Josh shared the following in an e-mail to me today. He sounds like a completely different person when talking about the truck - very mechanic sounding. I can say that because he has even admitted that he is learning quite a bit from the mechanics.
"My truck had a bad day. It needs a new tire-two of the lugnuts/bolts completely sheared off-combo of heat and mechanic over torquing, two new ball joints, and the battery is shot. Can you believe I just got new brakes two days ago? My second set since being here. Haha. They said they will need to be replaced in less than a month. Can you imagine? All of the stuff that needs to be repaired happened in one day. The good thing is it never broke down. It was so hot today. Somebody said it was 120, which I doubt, but close. The heat just hits you like a wave from a furnace."
In other news, we are very excited about the nomination of Lt. Gen. Dunwoody, as the first female to be a four star General in the Army. The news hits close to home, as she was a Class of 1975 graduate of SUNY Cortland! It has been the buzz around campus, and of course, something exciting to share with Josh from home.
If Josh were home right now, he would be celebrating the end of the school year this week. In recent school news, Mr. Amante, his principal, is retiring, so Josh will return to a new principal from Ithaca City Schools, but a Cortland resident. There was a nice article featured in the Cortland Standard last week on Mr. Amante.
25 June 2008
22 June 2008
Another "I'm fine"!
As you may have read or heard in the news this weekend, there was another IED attack in Afghanistan which killed five soldiers this weekend. While the nationalities of the soldiers have yet to be identified, Josh's task force - Task Force Phoenix - was identified as the U.S. led coalition that was affected. Thankfully, after a few hours of seeing this news myself on Saturday, Josh called. He is fine! We expected this time of the year to be a bit rough, but it seems as though this month has been especially busy over there.
In other news, Josh continues to appreciate all of the goodies and items that everyone is sending his way. He did indicate that he is well stocked on many items and I will post his "overstock" list as soon as I get it from him.
Thank you for your continued thoughts and support.
In other news, Josh continues to appreciate all of the goodies and items that everyone is sending his way. He did indicate that he is well stocked on many items and I will post his "overstock" list as soon as I get it from him.
Thank you for your continued thoughts and support.
20 June 2008
A little shout out to Barry...
First of all, wholey moley...all the packages of stuff you guys have been collecting arrived this evening. I wanted to take the time to thank everyone for contributing such great stuff for us and for the children we see on a daily basis. They will love it. We love it. I especially appreciated the zip drives, as apparently everyone in the Army is supposed to have one now, but it something they never issue. I must have missed the memo that was passed out in triplicate four times about picking one up. I mean seriously, a zip drive. As an infantryman, I had to memorize the Infantryman's Creed. The Infantryman's Creed has strong one liners like "I am the Infantry, I am my country's strength in war." or "I am the Queen of Battle" (I know, a little weird, but apparently artillery gets to be the King of Battle, so we had to settle for queen.) or "I am the heart of the fight wherever, whenever", and oh by the way do you have your zip drive? I mean who knew. So, that was a great find in the box. Also, the one female supply clerk that we have attached to our unit, just about fell over when I passed off the copy of the Glamour magazine to her. So, put your hands together for whoever threw that in. I seriously thought she was going to pass out. I especially want to thank Rick Miller for boxing all that up and sending it off in the mail. I really appreciate. You guys are the best!
