Canadian Visit

Yesterday afternoon a contractor accidentally struck a water main and we lost water for several hours.  Not wanting to wrangle a porta-john in the dark, I stopped at TGI Friday’s on the Boardwalk on the way to dinner to use their restroom.  I was surprised when I walked in because it really does look like the TGI Friday restaurants in the states (except most everyone was in uniform).  I haven’t eaten there yet.  The DFACs, while not very good, are free and I just can’t see spending the money.  The best thing about eating out is that you don’t have to plan, shop, cook or clean-up.  The same is true for the DFACs too.

It was just my boss and I at dinner.  It was descent.  Tacos… Kandahar style.   A taco shell, ground meat, pizza sauce and feta cheese.  The DFAC was fairly busy so seating was at a premium.  Three US Army soldiers joined us and we had a wonderful conversation.  They work Civil Affairs.  (Civil Affairs specialists identify critical requirements needed by local citizens in combat or crisis situations. They also locate civil resources to support military operations, mitigate non-combatant injury or incident, minimize civilian interference with military operations, facilitate humanitarian assistance activities, and establish and maintain communication with civilian aid agencies and organizations.)  For the last several months these three guys have been in an area where the literacy rate was only about 2% (compared to the country average of 28%).  They talked about schools that they would clear and improve only to go back to find them destroyed and IEDs planted.  We could tell that they were drained and ready to go home.  I cannot imagine how hard it must be to work with such an uneducated population.  These three guys were young, polite and articulate.  They were careful not to say anything too negative about their experience but they were candid about how, from their perspective, challenging the future appears.

The dinner conversation was so interesting that we choose to stay and talk instead of rushing back.  Last night was another Military Professional Development presentation.  This time the Canadians were the guest speakers, and they brought an up-armored Land Assault Vehicle (LAV).  Not wanting to walk into the briefing late, we choose to hang out with the two Canadian Soldier who were outside with the vehicle.  Even though we missed the “official” briefing, we got a private briefing of our own.  One fact that I found fascinating is that they have an initial enlistment of five years but then they reenlist for 20.  Canada also recently changed retirement from 20 years to 25 years of service.  In the US we reenlist for 4-6 years and can get out at any time; retirement is still 20 years.

The Canadians were great and I got to climb all over the LAV.  I could tell these infantry soldiers loved their job.  Climbing on the LAV was like climbing on a jungle gym.  I had just assumed that there would be little ladders but nope.  There were a few handles to grab as you scale up the side but to get into the seats you have to drop in the holes from the top.  There isn’t any spare space.  The driver’s spot is a little hole with slits to see out with the help of cameras.  It was fascinating to crawl around.

Team Canada

I really need to stop hitting snooze.  Had I gotten out of bed this morning when I was supposed to, I would have already been to the restroom and back by the time the alarms went off this morning.  I contemplated trying to run to the restroom before I checked in but I would have to pass two bunkers t get there and I was pretty sure that I wouldn’t have made it unseen.  Luckily it was a short one.  It has been almost three weeks without an attack.

Last night we walked up to the Boardwalk to see comedian Ron Green.  It started off strong with the cheerleaders but went downhill.  My roommate was cold and Ron Green used way too much profanity for my liking so we left mid-show.  I must be getting old. 

Here is a video news clip of the Team Canada visit.

http://www.dvidshub.net/video/109451/team-canada-visit-package-long

I went back to the office for “a minute” which lasted until 2am.  Admittedly I was on the phone with Mike and ordering clothes online most of the time.  While the weather is still absolutely beautiful, high in the mid 70’s, I know that it won’t last.  We are allowed to wear Corps polo shirts and tactical pants as our “Optional Civilian Uniform” which I plan to do to help keep me cool when the temperature rises.  (In the Desert Battle Dress we are required to keep our sleeves rolled down.)

What's going on

The monotony of our long hours and daily routine make the slightest variance stand out.  On our usual walk to dinner we noticed a tent set up just outside the boardwalk.  Once on the boardwalk we saw two guys in civilian clothes with equipment (lights, speakers, etc.)  Of course we walked right up and asked what was going on.  “Team Canada” was coming.  For security reasons they don’t announce such thing too far in advance.  Former NHL stars Lanny McDonald, Pierre Turgeon, Mark LaForest and others along with martial artists, cheerleaders and comedian Tom Green were part of a Canadian moral tour brought in Afghanistan.  We joked that these guy had probably gotten a lot of questions.  They said they had been asked what was going on so many times that they weren’t getting much set up.  We figured we would let them go but as we turned around, there were a few Army soldiers ready to ask what was going on. 

