Three Cheers for Aspercreme (and other dysfunctions), May 30, 2010

My husband taught me a new trick. I have been having shin and calf pain during running on pavement, and he suggested that I put aspercreme on before I run. Man, did that do the trick. I am so glad because I did not want to run on the treadmill. I had the best 5 mile run around the compound one night, then had group PT the next morning where we did some sprinting. In a turn of bad luck, I pulled my hamstring. Thank God my husband got me aspercreme, now I am using it on my butt. I lovingly think of him when I rub it in.

The General always says that the group PT is to raise moral. How can making a bunch of middle age desk jockeys, who are working between 15 and 17 hours a day, get up an hour earlier to sprint increase moral? Maybe the pulled hamstring is actually a stroke of good luck…I now have a doctor’s note saying I can’t PT for 2 months. Actually, I’ve always enjoyed the group PT, but I complain nonetheless.

It really isn’t a good thing…running is the best stress reliever that I have, and now I really do need to lay off. I am hoping it don’t take 2 months…that will cut into my marathon training. I’ve got a marathon to run in November—the New York Marathon! I put my name into the lottery with a couple of pals. We heard that if you don’t get in for four years straight, you get an automatic invite the fifth year. So we figured if we start now, we’ll get invited in five years and have a girls running vacation. Well, they drew my number, and I’m the only one. So, I’m having a family running vacation. I’ll run, and my family will watch.

The other dysfunctions mentioned in the title… I wish I could put some aspercreme on a couple of things, and they would go away. I got an email from a Colonel saying “great email, thanks for keeping everyone informed” and “keep them coming”. Then I get an email from another Colonel saying “you need to vet these through me”. He basically told me to ask permission to do the right thing. I hate that.

Here are some pics of the compound where I live, plus some out and about…

The interior courtyard…our whole existence is played out in this courtyard. We form up for PT here, we eat here (our dining hall is too small for all the people here) and you have to go through here to get anywhere else. There are three hard buildings, these two, which are billets, one right behind me, where we work. Surrounding these are tents are tents and PODs (8X18 trailers), then the big ass T walls that form our perimeter.

This is where I live, on the third floor.

A side view of the courtyard…that is the USO tent. They provide free wifi and free phone calls back home.

The Afghan National Police (ANP) try to direct traffic, but it is a free for all. There are no rules of the road.

Typical scene, smog and all.

Memorial Day, May 30, 2010

My friend Mary wrote the attached note to her folks back home and she said I could share it with my folks back home. I just couldn't have said it any better.

I am also attaching a group photo of the J4:

The one wearing the helmet is the outgoing J4 director and the one to my left is the incoming J4 Director, another experienced Marine. Logistics representatives from all four branches of service, as well as DOD civilians and contractors are part of the team. This truely is a Joint fight.

**********************************

Memorial Day, Kabul Afghanistan, 2010

We celebrated Memorial Day at New Kabul Compound earlier this week. At 1100, all the military were required to muster in the courtyard, and stand in formation until the ceremony began. The first picture is the military mustered, I am on the 3^rd floor balcony of Meyers Barracks, where I am quartered.

It was a typical sunny morning, with the heat of the sun’s rays heavy on the skin. People were for the most part quiet, waiting. The celebrants gathered on the marble circle where the flags are hoisted, our American flag at half-mast. The ceremony was simple, yet moving, with a speech about the origins of Memorial Day, an invocation by the Chaplain, and a moving speech by MG McHale, Deputy Commander, United States Forces – Afghanistan. He spoke of the men who died, and for whom NKC’s buildings are named. Crisostomo Hall, where I work, was named for a Vietnam Vet who voluntarily came back to Afghanistan and died by an IED in 2009. He was 59 years old. Meyers and Freeman Barracks are similarly named for men who died in 2009, here in Afghanistan. The General spoke movingly of their lives, and their deaths. This imbues these buildings with so much more meaning.

We had a barbecue after the lunch. The LNs had decorated the outdoor tables with table cloths and centerpieces.  We felt like a bit of Americana in Kabul—hours earlier than the States, having hotdogs and hamburgers from the grill! I sat with colleagues from the KMO: a civilian, Air Force, Army and a DISA contractor. Then, back to work! Just another day.

The Peace Jirga is being held this week in Kabul, a big event. People have come from all over Afghanistan to meet with President Karzai. All travel that is not absolutely critical has been shut down, and some of the Afghan bazaars as well. I am getting a lot of office work done, as I am staying put on compound. I read where the US is insisting that women’s rights be part of the Jirga. Great!

Transitions, May 23, 2010

When I deployed in 03/04, I ran an aerial port and it was awesome. However, this HQ thing has pulled me way outside my comfort zone and as a result, the learning and opportunities have been far greater than you could imagine. You learn by doing, so if you are in the guard, get yourself out here in any capacity you can.

