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Salem, Oregon Friends Ascend an Afghanistan Mountain

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Reporter Tim King climbed the Ghar Mountain in Afghanistan with two friends from Salem, both officers in the Oregon National Guard.

(KABUL, Afghanistan) - The mountain range towering over the image of an Afghanistan soldier is called the Ghar. It is a place where Mujihadeen rebels attacked occupying Soviet forces toward the end of their war here in the 1980's.

The rugged terrain of the Ghar Mountain rises almost sixteen hundred feet above Kabul, Afghanistan.

Soldiers and other military personnel climb the Ghar regularly, and if you want to be in this mountain climber's club, you have to rise early.

It`s A Cold Dog`s Life in Afghanistan

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You can't keep a good dog down, and even the coldest winter day in Afghanistan doesn't dampen the spirits of man's best friend.

(KABUL, Afghanistan) - At this mountain encampment called Ghazni, these canine visitors keep a watchful eye on things.

They Call It The Lumberyard, A Forward Operating Base in Remote Afghanistan (VIDEO)

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Providing Humanitarian Assistance to Afghan locals gives this mission a deeper meaning to soldiers.

(KABUL, Afghanistan) - Many kilometers up the Pesh Valley in Afghanistan is a base, an outpost so disconnected that the troops live in self-constructed caves. Some call it Civil War style. Americans call it The Lumberyard.

For Derric Winters, an Army Specialist from Casper Wyoming, it has been home since he arrived in country several months ago. "We do patrols, just our basic presence patrols and stuff like that."

Women in the Afghanistan National Army on the Firing Range With the AK-47 (VIDEO)

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For the first time in recent history, the women of Afghanistan's military are growing in numbers, and advancing in their roles as practical military soldiers. As Tim King reports, the women of Afghanistan are also gaining status and acceptance.

(KABUL, Afghanistan) - Under Taliban rule in Afghanistan, men abused women in the streets for simple infractions like not wearing a burka.

But there is no doubt that women here today are making advances.

Afghan women armed with the AK-47 assault rifle conducted their first live firing exercise this week. This historic occasion marks true progress in the Afghanistan woman's struggle to gain equality.

American women have had their own challenges in gaining equality, and the operation speaks wonders to people like U.S. Army Lt. Amanda Straub, and other Americans like Navy Lt. Janet Arencibia, who say those who understand the significance of this progress find it emotional.

USO Takes The Stage With Al Franken in Afghanistan (VIDEO)

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For 65 years, the USO (United Service Organizations) has been the bridge between the American people and our men and women in uniform, conveying the heartfelt appreciation and support of a grateful nation.

(KABUL, Afghanistan) - USO performers visited Kabul, Afghanistan to entertain troops stationed in the area around Camp Phoenix, home of the Oregon Guard's 41st Brigade Combat Team. As Salem-News.com reporter Tim King tells us, the event was a huge success.


One thing that's always a sure hit with Americans at war is a USO show. A number of celebrities visited Camp Phoenix in Kabul, Afghanistan to put on a performance that no one would soon forget.

Entertainers and fans braved cold conditions to enlighten and energize troops, most of who are serving at least a year in this combat theatre.

A Man of God and War in Afghanistan (VIDEO)

Tim King reports
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(KABUL, Afghanistan) - When a Chaplain blesses the convoy you are about to head out on in war torn Afghanistan, and as Tim King reports, it brings a certain amount of serious thought to the mission that lies ahead.

IED's, ambushes and flags at half-mast are the constant reminders of mortality to the combat soldier. For a Chaplain like Captain Andrew Werner of the Oklahoma National Guard, the job of being a combat soldier and a man of God is one of many challenges.

FLASHBACK: White Out Conditions Complicate Journey in Afghanistan`s High Country (VIDEO)

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A fair share of challenges face every military convoy moving through Afghanistan's high country during a winter storm. When it comes time to chain up a Humvee, you know it’s serious.

(KABUL, Afghanistan) - It has been a cold winter for Oregon Guard troops in Afghanistan and as Tim King tells us in this next report, travel through the country's mountains on Christmas day nearly ground to a standstill.

Our group of nine U.S. and Afghan Army trucks was on day two providing security for officers who were visiting a number of remote mountain forward operating bases.

Rough Road to Pesh Valley in Afghanistan (VIDEO)

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One sure sign you are getting close to a place called the Pesh Valley in Afghanistan is the increase in the number of graves along the roadside. This story was originally published January 14th, 2007.

(KABUL, Afghanistan) - "The intel we have so far as far as where we are going, is along the road into the Pesh, it sounds like there might be some activity coming from our left, so gunners be aware of that," said Sgt Major Kemp Freund, at the briefing before our convoy left for the infamous Pesh Valley.

Convoy to a base called California

The road gets narrow and rough, and the trip lasts hours. Humvees are huge vehicles but they are cramped inside, and it wasn't what most people would consider a smooth ride.

Weapons Expert is On The Move in Afghanistan (VIDEO)

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When it comes time to provide security in a hot area, Shaughnessy is on the move and ready to protect his men, sometimes in the most dangerous parts of Afghanistan.

(KABUL, Afghanistan) - Weapons of war only work with proper maintenance. A veteran of many wars, Kevin Shaughnessy knows them all like the back of his hand, including former Soviet weapons which the U.S. and coalition forces now share the use of. As Tim King reports, these skills are coming in handy in Afghanistan.

Camp Joyce: Remote Fire Base Near Afghanistan-Pakistan Border (VIDEO)

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It is not unusual for Taliban forces to use mortars and rockets to attack this remote outpost. This story was originally published January 5th, 2007.

(KUNAR PROVINCE, Afghanistan) - The War in Iraq may dominate the headlines but as Tim King tells us in this next report, soldiers at remote outposts in Afghanistan are seeing plenty of action. Soldiers there say Taliban forces are afforded plenty of vantage points near the Pakistan border.