24 August 2010
Camp Dwyer
Helmund Province, Afghanistan

Camp Dwyer - Camp Dusty

The dust storms continue. I’ve seen this before in Iraq and it could last for days. At the moment, I am grounded here at Camp Dwyer until this subsides. On the brighter side, we’ve had a bit of a break from the oppressive heat. In my tent, things are just fine; the air conditioning works great and my cot is a luxury. I was able to get a shower this morning. So, I will figure out today as I always do.

At chow this morning I was sitting next to a young Marine who overheard me mention, “New Mexico” and as it turns out he is from Roswell, so I’ve found a compadre from my home state. I look forward to getting some audio from him once I clear Public Affairs.

I pray every morning at breakfast and as fate happens, my prayer “be this day Lord, arrange all my steps” was answered as soon as the words crossed my lips. This ‘young’ Marine came up and sat down beside me. Referring I suppose to the dust storms and my situation of being stuck, the Marine asked me how I handled my days. I responded, “This is a typical day. They all start out like this”. And that’s a good reason to pray.

Being one step away from where I want to be leaves me chomping at the bit. I have learned to take everything in stride and will get there when I get there. That’s just the way it is. In the meantime I’ve been educating myself by speaking with many interpreters who normally reside in the USA but are from Afghanistan. Here they help military and from them I get the depth and breadth of my knowledge of this country. As a young child, a classroom experience of history would bore me to tears, but here there is a tangible excitement and I’m driven to learn as much as I can.

In the north-east part of the country, especially near the previous FOB’s I’ve written about, most of the local population are Pashtun. Down here, I have met almost all Tajiks, who are more closely related to the Persians. According to UN publications, at least 50% of the population in Afghanistan is Pashtun and some 25% are Tajiks. There has always been a struggle between Pashtun and Tajiks for power in Afghanistan. Hamid Karzi, the current President of Afghanistan, is Pashtun. His main rival for the presidency this last election was a man named Abdullah Abdullah (yes, twice). Abdullah is half Tajik and half Pashtun by birth. That would seem to be a winning combo, however, the Pashtun majority won in the hotly contested election. Here’s some background for those that might need a brush up on history:

The Lion of Panshir, Ahmad Shah Massoud, was assassinated by an al-Qaeda suicide bomber, on September 10, 2001, one day before the events of 9/11 that changed everybody’s world. In 1992 Massoud became the Defense Minister under the government of former Afghan President Burhanuddin Rabbani. During the rise of the Taliban in 1996, Massoud returned to the role of an armed opposition leader, serving as the military commander of the, “Northern Alliance”. The Tajiks here still hold him in highest regard and Afghanistan observes the date of his death as a national holiday known as “Massoud Day.”

From what I can gather, it seems that a “common Afghan” must somehow mend any rift between Tajiks and Pashtuns. One might have better luck building a bridge between Senator Al Franken and radio talk show host Rush Limbaugh. Differences run deep. Other obstacles include distinct ethnic groups and some former or remaining leaders who fought against the Russians but have now taken sides with the Taliban who are heavily influenced by al-Qaeda. If ever there was a place where, “the enemy of my enemy is my friend” holds true, it would be here in Afghanistan.

I find myself with the Marines right smack dab in the middle of the Helmund province. Why the Helmund province? All I’ve seen so far is oppressive heat and horrific dust in the air. But there’s more. It has been said that 80% of the world’s opium comes from Afghanistan and I believe most all of it comes from right here in the Helmund province. Money and power. I can easily draw parallels to Juarez, Mexico and the power of drug cartels and the chaos that follows.

Today I find myself one stop away from where one of the most lucrative drug crops in the world is cultivated. It is also where the fight is. It is where Marines are confronting the enemy. I can only conclude that part of this war on terrorism in Afghanistan is connected to opium. I believe there are links between the global war on terrorism, the out of control situation in Juarez, Mexico, and the illicit drug trade here. I see and read about the destruction and crippling effect this trade has on society at all levels.