One thing that I keep thinking is that this is preparing me for something else, but I have no idea what (or when). So I am just trying to keep an open mind and experience and "do" everything that I can, everything that comes my way. I suppose it is natural to think that, because everything that I gain here will not be used here--I leave in 60 days! It almost seems a waste, so I guess I am hoping that I can put it to use in other ways, other jobs, and other opportunities in the future.

This is a time of transition…the hard as nails J4 Director is leaving and the new guy is on the ground. It is looking like the new guy will be heading a new direction, and tasking me in a different way. Another change that has occurred over the last couple of weeks is that there are four more people working in the mobility shop, three of which are Air Force Logistics Readiness Officers. Until now, I was the only one. With these two changes, it is now possible for me to function more like a Liaison officer! This is good news in that it should create more time for personal pursuits, such as studying Air War College. It will be 12+ hour days, but not the 15-17 hour days I’ve been doing. I hope this is not premature thinking…it has only been a week with the new guy.

The old boss rightfully took advantage of the full range of my skill set…I have more to offer than just “synchronizing and optimizing airlift”. Because of this, I ended up in a leadership and policy setting role. This pulled me out of my comfort zone quite a bit because I had to figure out how to get things done and set direction for people to follow, yet nobody had to follow because they don’t work for me. I had to rely on my powers of persuasion and influence. After 60 days, and getting adjusted to the new comfort zone, this personnel transition is pulling me out of my comfort zone again. Now, I have to figure out how to NOT direct the efforts of others…how to NOT lead. Hmmm… This is going to be different…I am going to have to keep my mouth shut...

I had 13 boxes filled with school supplies when I returned from the States, and 2 more boxes have arrived since! The City of Sparks was very, very generous, they sent nine glorious boxes. The Erck family sent three; Nevada Energy Rates department (Trevor and family, Cheryl and Debbie), the Chris Cobb family and the Robert Lee family each sent one. In addition to that, I received 2 of boxes of stuff for the troops. Stantec sent homemade cookies in these great tins, and the Hutchins family sent some Wolf Pack jerky and other treats. My work mates loved both. That is a total of 17 boxes since I got back and a total of 40 boxes since I’ve been here. I can’t believe how generous you all are!

More Than 1/2 Way, May 15, 2010

A couple of weeks ago, a friend wrote and said that I should write my memoirs…I’ve had writers block ever since. I’ve been running on the treadmill here at the hotel outside of Scott Air Force Base and while my legs are grateful to be off the pavement for a while, I haven’t managed to get into a good groove to do some thinking. The treadmill does the job, but it isn’t very inspiring. Today, I got an email from another friend asking me to write more about life in Kabul. So, here are some random thoughts that I have managed to pull out of my head on my treadmill run today.

This last two weeks I have been in the states for what is called the Force Flow Conference. It is a periodic event where logistics planners of all commands and services come together to coordinate and de-conflict unit movements. Since this an historic time in our nation’s military, this particular conference was a biggie, and I am thrilled to be a part of it. I still can’t believe that I am representing the Combatant Command! (The military is structured into geographic commands and functional commands. The various branches of service provide their expertise to these commands, and military members can be assigned to one these commands. This achieves the very important military principle of Unity of Command—we all report to the same boss. The combatant command in South West Asia is Central Command (CENTCOM), and our boss is General Patreaus, no matter what service we are in. General Patreaus sets the overall objectives of the campaign, thus achieving Unity of Effort across all branches of services and supporting commands. For example, I am a member of the Air Force, currently assigned to CENTCOM).

Our little group that came from Afghanistan (see photo…yep, we got to go to a Cardinals game…) is constantly being referred to as “the war fighter”, because we are the CENTCOM presence in Afghanistan (USFOR-A). Incidentally, the CENTCOM presence in IRAQ is also here (USFOR-I). All of the other functional commands (US Transportation Command is the biggie) and the Services are here to support us. We are constantly being looked at with the question “what does USFOR-A think of that”? My internal voice says “how the hell should I know”? After a deep breath and a prolonged “hmmm”, I usually come up with something. If I can’t come up with something, I just say so.

Me, the warfigher? Hardly. I sit at a desk for so long that I’m worried that my hip flexors will never be the same. Units that are actually moving into or out of CENTCOM area of responsibility are also at the conference…these guys are the war fighters. Well…adhering to my desk jockey admonition, the unit reps at this conference aren’t war fighter either…they are all mobility experts and logistics planners...and desk jockeys. One cool observation that I have is that logistics types are the same across the services…a little goofy, but like to work hard and then play hard. We’ve had a great time.

