Sorry it's been so long since I put a post up here, it's hard to believe that I've been here almost 3 weeks. During that time I have been to the Embassy several times working out various issues, worked with people from all branches of service, British, Germans, Japanese, and of course Pakistani. I've flown on British CH47s, Navy MH-53s, Chinooks flown by the Big Windy Commander, and fellow blogger, Glen Siegerist. I've heard gunfire and fireworks light up the sky at the first glimpse of the new moon, signifying the end of Ramadaan.
Most importantly though, on my last trip out, I noticed a significant difference in the Pakistani population. It may have been a function of the places we flew to, but there was no swarming of the helicopter when we landed and we flew over a great many tent complexes on the way in and out. Aid has been reaching most area, and while there is still a great deal of work to be done before the snows come, it will have to be done by others not coming from Afghanistan. All but myself and a couple others from Afghanistan have been replaced by counterparts from the U.S. or Europe, and with luck, I will be back in Bagram tomorrow.
While my heart still breaks when I think of all that I have seen here, I am thankful that I was in a position to give what little bit of help I could, and I will be thankful for the rest of my days for the things that I have.
Thank you.
Posted by: Agnieszka O. in CO | November 07, 2005 at 06:09 PM
Y'all have been doing great work, Major, thank you! I'm dreading the winter for all those folks. Take care, Katy
Posted by: MissBirdlegs in AL | November 08, 2005 at 01:13 AM
I'm just glad you got the opportunity to do something so cool!
Thanks for being there and doing what you could for the people of Pakistan.
Posted by: AFSister | November 09, 2005 at 07:29 PM