Sergeant Hopper and Memorial to Fallen Marines in Helmund Province

Today when I interviewed Sergeant Dillon Hopper, the Marine from Roswell, New Mexico, I took his photo in front of a memorial. On that memorial hung the dog tags of fallen Marines. Each dog tag represented a Marine that has died in this cause since October 2009 during a time span of less than one year. When I took the photo, I held the camera close to my eye for an extra amount of time to hide my tears. I did not want to show my weakness. I hesitated to show this photo, but I feel now I must, memorials are hard for family members, I know and think about my own Marine son 2ndLt Jesse James Spiri who’s part of the reason I’m here now.

There is a war here in Afghanistan and it is raging one stop away from where I’m going. Visibility outside may be almost nil due to the dirt in the air. However, I think I can see a little clearer through the dust than I did yesterday.

Reporting,
Jim Spiri In The Stan

Candi, I love you and soon I’ll be home.

Donate money to keep Jim Spiri in Afghanistan!

All funds go directly to Jim Spiri. The more funds we raise, the more time Jim can remain abroad giving us an unvarnished look at our conflict in Afghanistan. All monies remaining in this account upon his return will be donated to Soldiers’ Angels. Not a single dime will be kept by Jim Spiri, Ranger Up, or Devil Dog Brew.

19 August 2010
Forward Operating Base, Salerno
Khost province, eastern Afghanistan

Captain Watson, General Petraeus, Lieutenant Lohnert

Captain Watson and Lieutenant Lohnert received special recognition from General David Petreaus for their courageous actions in combat. The General came to Forward Operating Base Salerno to present awards to soldiers in person.

Under fire, Lieutenant Lohnert ran 150 meters over open ground to put their heavy guns back in action. Lieutenant Lohnert was commissioned as a graduate of the United States Air Force Academy and has served proudly in the Army for over two years.

CAPTAIN WATSON AUDIO HERE:WatsonSpiri19Aug2010

And a bit more verbose LIEUTENANT LOHNERT AUDIO HERE:LohnertSpiri19Aug2010

Captain Watson Receives Award

RAKKASAN

Reporting,
Jim Spiri In The Stan

Candi, I love you and soon I’ll be home.

Donate money to keep Jim Spiri in Afghanistan!

All funds go directly to Jim Spiri. The more funds we raise, the more time Jim can remain abroad giving us an unvarnished look at our conflict in Afghanistan. All monies remaining in this account upon his return will be donated to Soldiers’ Angels. Not a single dime will be kept by Jim Spiri, Ranger Up, or Devil Dog Brew.

10 August 2010
Forward Operating Base Boris, Afghanistan

Faces and Voices

It only rained once today, but it was a bit of a downpour. I’ve been on the FOB the whole time I’ve been here. No one has gone out. I don’t have a much more time scheduled here but we’ll see what the days ahead bring.

This morning I decided to work out in the weight room and hit the treadmill. Generally, I walk at a brisk pace 8-miles a day, I may be an old man but I better stay in shape. An hour into my workout the speakers began blaring, “OUTGOING…OUTGOING”. I knew that meant the big guns would be firing. I stopped, grabbed my camera, the results are posted here.

OUTGOING!! OUTGOING!!

A few shots of the big guns in action were too good to pass up. I watched as projectiles launched and then impacted several miles away on the hills to the northeast. I wouldn’t want to be on the receiving end. Watching the artillery guys looks like an orchestra in action, a great symphony.

I Wouldn't Want To Be On The Receiving End

The Battalion Commander, Lieutenant Colonel Robert Harman, 187th Infantry took some time to chat with me, listen to the AUDIO HERE:LTCHarman

By mid afternoon, I made it a point to spend time with the Pashtun cultural advisors. They reminded me of my friend Sword at Camp Salerno. The best place to talk is over chai and that’s what we did.

A Time for Chai

I firmly believe that every American should be informed as to what is going on here in Afghanistan. I’m frustrated when I think of the many trivialities we occupy ourselves with back in the states while our brave Americans spill their blood on this foreign soil. I hope these interviews shed some light on my deep seeded feelings and impact you like they do me. AUDIO HERE: CulturalAdvisors

I spend a lot of time these days looking toward the mountains to the East.

In the late afternoon, four Humvees rolled up and battle parked right in across from where I am staying. Serious looking dudes were unloading and they caught my curiosity. I had a momentary flashback to my time in war torn El Salvador with the Army of the Republic. I was only in my twenties but still older than most of the soldiers I was with. But here in Afghanistan these men were the roughest and most hardened looking foreign soldiers I’ve ever come across.

