Soviet Tank Graveyard in Afghanistan A Haunting Reminder (VIDEO)

DISPATCHES FROM AFGHANISTAN
The Soviets left in a hurry when they finally did, their ranks in disarray, flanked by desertion and disease, and pursued by angry Afghans who know how to fight if they know anything at all.

The tank graveyard is a war memorial in itself. Tim King, reporting near Kabul, Afghanistan Photo by: Tim King

(KABUL, Afghanistan) - Twisted and charred battle vehicles laden with armor are a close reminder of a massive eastern bloc military occupation that attempted to over take Afghanistan in the 1970's and 1980's.

To say the Russian military are not fondly regarded here is an understatement, and after years of occupation and fighting that ended in defeat, these remnants of war are among all that is left.

Tim King reports, "All over Afghanistan you'll find remnants of the former Soviet presence that was here, but even more recently the buildings that are now ruins and the tanks, were being used by the Taliban."

1st Sgt Don Weber of the Oregon Guard says, "The first time I came out here it was just amazing, everyone like myself, the first time anyone comes out here they want to stop and take a lot of pictures." If it had a voice, there is no doubt that each machine here could tell a story. Many, if not all of the tanks and some of the armored personnel carriers show signs of combat damage.

Most have been at least partially stripped. The tracks are missing from every single military vehicle here.

The Soviets left in a hurry when they finally did, their ranks in disarray, flanked by desertion and disease, and pursued by angry Afghans who know how to fight if they know anything at all.

The Soviets are just one empire over the last several hundred years that has attempted to invade and occupy this ancient place, and like all that came before it, they left empty-handed and with fewer soldiers, and pieces of equipment as these images depict.

As the weapons of the Soviet military machine now rot in the Afghanistan desert, I have discovered that complex metals are not easy to recycle, and Afghanistan has few facilities that could accomplish that undertaken if they could.

Now these armored weapons of war have become monuments, what they represent is up to interpretation.

When the Russians left, many were made ready for combat again by an even more unpopular regime in recent history, one that has dealt the strongest blow to Americans in history, on their own soil.

"Well, I know this has always been a military training center for the Afghan Army's control, even prior to the time of the Russian invasion,” says 1st Sgt Don Weber. “But after the Russians invaded, they built some buildings, then the Taliban used it while they were here. So some of the destroyed buildings were all buildings that the Taliban used to repair the tanks they had."

The equipment left here near the Kabul Military training Center was not the cream of the crop for the Soviet Union. The latest models appear to be the Soviet T-62 tank. Humble power plants powered these beasts of war, and the weight of any of them is immense.

Maybe some day the people here will find a way to melt them down and regain some value, hardly a true penance for the suffering the people here underwent at the hand of the Soviets.

For now, they continue to freeze in the winter and bake under the hot Afghan sun each summer.

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

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

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Love Boxes sponsor of special report, and fantastic support group for all of our troops in Afghanistan and Iraq. Send a Love Box: http://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 wine tasting 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.

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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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Wow, Rasta Marine may be the best I have heard yet, that is a title that few can carry. I was happily surprised that my longer than usual hair didn't incite any bad vibes, people really have come a long way. Osotan, Rasta Marine formations are now being held at 10:30 AM promptly each morning. Avoid office hours, be squared away, and by all means show up at that party you talked about! Tim

classified party localtion is 100 degrees long. by 9 degrees lat..,plus or minus 60 Kilometers or thereabouts. Get off the boat at a place named Turtle Island in English and follow the music! It's called Koh Tao in another language unspeakable to the uninitiated, press on - press on and party till we drop!

amazing stories and all. Osotan..wow do you have pics of this stuff? regardless protocol dictates, if there is a promotion. has to be follow by a promotion party! therefore the much more importanly, impending and pertinent question,, "Where's the party"??!

Nor do I,but rumor has it was the sattelite global positioner you dropped out of the humvee near Hellanback.,it was on the reverse slope of the superdome sized pile of eradicated poppy bulbs Raymo landed in,leading to the greuling rasta Marines rescue which is really classified,don't you read anymore Sgt?.,I suggest you keep informed thru a reputable online news service and stop "buzzing around in Army.., God in heaven.,Army helicoptors cause it looks like you are on the way to the Mariana Trench!

You will have to excuse me, I've been buzzing around in Army helicopters for the past days, and I don't know what I did to receive that promotion... I'll research it and get back to you!

Sgt. king.,a strange premonition gripped me as I clearly heard Sam Cook's thought provoking tune., "Chain Gang".,in the ionosphere., why does the Sgt.think I had this., audiovision? Misbehaving again?

Flash!.,King rumored to be..,"in deep again".,and you won't believe this one!, complete meltdown at Marine HQ aboard the ".,Garvey"., link suspected!! mo later

Sgt. King was promoted aboard the "Marcus Garvey" just seconds before new years by then admiral James Brown (go to Nota Bene # 21 and #22) He was originally demoted to Pvt-sp4 over the "Iwo Jima" move he made, disobeying direct orders to watch his reverse angles diligently. The demotion also awarded him with the silver testicle medal with ice cluster for his obstinate bravery along with all the boots on the ground so to speak. I personally recommended against the promotion, (go to earlier "dispatches").

Recent promotion?!.. when was the promotion party? from SPC to SGT?? that was fast. hmmm. lets start rumors! just joshing ya SGT King. I'm sure its well deserved.

Sgt. King; I'm only surprised you weren't last seen gleefully speeding towards moscow in a "commandeered tank!!, and furthermore, the recent promotion is someones idea of madness..,yes.., institutional madness!

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