On the way back from chow a hockey game was under way.  No skates, just tennis shoes.  They had a press box up with microphone, a horn and music for when goals are scored.  I had a lot of fun.

Care Packages

Yesterday was one of the most rewarding days here.  At the Seabee Picnic my friend mentioned that she was going to be sorting through care packages sent to “Any Soldier” and could use a hand.  I jumped at the chance to help.  I had no idea how much work it would be or how mentally refreshed I would feel at the end of the day.  Any soldier packages are sent by organizations specifically established to allow Americans the opportunity to support our troops without having to know any one soldier personally.  Unfortunately, while all the items are useful and appreciated, it is rare that one box will fit the needs exactly so we opened the boxes and sorted the donations.

We sorted through lots of food items, fun stuff like dice and cards and personal hygiene items.  But it was the clothing items that got us the most excited.  The Navy unit my girlfriend works for supports the “Wounded Warriors”.  When soldiers are injured they are immediately scooped up and brought to Role 3 (our hospital).  Most of the time their clothes are cut off them and they don’t have any of their gear.  Things like broken legs don’t require a stay in the hospital but they still can’t return to their unit so they are transferred to the Wounded Warrior tent to heal.  They are always looking for volunteers as is Role 3 so after R&R I will see what I can do to lend a hand.

While I am a little sore physically, I feel completely refreshed mentally.  Since I arrived I have been staring at the computer literally all day every day.  Working out in the fresh air doing something physical instead of mental was just the break I needed.

Navy Seabees

I am so very fortunate to have my Navy friends here.  My girlfriend invited me to the Seabee Birthday celebration down at the Boardwalk.  That was THE BEST MEAL I have had since I arrived.  They had a barbeque going with roast beef and chicken.  I could tell that the bread and the coleslaw were from the DFAC but the chicken just melted in my mouth.  When I asked my friend  where they got it she said the DFAC.  I couldn’t believe it!  Apparently the Seabee doing the cooking was a reservist whose “real” job is as an Executive Chef.  That man has SKILLS!

After chow we walked down to the bazaar. I finally purchased something my children’s female classmates.  I still haven’t decided what to get the boys.  We only had a few minutes before they closed so I will have to look again next time.

Rain

I haven’t taken as many photos of the rain as I had hoped.  I snapped this one of my home standing outside the bathroom door.

More tactical vehicles

Ooh.  More cool trucks.

Office move

The day had finally come for us to move into our new office.  Two new brick sided, hardened buildings (which means during a rocket attach you can stay in the building) were completed and the executive office and administrative offices moved into them vacating the second floor of the old Admin building.  After a quick remodel, we moved from our first floor office space in the building next door into the renovated building.  The view from our second floor windows is fantastic.  From my desk I can see the air traffic control tower and aircraft coming in for a landing.

We went to the Asian DFAC for lunch where I snapped a few photos of the usefulness of pallets during the rainy season.

Photo shoot

I like taking pictures of the tactical vehicles because they are just so darn cool.  As I was walking back from chow with one of my coworkers offered to take my photo with the vehicle. 

Then, when we rounded the corner, we saw a group of Army Soldiers with their vehicle.  She said, “I’ll take your photo with them.  I bet your son would love that.”  I quickly objected but it was too late as she had already gotten their attention.  They were so much fun.  I told them I was embarrassed but I think they loved it.  I told them that my son wants to be a soldier too.  They pulled their shirts up so their weapons were clearly visible.  They were so cute and all laughs but they look so serious in the photo.

Just before we got to the compound we came across one of the Australian working dogs.  Since he wasn’t in his harness we were able to love all over him.  I got this photo for Sam.  (Thank goodness she is still young enough that she prefers cute puppies over cute marines.)

Coffee

My Navy friend came by and picked me up for coffee.  We went to a British Coffee Shop that sells reasonable priced coffee.  It is always nice to spend time with her.

Construction

They are making progress on my future home.

Boardwalk

When I was walking to dinner tonight I had my camera on me so I snapped a few photos of the boardwalk.

