run them out, they are stuck between helping them (which is dangerous if we find out) or helping us (which is often more dangerous). Several years ago there was an earthquake in Pakistan, several of these “evil” groups rushed in supplying all kinds of relief aid. Who wouldn’t let them hide in your basement after they gave you food, when all they want to do is kill someone you are don’t care too much for yourself and who wakes up your baby in the middle of the night with screaming jets.
How do we win?
We have to have more points than the other team when the clock runs out. Good deal, so what are points? Who is the other team? And how much time is left? Are all the teams playing under the same point/time system?
I have no clue what points are, I would say local people who agree with you and want to see you live, (the more of them you have the better).
For the other team you have 1) the Taliban who brought in an oppressive form of Islam. Many I have spoken with have said the Taliban is running scared, tired and beaten down from too many years on the run in caves. They can’t trust each other, as every day more fighters and even commanders give up to make plea bargains. (we witnessed a CC surrendering to get treatment for Tuberculosis, who still has TB, come on, Booneville kicked that years ago) They are never safe, one minute they are drinking tea in peace, the next an informer gives a signal and dozen helos swoop in to snag them all. 2nd enemy) an influx of people who don’t like the US, here because they know there is a fight to be had, from Iran, Syria, Chechnya, Pakistan, a dozen other countries who are hard core fighters. Border security and help from neighbors (Pakistan in particular) is the key. Before all the floods (we have been on non-stop MRE/clean water shuttles since) I heard $6 Billion as the latest figure for what we have given Pakistan to help secure their mtn regions between the countries these fighters use to roam at large. They took the money, said thank you, cleaned up some of their larger cities and forgot about it. Pakistan is completely undermining our efforts by inaction, and even some instances of informing the other team. We know this and are slowly stepping up pressure, but its ridiculous. They hate us more than the locals here. We flew in a few weeks ago, had to hide our weapons and weren’t allowed to take pictures or leave the plane under armed guard supervision. A few days ago we weren’t allowed into their airspace until after holding awhile, and again delayed clearance to take off. However this time the same armed guard did come over to shake our hands with a thankful demeanor. 3rd team) local leaders/terrorists/warlords (tomAto tomato) looking out for themselves and their village as they see fit. These guys will turn in a Taliban commander, shake your hand, and invite you for tea during the day, then shoot a rocket over your fence at night. They fought the Russians as Mujahedeen, they fought the Taliban as Northern Alliance, and they will fight us because they just want left alone. The man who helped me buy my Shalwar, agreed we are helping, but admitted the only way to permanently make a difference is by changing the mindset of these village elders. Proving, we are their friends and showing the value of education, our education vs Taliban education. We won’t win these guys over quickly or easily and is the crux of our future in the region and ultimately our future at home. How much time is left? For them, generations, for us Aug 2011.
19 August 2010
Private Airshow w/ Philly Cheese
Today was one of the most unproductive, fun days yet. We were delayed awhile due to local crazies lobbing shells over the fence. Side Note: I hesitated to include this not wanting to worry anyone. But the truth of the matter it happens with somewhat regularity, plus its Ramadan, its just what they do, like us putting up Christmas lights. And honestly putting up Christmas lights injures more people per year. The post-touchdown celebration at a Bearcat football game is much closer than any of these poorly aimed, crudely rigged projectiles from the 70s. When instructed to clear the flight line, we walk to a plywood shack and watch movies till the all clear (made it halfway through I-Robot, still don’t know how it ends) ANYWAY, after that delay we flew to base X where a refueler was in line for gas before us resulting in an 1.5 hr wait, and once they got to us, the truck ran out of gas and they had to get another (we did pushups to pass the time). After crunching the numbers we realized that due to our delays our next stop would already be closed for a ceremony. I utilized this delay by venturing out for Philly Cheese Steaks on the Boardwalk. We finally taxied down only to discover our cargo AC pack had locked up on FULL HOT, not too awesome for pax, so we shut down once again. We off-loaded the pax, put some tunes on over the loud speaker, proceeded to the ramp to play some cards, and I broke out my bandanna and the philly cheese steaks. The crew was pretty pumped, I heard “this is the best food I’ve had since we’ve been here” and “man this could’ve been a really crappy night, but now its awesome” so they were well worth the cost and grease stained flight suits. We ended up partying on the ramp with a private airshow as the sun came up. Formation A-10 & F-18 take offs & landings, predators & reapers; all in all a pretty unproductive really fun night, we even made it back in time for breakfast. Good Spirits in Bagram.
17 August 2010
Thanks for Flying With USAF Airlines
I always thought it was very friendly and considerate for pilots and stewardesses to stand at the doorway and greet you as you leave the plane. I got to play that role today and realized they are prolly doing it cuz its some of the best people watching you get. Most of the pax didn't know I was watching them, it was hilarious as they stepped out of the doorway onto the ramp. Each of them would pause momentarily looking around as their body language said "do I really want to step into this country or just get back on the plane and hope it goes somewhere else" I lost count of how many people bumped their heads/helmets getting out. It was a fun ending to the day. We've been flying nights lately, I miss the sun, but not the heat.
13 August 2010
New Suits
My AC and I visited a couple local shops on base and decided we needed some new suits. They are ridiculously cheap, and would be tailor made, so why not. We left very skeptical, they rushed us and instead of physically measuring us, had us put on a coat near to our size and then made estimates off that. I’m relieved to say mine turned out well. And overflowing with swagger from my new suit, picked up to civilian girls who needed a ride down the flight line (I was working duty crew). It was dark so I couldn’t really tell if they were cute, but they were cuter than any other civilian girl I’ve talked to recently (zero). Surprisingly enough they were at breakfast the next morning. Another day I was walking along and began chatting with a tan skinned man with a thick accent. Turns out he was from New York, here as an interpreter for over 7 years. I asked if his Shalwar was comfortable (the long shirt with pajama pants they all wear). He said it was the best and insisted I get one and took me to a dealer he new. This guy was much more friendly and actually took measurements the way you’re supposed to. I went to pick it up today, he remembered me with a smile and one of his assistants hustled off to fetch my stuff. Now after as much time as we spent discussing different fabrics and what would be most traditional, I’m positive he knew what I wanted, and as he handed me the bag, threw in a belt for the pants. Unfortunately back at my room, I found a normal button down shirt. I don’t know where the communication broke down, but my next day off I’ll have to go back, bright side, it fit very well and the fabric seemed very nice.
More Boxes Checked
We continue to be DV gurus. They recently held a 40 nation summit to discuss progress/where to go from here in Kabul. We carried the German Foreign Minister, waiting next to Air Force 3 carrying the Secretary of State. We also carried the Commander of all AF forces in the middle east (4 star) along with another 3 star. This hasn’t been confirmed but I’m pretty sure we are being requested as word gets out that we are the best looking/manliest crew in the AOR.
The strange/random missions have also continued. From time to time we carry PUCs (persons under control) usually baddies they have picked up. They are blindfolded and handcuffed, and poor guys just aren’t used to flying and often wet themselves and or throwup while being transferred. The other day however we were on the opposite end of the process. We carried an AA (Afghan Army) General and Statesman along with several former PUCs. This time however they each had a new clean clothes, shiny shoes, and some cash as they were preparing for reintegration. Very interesting to watch.
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