Updates from Afghanistan

[latamud]

Hi ALL,

I'm finally here. I arrived in country 2 weeks ago and it took about that long to get me to where I needed to go. I'm in a small compound in the middle of nowhere about the size of a football field. There's not much to it. Not what I was expecting, after coming out of Iraq, but I'll live. I'm working directly with the Marines, watching over them and helping them find the bad guys. It's exciting work and I'm very glad to be out here. I'm getting to play with some COOL stuff. So far, I've been on post 3 days and have already made an "impact", several times.
Chow is twice a day, UGRs, I want to say that means Ultra Great Rations but they aren't. I'm experiencing a lot of "first time" things. My first water bottle shower, "wag bag" let you look that one up, moon dust everywhere. It's not as hot as I was expecting it to be but still hot. Internet and phones outside of the "office" are nil for now. Someone stole a pair of headphones from the Morale tent so they closed it down until they get returned. Some have pooled to buy a new pair and drop them in the amnesty box just to bet the ball rolling on that. There is no exchange/store or anyplace to buy things nor spend money, probably a good thing.
I live in a tent with the Marines I support. We sleep on cots with sleeping bags, its a lot like camping. I have no complaints, if the Marines can do it so can I. I miss my family and friends, and driving the Viper. Next month will be my 1 year since officially leaving home. It was nice to get some time home bewfore coming out here but that time is never enough knowing I was going out again. I'm glad to have met some of you and look forward to getting back into the mix when I get back, maybe around Aug next year.
Hope everyone is well, live is good. I'll keep in touch.

Bart

 

[BlknBlu]

We the VCA support you and the rest of our armed forces for what you are doing over there. Hearing stories first hand is WAY better than the media.

thanks again

Bruce

 

[Steve-Indy]

Thanks for the update...and THANKS for ALL that you and our troops are doing!!Sorry that you couldn't get to some of our events around Indy while @ Camp A....but, remember that you are ALWAYS welcome !!

 

[Stretch]

Bart, thanks for the update glad you made it over ok. Stay safe out there and let us know when you get back!

-Stretch

 

[VYPR BYT 94]

Thanks for the details. I hope the replacement gets the morale tent open soon. We salute you!

 

[stew4706]

Bart, it was good to meet you at the Nats! Stay safe.
Dave

 

[JRC]

Take care my friend. Look forward to seeing you again upon your return. Photo taken at Glenmoor with Farher Viper, (ROY) JOHN

 

[Mopar Boy]

Was nice meeting you man!

Keep safe out there and see you when you get back!

P.S. Thanks for doing what you do!

 

[AbsolutHank]

Hey Bart...glad to hear you're back out there safely!

At least you'll have some time to plan out the next round of mods when you get back stateside...be careful, and keep in touch

 

[latamud]

Hi All,

another month down. My battle space was made smaller so there's not as much activity. I still get to play with some cool toys. Temp has been dropping a bit, glad I brought a coat. I spend a lot of my free time thinking about driving the car again. I don't have near as much time to do that as I did in Iraq though. It rained for a couple days and I was expecting the moon dust to turn into peanut butter but it wasn't so bad. It actually matted the ground good for about a week. The dust has come back through. I think it's caused by the choppers. A buddy of mine is supporting the unit on the other side of the compound, they sleep on cots outside under cammo netting so he was getting rained on. We don't get IDF out here like Iraq, it's a very different environment.
A local national sometimes comes to the base and tells us where IEDs are placed. He walks to them and I watch him from above. This guy is so mad at the Taliban, they killed his son and since then he's taken an active role in helping us. It seems the people that want progress are accepting of our presence, they understand we are here to push the insurgents out so they can live in peace. A couple weeks ago an Afghan farmer was walking through a field within 1/4 mile of my compound. He stepped on an IED that was meant for an American soldier. The Taliban do not care who they hurt, they are agents against peaceful efforts. I watched a crowd lay a blanket down and place the farmer and his pieces in it, carry him to the main road and place him in the back of the first car that drove by. We had medics standing by at the gate to receive him but they drove past and sped out of sight. This is a common occurrence out here. I do want to say, it's easy to hate these people from what we hear in the media. Most of these people just want to farm their fields and live a civil life. It's like "Little House on The Prairie", hand made mud compounds, little to no electricity. The people live a simple life. We're doing the best we can.
I'll close with another good story. Yesterday, managing an armed asset, I watched a guy dig a hole about 300m south of friendly position. He dragged an object and dropped it in the hole, buried it, and ran a wire across the street. It looked a lot like he was up to no good and he was. Friendlies walked up on him and escorted him away and let him go. He was only stealing electricity.

 

[azvipermike]

Good to hear and god bless while your in dangers way!