********
It turns out it was a good time to be away from home, er… I mean NKC. Group PT has been with full battle rattle (fun, but a bitch…good ones to miss). They’ve had a batch of contaminated bottled water, plus water plumbing problems and water outages. Could you imagine having to go tinkle in the middle of the night and having to go down three flights of stairs, across a gravel court yard (20 yards or so) and then up three flights of stairs? Oh, please let the water problems be fixed by the time I get back!

********
I got to spend 10 glorious days with my husband. He is a wonderful man. I worked and slept and we didn’t get to do any sightseeing. He just hung out and had no complaints. The first four days I slept 12 hours every night. I am still sleeping 8 to 10 every day.

********
I picked up a book about an American hair dresser that opened up a beauty school in Kabul in 2002. Teaching Afghan women a trade so that they can support themselves and their family is her way of spending her time, energy and talent on something good. This woman, Deborah Rodriguez, has no sense but a lot of guts. And guess what…guts was all she needed! She got many women trained and who are still earning incomes today. The book doesn’t exactly have a happy ending, but the story is still unfolding. At the end of the book, the author asks that the world continue to look, watch and make sure nothing puts out the light for the women in Afghanistan again. The book is called “The Kabul Beauty School” and worth the read.

If a desk jockey can be called a war fighter, then what are the Afghan women that brave the wrath of their husbands and fathers to go to beauty school and work considered to be? These women are braver than anyone I know, including our trigger pullers, because they LIVE with the enemy (I suppose that is a little harsh, but wait until you read some of the stories in the book). Our trigger pullers have the luxury of nameless and faceless enemies.

********
Here is a photo of the two women that clean our building. They are very sweet. I’ve given them quite a bit of the blessings you all have sent my way. I only know a few words in Dari (Good morning/afternoon, how are you, thank you, etc), and they know those same words in English. I speak in Dari and they speak in English. I tried to get them to smile in the photo, but Afghans think they need to be serious in pictures.

********
This photo shows two boys that begged us for pens or pencils. They brought their English books with them to show us—they wanted us to know that they were learning English and need pens and pencils to fill out their books, so we gave them what we had. They also wanted money. I told them to make me something or draw me a picture and I would buy it off of them. I don’t think they understood what I was saying. They were very animated and lively boys…contrary to what they look like in the picture. We keep seeing the same kids outside the gates…we are guessing that their parents work inside. Many of them do try to sell us stuff. I’ve bought a couple handmade bracelets and some candy. We are not sure that paying attention to the kids is a good thing…I am worried that it makes them targets.

********
I have been tardy in my thank yous for packages. Jim and Barbara—your two boxes were incredible! Ditto to Trish, Marlene, Stacie, Ross, Adam, Janet and Donna (and I’ve probably missed a few). Thanks also to Eldon and Wanda…didn’t even know that you were getting my emails (I’m thrilled). I also got a box from the Blue Star Moms of Southern Nevada. There was no name on that one, so I don’t know who sent it.

Up to the time I came to the states—60 days in Kabul—I had received 23 boxes. The boys in my shop said they were going to do a pool on how many boxes I would receive while I am gone, which will total 19 days. Doing the math, my money is on 7 (a good all round number).

The Chaplain did a delivery last Thursday to an orphanage run by widows. My friend Mary got to go and she took pictures. When I get back, I’ll get some and forward.

********
I’ve had computer troubles, so I’ve also taken break from my computer. Now I’ve got my computer issues worked out…I bought another computer. That is the price to pay to get to Skype with my husband every morning and night and it is worth every penny.

********
To close out, here are some of my favorite pictures over the last few months.

Another cool little kid, looking up to an American Solder.

********

This is the statue outside the Kabul International Airport…why does a land locked country have dolphins?

********

St. Louis Cards, May 15, 2010

We had a box suite on the 1st base line…with all you can eat food and beer. It had an indoor party area, with seats outdoors (but covered).

Looking towards our box suite…the ones below the second deck:

Little Bit's Going Away, May 15, 2010

The people that you work with become your family—after all; we are together for 15-17 hours a day. Below is the going away of our admin and computer guru, SSgt Olmstead. She was also our combat driver…and she is a roller derby queen. She is about 20 years younger than me, and I look at myself 20 years ago and want to be like her.

This is our boss, a tough as nails Marine Colonel. This is my partner in crime, CW3 Cord, a very excellent Army Mobility Warrant Officer. We roasted her good.

 

Then we gave her a gift from the mobility shop, then, yes we did…we gave her a belly dancing outfit and chain mail underwear…bra, too. On the left is my kick ass roommate, Valerie. You wouldn’t want to mess with her, either. She is an ammo expert.