We will be passing out all of that great clothing real soon. I found some kids in one village, that I really would like to give the bulk of it too. They are terrific. As many of you know, at night we wear Night Vision Googles or NVGS. They are attached to our helmet by something called a rhino mount, because it looks like a rhino's horn on your head. The NVGS can be stowed in an up position until you are ready to use them. Then you can swing the rhino mount down and it brings the NVGS to your eyes. I make it sound a lot less awkward and not as uncomfortable as they are. It is a piece of equipment, you hate until you actually really need to use it, and you are like man I get it, I completely see the point behind all that. Walking with them on, does not even begin to compare with driving with them on. Anyway, we were in this village, as it started to get dark, and I mounted my NVGs on my head in order to be prepared. The kids thought it was some sort of video camera. They begged me to lower it in front of my face, and when I did they thought that was the cue for the camera to start rolling. Well, Jesus, Mary, and Joseph it was like a Dance Party, American Idol, and WWF rolled into one. The boys were all striking body building poses yelling that they were John Cena, the girls were all singing Britney (I am sure The Prophet Mohommad is rolling over in his grave on that one), and the rest were just dancing fighting and nudging each other so that they would be seen "on camera". When I put them back on my head, they all stopped, and said oh mister, mister...please" So, I sent them all over to another truck and told them that that truck had candy and made a run for it. Don't feel too bad for them-they were the lead truck that day,and they had driven really slowly all day and chosen way more difficult routes than necessary, so we all know what they say about paybacks.
I am sure many of you have been watching the news and have noticed that there is quite a bit of activity here in this corner of the world as of late. This was expected, and something we have prepared for and trained for. The Taliban like to launch a "Spring Offensive" every year. It usually lasts from April to September, and then as the weather changes, they go back to hiding out. I think people are sometimes surprised by the violence here. With that being said, please take everything you hear on the news with a grain of salt. Everyone I have met here wether they be US, a coalition partner, or a member of the Afghan National Army or Afghan National Police is working as hard as they can with the resources they have been given. Please continue to keep us in your thoughts and prayers as we draw courage and strength from them everyday. Sister Michelle, my fourth grade teacher, would be amazed at how quickly the Hail Marys roll off my tongue. I was always a little slow at prayer memorization. I mean who can concentrate on afternoon prayers when you are one amen a way from lunch. It is the support of you all that carries soldiers like me and allows us success. You will never know how much we appreciate it.
In another news...I did watch Michelle Obama interviewed on The View in the chow hall. It was on all eight televisions. BOO! I have nothing against the junior senator's wife from Illinois, I just have only seen The View in Saturday Night Live sketches. It just seemed like an awkward programming choice for a post with over 85% men. Unfortunately, for the first five minutes, I really was not sure who she was because TV watching is few and far between. A little embarassing, I know.
Finally, today is Friday, and I am not going to lie to you all-the Kindergarten Team at times has been known to have a meal or two at the big Burger King on an occasional Friday. Today, I found myself at one of the larger American Bases here in Afghanistan that happens to have a BK. So in honor of the Kindergarten Team, I had my lunch at Burger King. Although, I did not have to race back to school by 1:15, only to fumble with the back door only to remember that I had to go in the front door which forces me to pick up my kids with a LARGE soda in my hand. It wasn't nearly as fun because A) my wife did not show up to surprise me to eat with us like she sometimes does, and B) I got yelled at by three different people in about three consecutive seconds b/c my sunglasses were on my head, which apparently next to not having a zip drive is the worst sin you can commit in today's army. I hope you guys have a great weekend and a great summer. Josh
We will be passing out all of that great clothing real soon. I found some kids in one village, that I really would like to give the bulk of it too. They are terrific. As many of you know, at night we wear Night Vision Googles or NVGS. They are attached to our helmet by something called a rhino mount, because it looks like a rhino's horn on your head. The NVGS can be stowed in an up position until you are ready to use them. Then you can swing the rhino mount down and it brings the NVGS to your eyes. I make it sound a lot less awkward and not as uncomfortable as they are. It is a piece of equipment, you hate until you actually really need to use it, and you are like man I get it, I completely see the point behind all that. Walking with them on, does not even begin to compare with driving with them on. Anyway, we were in this village, as it started to get dark, and I mounted my NVGs on my head in order to be prepared. The kids thought it was some sort of video camera. They begged me to lower it in front of my face, and when I did they thought that was the cue for the camera to start rolling. Well, Jesus, Mary, and Joseph it was like a Dance Party, American Idol, and WWF rolled into one. The boys were all striking body building poses yelling that they were John Cena, the girls were all singing Britney (I am sure The Prophet Mohommad is rolling over in his grave on that one), and the rest were just dancing fighting and nudging each other so that they would be seen "on camera". When I put them back on my head, they all stopped, and said oh mister, mister...please" So, I sent them all over to another truck and told them that that truck had candy and made a run for it. Don't feel too bad for them-they were the lead truck that day,and they had driven really slowly all day and chosen way more difficult routes than necessary, so we all know what they say about paybacks.