I’ve learned over the years to be low key and to speak from the heart. It is the only way I know how to be. It makes my life simple.

Afghan Special Forces

Turns out these soldiers, all Afghan Special Forces, were the security for the well known and battle hardened General Aziz. The General was a sharp, well built, and disciplined looking individual. His trimmed haircut stood him apart from the rest of his men. While his men unpacked he approached me. I not sure why it amused me that he was eating a crisp, red apple maybe it was the contrast in the hand of a hardened combat veteran.

Providing Security

I immediately noticed under the Afghanistan flag patch on his sleeve he bore another that in English read, “IN MEMORY OF SHAHEED SARDAR KIA 26 NOV 2006 ORGUNE SUICIDE BOMBER”. He didn’t need to explain any more.

General Aziz

Reporting,
Jim Spiri In The Stan

Candi, I love you and soon I’ll be home.

Donate money to keep Jim Spiri in Afghanistan!

All funds go directly to Jim Spiri. The more funds we raise, the more time Jim can remain abroad giving us an unvarnished look at our conflict in Afghanistan. All monies remaining in this account upon his return will be donated to Soldiers’ Angels. Not a single dime will be kept by Jim Spiri, Ranger Up, or Devil Dog Brew.

Captain Watson

“Nothing comes easy, nothing comes free.” American warrior, Captain Watson was a Ranger Instructor when he saw the Twin Towers hit. He talks about his time as a rifleman, grenadier, and scout sniper. Captain Watson did two combat tours in Iraq and now in Afghanistan. One tough hombre. Hear him talk about life in his own words. Yes, he’s definitely Rock Solid for his men.

AUDIO HERE CaptWatson9Aug2010Interview

Reporting,
Jim Spiri In The Stan

Candi, I love you and soon I’ll be home.

Donate money to keep Jim Spiri in Afghanistan!

All funds go directly to Jim Spiri. The more funds we raise, the more time Jim can remain abroad giving us an unvarnished look at our conflict in Afghanistan. All monies remaining in this account upon his return will be donated to Soldiers’ Angels. Not a single dime will be kept by Jim Spiri, Ranger Up, or Devil Dog Brew.

Delta Battery, 1st Battalion, 321st Field Artillery Regiment

Delta Battery

7 Man Team lead by Staff Sergeant Mabry ; providing fire support and illumination when needed. M777A2 Howitzer, 155 MM artillery shell, largest artillery round in the Army Arsenal. Sgt Mabry discussions his mission.

Listen to Audio HERE DeltaBatteryAudio

Reporting,
Jim Spiri In The Stan

Candi, I love you and soon I’ll be home.

Donate money to keep Jim Spiri in Afghanistan!

All funds go directly to Jim Spiri. The more funds we raise, the more time Jim can remain abroad giving us an unvarnished look at our conflict in Afghanistan. All monies remaining in this account upon his return will be donated to Soldiers’ Angels. Not a single dime will be kept by Jim Spiri, Ranger Up, or Devil Dog Brew.

M777A2 155mm Howitzer

Combat Support Hospital at Camp Salerno

Jim Spiri conducts and outstanding interview with five soldiers of the 344th Combat Support Hospital that work at the field hospital at Camp Salerno. On a daily basis they provide trauma response and support for forces in country to include Aviation and Special Forces. During the interview soldiers share some comparisons between Iraq and Afghanistan and also what life is like in a combat zone.

Donate money to keep Jim Spiri in Afghanistan!

All funds go directly to Jim Spiri. The more funds we raise, the more time Jim can remain abroad giving us an unvarnished look at our conflict in Afghanistan. All monies remaining in this account upon his return will be donated to Soldiers’ Angels. Not a single dime will be kept by Jim Spiri, Ranger Up, or Devil Dog Brew.

