Snow Days Heighten Spirits in Afghanistan War Zone (VIDEO)

DISPATCHES FROM AFGHANISTAN
As Tim King shows us in this next report, fresh snow can also go a long way toward lightening the spirits of troops at war.

Camp Phoenix takes on a new look covered in snow. Photo by: Tim King

(KABUL, Afghanistan) - A different kind of battle raged inside the gates of the American military base in Kabul, Afghanistan, it's one is bringing winter cheer, and no casualties.

"It's like a big playground, it's a winter wonderland in Afghanistan," said Janette Arencibia, of the US Navy.

The troops say they needed this; a break from the seriousness of war, where a soldier was graded by the size and accuracy of their snowball, suddenly they were all like a bunch of kids.

I took cover behind a row of Humvees, word was out the guy with the camera on his shoulder was worth a hundred points. No medics were needed, even though they were right in the line of the other team's fire.

And the winners? The Oregon Guard’s Brian Miller said, "Oh, it was a group effort, everybody split up into their opposite teams but I think we were victorious."

"We were the heroes, remember that Charlie Med, all these guys right here," argues Cynthia Follansbee of the Oregon Guard.

For a few minutes, all that counted was fun.

Another Oregon Guard member, Andy Barker settled the dispute, "It was a tossup, one side against the other, it was a pretty good even match, we had fun."

But soon machines came through and removed the team's ammunition, they had to call it quits for the night. Then the Oklahoma Guard decided to keep up the holiday spirit in another traditional way.

While trimming the make-shift Christmas tree without a star for a top, Jeff Cooke commented, "It's really pretty out here, it makes it look more like home than where we're at."

The snow took the troops by surprise, and news that it would last for the coming days accompanied the setting sun.

But most say of these soldiers say Jack Frost won't be bringing the blues to Camp Phoenix.

Cassandra Curry of the Oregon Guard said, "Were good about keeping our eyes out on each other, looking out for each other, making sure everybody's OK, always do the pat on the back, spirits are really high here, that helps, you know what part of that is, people believe in why we're here, and that really helps."

The snow around Kabul, Afghanistan was expected to last for about four days.

Watch the Streaming Video News Report below, direct from Kabul, Afghanistan by Tim King: Video

In Afghanistan, Tim King, reporting for Salem-news.com

If you are interested in sponsoring a special report, direct from the 41st Combat Brigade at Camp Phoenix, Kabul, Afghanistan, email: bonnie@salem-news.com

DISPATCHES FROM AFGHANISTAN "SUPPORT GROUP" Love Boxes sponsor of special report, and fantastic support group for all of our troops in Afghanistan and Iraq. Send a Love Box: ttp://www.loveboxesforourtroops.com

Salem Police provided body armor, military rainproof clothing and other small materials from their SWAT team that will make a big difference for Tim's level of safety.

Eola Hills Winery hosted a winetasting fundraiser on October 13th. Special thanks goes to Eric Rogers, Terri & Ann. Visit Eola Hills at http://eolahills.com

McDonalds Restaurants of Salem provided $1,100 toward the trip to Afghanistan. We hardly know how to thank them enough, but we know this is one organization that sees the value of bringing the stories of our Oregon soldiers home. Nopps Jewelry and Art provided a kevlar military issue helmet with a value of $250. This is greatly appreciated! You can visit their site: www.nopps.com Eric Mason of Salem provided $100 toward Tim's trip to Afghanistan. Eric and Tim formerly worked together at Portland, Oregon's ABC station.

Jesse Anderson of Lincoln City provided funds to help, as did Dan and Marti Motley of Salem. One of Salem's most courageous families, David and Arlene Banks, provided $100 toward Tim's trip.

Another pair of Salem heroes, Scott Smith and Margaret Sanner, provided funds to assist with Tim's Afghanistan trip.

Roger Yost and Alessandro's Ristorante have provided generous assistance for the Afghanistan coverage.

Camo and Gear Military Surplus in Salem contributed a pair of new military issue boots that will be ideal for use in Afghanistan.

Tom Golden of Golden’s Funeral Service, Proud of the past, prepared for the future.

Other supporters wish not to be named, but we appreciate them greatly, and each and every contribution makes a big difference.

We will continue to keep you updated on the people and organizations that support Oregon troops and are making Dispatches from Afghanistan possible.

A special THANK YOU to these Silent Auction contributors: Extreme Velocity Paintball, Beads-a-Million, SLAB, Oak Knoll Golf Course, Best Lil Roadhouse, Los Baez, EZ Orchards, Adams Ribs Smokehouse, Willamette Queen, Thailand Restaurant, Lela Kelly, Frank Matthews and Tina Miller Thanks!

Salem-News.com is a locally owned news organization. Sponsorship of Tim's reports on Salem-News.com is very affordable with enormous exposure, and the reports will be archived complete with your commercial.

If you would like to advertise, or join the others listed who have assisted through contributions, there is still plenty of need. Help the effort to bring home the stories of Oregon soldiers.
Send a check to:
Salem-News.com (AFGHAN)
P.O. Box 5137
Salem, Oregon 97304

Tim King is embedded in Kabul, Afghanistan with the 41st Combat Brigade of the Oregon National Guard. See his stories several times a week here, on Salem-News.com, and on Portland’s KPTV Fox12.

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My soldier daughter at Camp Phoenix, Kabul told me to look up Salem news for reports on Afghanistan. Thank you so much for bringing us news/pictures. She told me to look for a snowball fight you filmed... Thanks again, from Nevada!

ok forgot to mention the person the singing walmart gift was sent to is located in camp phoenix..

Thank you Tim for your stories and articles. Although our son, Jason Greenlees is not in them, it is inspiring to see and hear what the troops are feeling this Christmas. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all the troops.

Do most people know that Afghanistan is about 80,000 square miles larger than Iraq? France is about 213,000 square miles, Iraq is about 172,000 square miles, Afghanistan is over 250,000 square miles.

TY again for the stories and updates. Good to know how our loved ones are doing. Heard someone sent their relative one of those annoying walmart singing xmas turkeys. Had it in his office and mysteriously the batteries are missing already. lol

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