General Van

General Van came to visit today and we all headed down to the MWR tent to hear him speak.  He shared a Dilbert video clip that was highly amusing to a room full of engineers. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qOtoujYOWw0

OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE

USACE chief says farewell to engineers in Afghanistan by Mark Abueg

KANDAHAR AIRFIELD, Afghanistan (Feb. 11, 2011) – “Is there anyone that’s older than 61,” asked the gentlemen dressed in an Army Camouflage Uniform.

“Oh, there. Hey, I’m in good company here,” he said looking at hands raised throughout the audience as he reflected on the fact that he had just turned 61 years of age.

The Army officer proceeded to tell about how Arthur Fonzarelli, from the TV show, Happy Days, used to look in the mirror and take a comb from his pocket and square himself away.

He too looked in the mirror and fixed himself up in the same manner as “The Fonz” as he was getting ready for a military ball.

After checking himself over, he turned to his wife for an intimate quip between the two.

“Well, I just turned 61, babe,” he said. “Do I look it?”

With a grin, the salt and pepper haired officer let the audience know how she affectionately replied.

“You used to,” she said.

And with that tale told, the crowd of over 200 U.S. Army Corps of Engineers roared with a gentle laughter to the approval of the 52nd Chief of Engineers and Commanding General of USACE.

Lt. Gen. Robert L. Van Antwerp, or “General Van,” as he is affectionately known throughout the Corps, visited Afghanistan for the last time yesterday as the Army’s top engineer after 39 years of service.

Members of the 579th Engineer Detachment (Forward Engineer Support Team - Main) and Afghanistan Engineer District – South hung on Van Antwerp’s words as he discussed the state of the Corps of Engineers, and the strides it has made, especially in Afghanistan.

Van Antwerp serves as the senior military officer overseeing most of the America’s civil works infrastructure and military construction.

But it wasn’t about the work in the United States that Van Antwerp wanted to talk about. It was about the mission being accomplished overseas in Afghanistan.

“We’re an economic engine for this country,” he said. “And the truth is that a lot of the jobs created in this country are created by the contractors that the Corps of Engineers hires … and we’ve created a lot of jobs.”

 “We have the Military Programs, Civil Works, and then we have the Research and Development,” he said. “This year it’ll be about $41 billion in those three programs.”

Overseeing activities and providing direction to the Corps is the U.S. assistant secretary of the Army for Civil Works, Jo-Ellen Darcy, who accompanied Van Antwerp on the trip. She was impressed not only with the Corps work, but with the individuals, who have deployed in support of overseas contingency operations.

“I think the fact that you are all here because you volunteered to come just shows me something that I think is irreplaceable any place else,” Darcy said.  But the day belonged to Van Antwerp as he praised the Corps’ accomplishments.  “One other milestone we passed in 2010 was the 10,000th deployment by a civilian in the Corps of Engineers to the theater of operations,” he said. “10,000 – that is a big number.”

An even bigger number was the one involving the amount of work completed by the Corps. USACE had 39,500 people working on $12 billion worth of projects in 1992. Compare that to 2010 year end’s number that saw 37,000 Corps employees completing $41 billion of development, which includes the work in Afghanistan.

“That is amazing and that’s what this country needs,” he said. “So you’re supporting that, and you’re supporting it through your local nationals that you’re building a bench for the future, and I think it’s going to have an impact you don’t even know about.  “Generating jobs and doing great things for the infrastructure of this country. Pretty amazing.”  For all of Van Antwerp’s own accomplishments, he is proud of the success of the Corps of Engineers.  “I’ll tell you today that when I walk into the Pentagon, there is no question where the U.S. Army is in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers,” he said. “Cause they see you over here. They see you deliver.”

Kitty

At the deployment center I heard more than once, don’t pet/feed the stray animals.  They are dirty and carry diseases, etc, etc.  I had no problem with that… or so I thought.  I didn’t know they would be so cute!  Here are some photos of a kitty that followed me home from work one day.  It wasn’t afraid at all.  It just meowed and circled my feet.  I wanted to take a picture to send home to Sam but I had trouble getting far enough away from it to get a good one.

Bunker visit

My Navy friend had only arrived at my office a few minutes before the alarms sounded.  So we visited in the bunker for a while.  After the all clear we tossed her laundry in the washer but she had to report in person for accountability.  She did eventually make it back and we headed to dinner.

(Technically, it isn’t impersonating an officer to wear his jacket when the alarms go off and his jacket is in the office but he isn’t.)