Wednesday
04 August 2010
Forward Operating Base Salerno, Afghanistan

Camp Salerno Garden

I’ve been on the go since July 21st and I’m still not at my final, first destination. Weather has played a major role in the delay. Heavy rains and high winds make travel treacherous especially for helos. I was surprised by the high humidity. I had anticipated it being arid but it’s actually quite muggy. Because FOB Salerno is in a bowl surrounded by mountains the chaotic weather seems that much worse. Oddly I’m reminded of the conditions on the Big Island of Hawaii when I used to work at the helipad for Blue Hawaiian Helicopters. Nobody in those days was trying to lob rockets at the pad.

So far at the Camp I’ve been speaking with soldiers who support the Forward Operating Bases. The Artillery men of the 82nd Airborne are always on alert. One of the soldiers, Sergeant Mabry, is part of a seven man artillery team. The team’s reaction time seems lightening fast at less than 30 seconds when the mission calls.

I also spoke with Army reservists from Georgia that were manning the Ammo Supply Point. Staff Sergeant Sascha Haaf and Sergeant Chris J. Dilday, both with the 802nd Ordnance Company (Ammo), explained they handle all the ammo that comes into Camp Salerno and distribute it to outlying FOB’s. These days the workload is increasing.

The last soldiers I spoke with were from Explosive Ordinance Disposal. Assigned to Combined Joint Task Force Paladin these are the brave soldiers that take care of all Improvised Explosive Devices within Afghanistan; unfortunately their mission load has been on the rise.

This evening I received word of a helicopter rescue mission for local Afghans here in the Khost province. Lieutenant Colonel Musiol, an Apache pilot and Captain Cal, a Blackhawk pilot, gave me the after action. The intense rains I have been reporting caused a series of flash floods near and around wash areas where several dozen locals became trapped and in danger of drowning. The Blackhawks coordinated with the Apaches for escorts as well as the Kiowas rescuing nearly 50-people stranded in rapidly rising waters.

Events like this bring us closer together. I continue to make more Afghan friends and in the process have discovered enjoying tea is more of a social event than a culinary one. Relationships are formed during “chai” time and everyone is receptive of me taking pictures and asking questions about Afghan culture and customs.

Chai Time

At the Bazaar one man I’ve become acquainted with has a name that translates to Sword of God. “Sword”, is in his late 20’s and come from a big family. He works as a “cultural advisor” to the CJTF. Sword shared with me stories from his father about when the Russians came to include building Camp Salerno.

Sword, told me that many thought things would be wonderful under the Russians. No one ever thought they would leave nor believed they could be defeated. But then the mujahideen overcame the Russians with a huge amount of help from the Americans compliments of Congressman Charlie Wilson. By 1988 the Russians exited in defeat.

The void left by the struggle became filled by the Taliban and it wasn’t until the events of 9/11 that America turned its attention back to Afghanistan.

Proud Local

Sword discussed how his people, the Pashtun, have been used by so many entities and agencies that trust is an issue. Ultimately Pashtun desire to be fairly represented, especially in the Afghan Army that has radically changed in ethnic makeup through the years. According to the CIA World Factbook, Pashtuns make up an estimated 42 percent of the Afghan population.

I’m discovering that tribal loyalties and traditions are the fabric of Afghanistan. “Pashtunwali,” roughly translates as guiding philosophy or sense of right and wrong regarding relationships, loyalties, and conduct. Sword has been fiercely loyal to the American “guests” in his country because we have demonstrated faithfulness, may we never fail to live up to our promises. I am amazed that Sword has such a balance perspective and strong faith that God is in control when he has only seen war and strife his entire life. Sword paints a vivid and fearful description of further turmoil if the Taliban are ever allowed to claim victory.

Reporting,
Jim Spiri In The Stan

Candi, I love you and soon I’ll be home.

Donate money to keep Jim Spiri in Afghanistan!

All funds go directly to Jim Spiri. The more funds we raise, the more time Jim can remain abroad giving us an unvarnished look at our conflict in Afghanistan. All monies remaining in this account upon his return will be donated to Soldiers’ Angels. Not a single dime will be kept by Jim Spiri, Ranger Up, or Devil Dog Brew.

Saturday Evening
31 July 2010, 2030 hours
Bagram Air Field, Afghanistan

One of my all time favorite songs is by three artists that I really enjoyed listening to. Some years ago, before Roger Miller passed away, he, Willie Nelson and Ray Price recorded a song called, “Old Friends”. My Marine son Jesse used to love that song. Every time I hear it, good memories are rekindled. Today, I had a wonderful experience and it was somewhat of a miracle at that.

