DISPATCHES FROM AFGHANISTAN
They say it's all in a day's work around here. Maintaining security, building inroads and keeping the peace is plenty to keep these foot soldiers moving.
(KABUL, Afghanistan) - "Let's roll!" Vigilance is maintained around the clock at Camp Phoenix in Kabul, Afghanistan. The soldiers in this story are on one of the day's foot patrols that sweep the areas around the base.
These Army and National Guard soldiers will deal with any number of things during the next two hours, educating people and helping citizens maintain their safety and security.
Suspicious people are evaluated, others are searched, and others are reprimanded.
One of the constant things these warriors deal with is children.
Amidst the difficult and risky conditions, kids run along side the soldiers and look for attention. PFC Randall Haberman of the Oregon Guard told Tim, "I love the kids.”
When asked why this experience is so important for each soldier, Sgt Joseph Goedeck, Oregon Guard, said, "Because we've become better people as well by providing the aid."
While some children are wrapped up in being macho and perhaps warped by living in a country constantly embattled with violence, most of them are adorable and well mannered, and they seem to understand the mission of the Americans.
Fadid, a 12-year old Afghan boy, said "They're shooting the Taliban, so they came here and are patrolling the areas to bring prosperity, social justice and unity here in our country," (via translator).
The roads and alleys being patrolled are chocked and clogged with mud from recent rains. A lack of sanitation means much of the area smells bad. Wild dogs are a threat and even the little dogs bark with attitude. But animals are valued here.
Unfortunately, the signs of Afghanistan's history of war and drug trafficking are always close by, with graffiti and drug needles discovered regularly.
Still, just an average day for these soldiers.
One of the more hazardous duties on this patrol is to sweep a bombed Russian factory near the base that insurgents could use for operations.
"And that is probably one of the most dangerous places for our guys to go through," said 2nd Lt. Scott Marmen of the Oklahoma National Guard.
"So when we are in there and when we clear that area, you know eyes up, doing your job, being efficient, had two teams, one covering the other all the time. When you're moving through rooms, even when you break down to the fire team level, you always have that coverage and move through real effectively."
They say it's all in a day's work around here. Maintaining security, building inroads and keeping the peace is plenty to keep these foot soldiers moving.
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: 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 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 5238Salem, 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.
On Foot Patrol Around Camp Phoenix, Afghanistan (VIDEO)Salem-News.com