Tim King's First Hours in Afghanistan (VIDEO)

DISPATCHES FROM AFGHANISTAN
Tim King arrived in Afghanistan Thursday to report stories on Oregon troops. This story chronicles his first few hours “in country”, in his own words.

Preparing to leave Bagram via convoy, en route to Camp Phoenix. Photo by: Tim King

(KABUL, Afghanistan) - On the ground in Bagram, Afghanistan, I was fortunate to catch a ride to Camp Phoenix in Kabul, about 70 minutes away.

This was my initial destination, the home of the 41st Combat Brigade of the U.S. Army, and home for now to many soldiers from The Oregon National Guard.

These soldiers were a mix of new arrivals and returning troops. Some had been on leave, others were showing up for their second tour in Afghanistan. The trip to Camp Phoenix in Kabul is over an extremely rough road, one considered to be among the better routes in this Islamic country.

Reactions from Afghan citizens who live along this road gave offered my first impression of the people here, and almost all of them seemed to have a smile or a thumbs up for the heavily armed American military forces here.

The base at Kabul is comprised of a multi-national coalition force hailing from many nations including France, Britain, Canada and South Korea. The roads we traveled were the same ones used by Soviet troops in the 1980's, yet the mission of the Americans and other countries is of a completely different nature.

The roads are tight and accidents are not uncommon, but it was a successful journey with no hostile encounters. Had there been, the troops riding in the truck with me had their M-16's locked and loaded, and gunners in Humvees leading and trailing the convoy were prepared to respond.

Watch the Streaming Video News Report 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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Brother osotan, It is great to see your name here. I know it isn't VN, but I'm glad to finally be getting a taste of what you and the other brave veterans I am pround to be friends with have endured. Bonnie said you sent an email, I am looking for it. Love you man and it is awesome to see you on the site.

a fine combo. of balls and brains, well done and walk where the buffaloes tred.

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