In September 2007 I spent a short bit of time in a place called Forward Operating Base Falcon down towards the Diyala province area during the surge in Iraq. I embedded with 1/40 Cavalry from Fort Richardson, Alaska and became good friends with a young Lieutenant Rob Hamilton.

In Iraq I saw Lieutenant Hamiltion in action. He took me on patrol with his men. I remember his understanding of the importance of telling folks back home the good that was being done in Iraq. He shared my photos and stories with as many folks as he could.

A couple months back Rob and I got back in touch. Thankfully, he wrote some letters of recommendation for me to key PAO folks; opening doors and pointing me in the right direction. So here is how my little reunion unfolded.

After sleeping the better part of the afternoon in preparation for my night journey, I decided to go over to the chow hall and grab just a small bite to eat. Right before I entered the doors I looked up and saw a Captain coming my direction. He did not see me, but I saw his name HAMILTON and I placed myself right smack in front of his path. “Captain Hamilton!?” His surprised voice replied, “Yes!”. Now, he was not expecting to see some strange looking civilian with a beard and shaggy hair.

Smiles, handshakes and common exchanges when old friends cross paths in unusual circumstances. It was so good to run into Rob; actually I had planned all along to track him down at some point because I promised his mother I would get his photo.

Captain Robert Hamilton

Rob is a brilliant young Captain. I get him to pose in front of a sign for Task Force Paladin, which is named from the warriors of Charlemagne’s court and operates as the overarching entity charged solely with defeating IEDs throughout Afghanistan. Captain Hamilton is a part of this mission which is critical to our success here.

We talked a little about the whole McChrystal incident with the Rolling Stone’s reporter and reflected that I couldn’t have picked a more unusual time to be a “news media” person right now in an active combat zone. I laughed and explained that I kind of lay low and let people think I belong here. Capt Hamilton knows me and knows my focus is on our brave men and women serving in harm’s way and that I couldn’t be prouder. I told him that in the years to come I fully expect to see four stars on his collar. I told him he is exactly what the country needs in a position of authority in the years ahead.

We continued our conversation and drew comparisons between Afghanistan and Iraq. Rob has been here for only four weeks so he’s just now getting the feel of the place. He told me to be careful and I explained to him that this journey has me very sober-minded. We both believe that right now is the make or break time for America’s involvement in Afghanistan.

Rob and I continued to talk about things regarding our personal lives and I learned he now he is married to his long time love, Heidi. Rob spoke often and lovingly of her when I knew him in Iraq, so I’m glad to see they’re together. I told him I hope he has many children in the years ahead and he smiled. He looks great these days and has really matured into what I think is the Army’s best Captain. Running into Rob, really brightened my day. I immediately emailed his mother and caught her online. She was really excited that I ran into her son, and typical of military moms, she told me to chastise him for not staying in touch more often.

When I saw Rob again I mentioned my online encounter with his Mom. When we finished discussing our solutions for Afghanistan I reminded him. “But, taking care of Mom is really a tough job.” He smiled and said, “Yes, I’ll call her”.

It is moments like these that I know I am here for a reason. I love to stand in the gap between deployed soldiers and family back home. In the middle of it all, I am the most blessed, for I get to receive the joy between the family members when the connections are made.

Although I’ve actually only been around him a very short time, Captain Hamilton and I  are surely, “Old Friends.”  I can hear Roger Miller singing his part and I can see my son Jesse singing along from the cloud of witnesses above.

Reporting,
Jim Spiri In The Stan

Candi, I love you and soon I’ll be home.

Donate money to keep Jim Spiri in Afghanistan!

All funds go directly to Jim Spiri. The more funds we raise, the more time Jim can remain abroad giving us an unvarnished look at our conflict in Afghanistan. All monies remaining in this account upon his return will be donated to Soldiers’ Angels. Not a single dime will be kept by Jim Spiri, Ranger Up, or Devil Dog Brew.

Monday
02 August 2010
Forward Operating Base Salerno, Afghanistan

It’s late in the afternoon around 1730 (5:30 PM) local time.  I’ve been taking care of some writings and reconfirming with my POC’s about my helo out of here tomorrow.  The flight’s only 25-minutes, however, the rainy seasons hitting and that causes delays. My timing might suck but I’m enjoying the first rain I’ve experienced in Afghanistan. At least it is good writing weather.