 

[Fatboy 18]

Keep your eyes open and your head down and watch where you are walking!
Wishing you all a safe tour.
Mark

 

[latamud]

So, been a while since I've been around. Pictures worth 1000's of words.

good morning

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my mud compound

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my tent

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my rack

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my space

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piss tubes and wagbag stalls

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water bottle showers

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my neighbors

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more neighbors

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still smiling

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good night

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[Ratical2]

Somehow, thanks just doesn't seem adequate! But, Thank you for your service!

 

[Fatboy 18]

Thanks for posting the pics

Love the sleeping accommodation

 

[latamud]

My life in a bag

Marines walking through "moon dust"

the burn pit

This is aprox $50 (USD)

this one makes me laugh

dining facility

here's where the wild dogs cross over

one of my assets

another asset

sunset over the wire

my favorite sunset shot I call "fire in the sky"

****** hole

my back drop

sundown

haze over DeYoung

landscape

daytime DeYoung

the burn pit, it has to go some where

most of my shots are of this point, I walk through this spot a few times a day

 

[Fatboy 18]

It just looks like the middle of nowhere! Not a tree in sight! What sort of altitude are you at? are there locals that live in the area? if so what the hell do they do? I read in your earlier posts that they farm, but what grows there? or is it just sheep or goat farming?

 

[AbsolutHank]

Thanks for the pics Bart...don't forget to check in and let us know how you're doing!

 

[Silver04]

Stay safe and thanks for keeping us informed!

Has anyone been sending you care packages? My brother just left Bagram and seemed to appreciate them. Let us know if you need/want anything.

 

[Fatboy 18]

How you doing? Any more updates?

 

[cerveza v10]

Amazing!!!! Thank you for your service....Be safe

 

[latamud]

How you doing? Any more updates?

I'm well, and am sorry I haven't posted an update like I said I would. I've had a few emotional ups and downs and have been lurking lately. I was moved to a different location about 5km south of my previous location to support a Marine infantry unit. I was not particularly happy about this as I was emotionally attached to my operational activity at the previous location. Things have slowed down some where I'm currently at and I've been pushed into an administrative role. It's difficult for me to bite my tongue when I know the area and enemy well enough to prevent injury and/or loss of life. I'm stuck between emotional and ethical contradictions. Although, the latest unit to enter the area has been more open to my suggestions. I do have some snapshots I've been meaning to get posted. I do get more internet access here, and have been getting back to my old habits researching every attention-deficit thought that pops into my head. Quality of life has gone up a bit.

It just looks like the middle of nowhere! Not a tree in sight! What sort of altitude are you at? are there locals that live in the area? if so what the hell do they do? I read in your earlier posts that they farm, but what grows there? or is it just sheep or goat farming?

It's about as bad as the middle of no where. There are some trees that grow along waterways nearby but none in my immediate area of movement. ALT 3010ft (917m) MSL. The locals live in what we call the green zone, just west of us, because it is green over there. They mostly grow poppy that becomes *****. 80% of the world's ***** comes from Afghanistan, 90% of Afghanistan's ***** comes from the valley I work in. Occasionally we do see camel caravans, sheep herds, and goats.

Stay safe and thanks for keeping us informed! Has anyone been sending you care packages? My brother just left Bagram and seemed to appreciate them. Let us know if you need/want anything.

So far so good. I have received several care packages from Randall and the Ohio Viper Club as well as John Dinkel, a Mustang friend of mine. I'm with my 4th unit in 7 months and my address keeps changing because every time they RIP out they take their address with them. I think I've had an address for a cumulative three months, just the way things go. I'm grateful for the well wishes and thoughtful packages. BTW Randall, the hoodie mask, I don't know how to express how extremely useful that has been. In freezing weather it has kept me warm; in dust storms it has made life more bearable, thank you! Silver04, I'm reaching but I'm guessing your brother is in the Air Force? I spent a couple weeks at Bagram in transit. From one Veteran to another, please tell your brother thank you for me.

If anyone would like to send care packages to support our troops please go to www.anysoldier.com (if moderators will allow). This is a non-profit that will ensure your package finds it's way to a deserving Airman, Sailor, Soldier, or Marine.

Amazing!!!! Thank you for your service....Be safe

I appreciate the positive comments. Next time you see someone in uniform, please thank them too.

 

[Fatboy 18]

Fantastic news, thanks for getting back to us. Have a safe tour

 

[daytonprowler]

Glad to hear from you!

If you need anything just let us know.

 

[Chrissss]

Be safe..........

 

[latamud]

I had to do some traveling to train some of my new Marines, most of these shots are through 4" glass.

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[latamud]

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[Fatboy 18]

What a Dump There's no way you could drive a viper out there!

All the best Mark.