I am sure many of you have been watching the news and have noticed that there is quite a bit of activity here in this corner of the world as of late. This was expected, and something we have prepared for and trained for. The Taliban like to launch a "Spring Offensive" every year. It usually lasts from April to September, and then as the weather changes, they go back to hiding out. I think people are sometimes surprised by the violence here. With that being said, please take everything you hear on the news with a grain of salt. Everyone I have met here wether they be US, a coalition partner, or a member of the Afghan National Army or Afghan National Police is working as hard as they can with the resources they have been given. Please continue to keep us in your thoughts and prayers as we draw courage and strength from them everyday. Sister Michelle, my fourth grade teacher, would be amazed at how quickly the Hail Marys roll off my tongue. I was always a little slow at prayer memorization. I mean who can concentrate on afternoon prayers when you are one amen a way from lunch. It is the support of you all that carries soldiers like me and allows us success. You will never know how much we appreciate it.
In another news...I did watch Michelle Obama interviewed on The View in the chow hall. It was on all eight televisions. BOO! I have nothing against the junior senator's wife from Illinois, I just have only seen The View in Saturday Night Live sketches. It just seemed like an awkward programming choice for a post with over 85% men. Unfortunately, for the first five minutes, I really was not sure who she was because TV watching is few and far between. A little embarassing, I know.
Finally, today is Friday, and I am not going to lie to you all-the Kindergarten Team at times has been known to have a meal or two at the big Burger King on an occasional Friday. Today, I found myself at one of the larger American Bases here in Afghanistan that happens to have a BK. So in honor of the Kindergarten Team, I had my lunch at Burger King. Although, I did not have to race back to school by 1:15, only to fumble with the back door only to remember that I had to go in the front door which forces me to pick up my kids with a LARGE soda in my hand. It wasn't nearly as fun because A) my wife did not show up to surprise me to eat with us like she sometimes does, and B) I got yelled at by three different people in about three consecutive seconds b/c my sunglasses were on my head, which apparently next to not having a zip drive is the worst sin you can commit in today's army. I hope you guys have a great weekend and a great summer. Josh
19 June 2008
High Five!
Well today is the 19th, so we have made it through another month. We are now up to five, almost 1/2 way there. I was fortunate enough to get a phone call from Josh today as well, only a 15 day wait this time. He seemed to be doing well, but was really tired. He said that they have been very busy and that when they are told today will be a "light day", it is anything but light. As he told his brother Jesse, he never knows what they are doing from day to day. Hopefully, I will be able to post a message from him here soon.
17 June 2008
Images and News from Afghanistan
As many of you are probably aware, there is some "action" happening in Afghanistan. Whether or not Josh and his unit have been called to assist with this, or if one of their missions have taken them to southern Afghanistan, I am unsure. As soon as I hear anything from Josh, I will be sure to let you know. This is one of those times when I would not be surprised if we do not hear from him for a couple of days, with the possibility of a communications blackout happening. I am only guessing that this could be a situation that would call for it, but I am not positive.
UPDATE -- So much for what I think or know, Josh e-mailed a little over an hour after I posted this message. He is a bit under the weather. They have been working non-stop the last 2 days - very busy, but at least we heard from him!
I did find this gallery of pictures on Yahoo today... I only scanned through them, most of which were all from today (June 17). There are 293 photos, but they are interspersed with other images of political figures and some of Pakistan. Some of the images of the Afghans are very powerful.
UPDATE -- So much for what I think or know, Josh e-mailed a little over an hour after I posted this message. He is a bit under the weather. They have been working non-stop the last 2 days - very busy, but at least we heard from him!
