AFGHANISTAN
Well folks my sincere apologies for not updating recently. As you probably know, we have been quite busy. The Roughnecks left Ft. Bragg on 21 December at zero dark thirty. No photos were allowed on the flight line because certain aircraft mistake camera flash as missile flash and then shoot out their flares. No kidding... Our first stop was Shannon, Ireland where Papi met real Irishmen! We then flew to Adana, Turkey where we re-fueled, but were not allowed to get off the plane. Finally after 20 hours in the air, we landed in Manas, Kyrgyzstan on an old Soviet airfield. Manas is located north of the Kyrgz Capital of Bishkek. After a few days, some of us flew to Bagram and others to Kabul on very crowded C-17s.
We flew over some of the most desolate terrain the planet has to offer. I took this photo from the C-17 standing on my gear, the window is about the size of my out stretched hand.
We landed in Kabul the day before x-Mas. We were picked up by up-armored buses (I will post picture later) and escorted to Camp Phoenix by the Germans and Americans. Kabul is surrounded on three sides by mountains, it is pretty hazy and dusty all of the time. But there are a lot of cars and shops which is a good sign.
There is a lot of Soviet equipment laying around some of which is still in use. This is a Russian HIP cargo helicopter in flight over Kabul.
The majority of the troops did not stay in Camp Phoenix, they moved out all over the country. We have soldiers stationed in almost every single province in Afghanistan. Here are the Boys from 5th Platoon the "Fighting 69th" taking off for Gardez on CH-47s.
That is all for now, I will update again real soon. If you have not heard from one of the guys yet do not worry. Some are still in transit, they will get a hold of you. For now-signing off.
11 comments:
Dave,
Great blog. We have 30+ care packages from the Cub for you but need an APO address - John Haley
Hi, Dave. Glad to see the update and hear you are doing OK. That photo of the "most desolate" mountains is unbelievable. Thanks for updating the site. Be well.
Great to read the update and see some pics of your home away from home. We look forward to your updates and perhaps a glimpse of our bro-in-law in any of the pics (Hi Phil B!). The mountains there are unlike any we've ever seen here in the states, but beautiful non the less. Looking forward to future blogs. Take care and be safe, our thoughts are with you. Any instructions on what can not be sent over in care packages?
THANK YOU for updating!! We check the blog every day and it was finally good to hear from you guys and see some pics. We hear from our soldier every so often, which is to say, not often enough! To be expected I s'pose. Keep up the good work.
Stay strong, Stay safe!!
Mom&DadR
THANK YOU for updating! We check the blog every day, and it was good to see some pics. We hear from our soldier occasionally, but not often enough for us, which is to be expected. Sure was good to hear from you. Keep up the good work.
Stay strong, Stay safe!
Mom&DadR
Thanks for the update, stay safe we are all thinking about you guys.
Hi Dave,
I drove by Tinker today and thought about you. There is some snow on the ground and temps are expected to drop below zero this weekend.
Your pictures are really great! The shots of inside the transport plane are very humbling. My husband tells me that these rides are also very cold.
I hope you have been receiving handknit woolen helmet liners from your commanders. There are many of us here in the states knitting them for you.
Think about you often and hope you stay safe and warm.
Patrice Lockhart
13WHAM Engineering
Hello Olly,
All is well with my hand picked killing team (Yott & Fleenor)here at Torham Firebase on the Afghan/Pak border. We are settled in and looking forward to getting busy with missions. We have a good PMT to work for and area. Could you send me the email for the school, We will shoot them some emails and pics.
Thank you
Dan Markle
David, One of my co-workers has grandchildren that go to Neil Armstrong and they are going to send you a personal carepackage. It will be from the Sage's. She wanted to do something nice. Anyhoo, our Patriots didn't do it this year and I am hoping the Red Sox will. You should be home just in time for all the playoff action. Stay warm, stay strong and stay safe. Miss you tons, love you, your little sister.
Hi Dave, you don't know me personally but I am a friend of Arleen's. Thank you for what you and the other service men are doing for our country. Please be safe and hopefully you'll be able to come home soon.
Betty
Sargent Oliver It's me McAbee...after reading your blog I wish I was there with you guys. Tell Papi to keep it Irish!!! And by the way "in yo mouth!!!!!!!"
Get home safe
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