I did find this gallery of pictures on Yahoo today... I only scanned through them, most of which were all from today (June 17). There are 293 photos, but they are interspersed with other images of political figures and some of Pakistan. Some of the images of the Afghans are very powerful.
16 June 2008
More from Afghanistan
As Brian Williams said tonight, "it's too often called the other war or the forgotten war." Brian Williams had an exclusive interview last week with new United States commander on the ground in Afghanistan, four-star U.S. Army General David McKiernan. There is also a full transcript of the interview, if you are unable to load the video.
There was another segment of the interview available only on the web called Leading the Troops in Afghanistan. This seems to be an extended version of the first video, minus the introduction and closing by Brian Williams.
As General McKiernan stated, the average age is less than 20 years, the average life expectancy is 43 and they have been in a war-torn state for over 30 years, which all contribute to the complexity of the war in Afghanistan.
The news from October 7, 2001, when the war in Afghanistan began.
I will post throughout the week as they show additional reports from the trip to Afghanistan.
There was another segment of the interview available only on the web called Leading the Troops in Afghanistan. This seems to be an extended version of the first video, minus the introduction and closing by Brian Williams.
As General McKiernan stated, the average age is less than 20 years, the average life expectancy is 43 and they have been in a war-torn state for over 30 years, which all contribute to the complexity of the war in Afghanistan.
The news from October 7, 2001, when the war in Afghanistan began.
I will post throughout the week as they show additional reports from the trip to Afghanistan.
14 June 2008
He's fine . . .
Many of you may be waking up to some "Breaking News" from Afghanistan. Josh is okay. He sent his family and I an e-mail this morning at 6:22 a.m. (our time).
"Real quick-quite a bit of news from this corner of the world that you will be waking up to in a bit-just wanted to let you all know that I am fine and snug as a bug in a rug. haha. Love, Josh"
"Real quick-quite a bit of news from this corner of the world that you will be waking up to in a bit-just wanted to let you all know that I am fine and snug as a bug in a rug. haha. Love, Josh"
13 June 2008
Day 3 of NBC in Afghanistan
Here is a link to Images of Afghanistan that I found on the MSNBC site (from AP Photographers). There are several that show the sand storms and one that shows the "caves" we often hear about.
Brian William's June 13 post to the Daily Nightly.
Unfortunately, due to the passing of Tim Russert, there were no video clips to post from this evenings segment in Afghanistan. I contemplated posting this from Josh, but I think it speaks so greatly to why I have posted for three nights to the blog about Brian William's being in Afghanistan... "I think it is good that Brian Williams is here, at least somebody is reminding people that we are here."
12 June 2008
Night 2 of Brian Williams in Afghanistan
Tonight's featured videos are linked below:
Making Afgan Loyalists, military-style
"Outside the Wire" - Brian's Day
In Afghanistan, A Road Less Traveled - The truck featured at the end of the video is the jingle trucks that Josh refers from time to time.
Closing Remarks
Brian William's Blog posting for June 12.
They are headed to Baghram Air Base tomorrow.
Making Afgan Loyalists, military-style
"Outside the Wire" - Brian's Day
In Afghanistan, A Road Less Traveled - The truck featured at the end of the video is the jingle trucks that Josh refers from time to time.
Closing Remarks
Brian William's Blog posting for June 12.
They are headed to Baghram Air Base tomorrow.
11 June 2008
NBC Nightly News in Kabul
Brian Williams (NBC) is spending some time in Afghanistan. Here are some clips from his June 11 evening news, where he is currently located in Kabul.
Fighting to Eat in War-torn Afghanistan
School A Welcome Novelty for Afghan Girls
He also has a blog called the Daily Nightly where he discusses the unannounced trip, as well as the security aspect that they face and that they are there to check on the U.S. military effort.
Fighting to Eat in War-torn Afghanistan
School A Welcome Novelty for Afghan Girls
He also has a blog called the Daily Nightly where he discusses the unannounced trip, as well as the security aspect that they face and that they are there to check on the U.S. military effort.
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