Rainy Day at Camp Salerno

One of the public affairs officers just gave me some discouraging news.  Two reporters from the Fort Worth, Texas have been embedded for 60 days at the exact location I’m trying to get to.  Hard enough to generate enthusiasm for another “media” type but I’ll do my best. I explained to the officer that I had come to see a specific soldier that I had first followed and reported on in Mosul, Iraq in 2007. We’ll take it one day at a time. Apparently the location had been on the receiving end of some indirect fire so that isn’t making it any easier for me to get my foot in the door.

Always moving from one location to the next, even as a child. I was born in New Jersey but then immediately taken home to Pennsylvania.  And it’s never stopped since.  The rain and my mood has me singing Willie Nelson’s On The Road Again. The road is my home.

I heard someone grumble that the two media folks ahead of me were a bit demanding. I’m not sure what that means but I’ll do my best to carry my weight. They evidently are through with their embed with the Rakkasans.  There’s an interesting history with the Rakkasans’ name and since I regard myself as a bit of a historian here’s some background.

The 187th Infantry Regiment, Rakkasans, is a regiment of the 101st Airborne Division of the Army. The regimental motto is “Ne Desit Virtus”  / “Let Valor Not Fail” The Rakkasans, derived their nickname from the Japanese word for umbrella dating back to WWII and the 187th’s tour of duty in Japan. Supposedly a translator was trying to explain that the men of the 187th were “airborne soldiers”. The translator used the phrase “falling down umbrella men”, “rak ka san”. The nickname took on a life of its own and today the Rakkasans’ legacy lives on.

**Late in the evening of 02 August 2010, FOB Salerno**

I’ve been informed that the rain has in fact canceled flights today. There’s a story around here everywhere I look so I should stay busy.  I learned that a fair bit of the passenger transport helicopter flights are contracted out to private companies.  The general opinion is that more CH-47’s are needed here and that the dual missions of Iraq and Afghanistan are taking their toll. Some feel that Afghanistan has always been the unwanted step child to Iraq. Today I was told that Secretary of Defense Robert Gates mentioned on Sunday that nation building never was the focus here in Afghanistan, rather, the elimination of the terrorists was always the goal.  I’m not so sure what to think about that statement yet.

The locals here on Salerno are intriguing. I broke a pair of my dollar store reading glasses last night so I went to the little Camp Salerno bazaar to see what I could find. The bazaar was a bit like our states side flea markets accept here I found some exotic gem stones and hand made rugs. Oddly enough I came across a man that had fixed a pair of prescription glasses for someone else who never came to pick them up.  He kindly offered them to me.  I tried them on and they were completely blurry, but I had an idea.  I went back to my quarters, found my broken pair of glasses, and took them back to the man.  He readily fixed them, and expertly at that.  I discovered that he was a jewelry maker by trade so fixing glasses was relatively simple task. I also had the fortune to share some “chi” with some other locals. I believe the men look much older than their years.  All of the ones I spoke to were born during the early years of the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan beginning in 1979 making them all under 30-years old. I wonder how much has changed from then and now?

Looks like bad weather still on the horizon.  Perhaps I will get to know this base a little more than I had expected.

Reporting,
Jim Spiri In The Stan

Candi, I love you and soon I’ll be home.

Donate money to keep Jim Spiri in Afghanistan!

All funds go directly to Jim Spiri. The more funds we raise, the more time Jim can remain abroad giving us an unvarnished look at our conflict in Afghanistan. All monies remaining in this account upon his return will be donated to Soldiers’ Angels. Not a single dime will be kept by Jim Spiri, Ranger Up, or Devil Dog Brew.

Sunday Evening
01 August 2010
Forward Operating Base Salerno, Afghanistan

It’s dark now and all the outside lights are off. It’s been a very long day and I’m short on rest. I must write to keep my mind in good working order. An exercise I hope to maintain daily. Everyone simply calls this place, “Salerno”. I like it here.

Nine years ago, I picked this spot on the map of Afghanistan. I determined that this would be the place to come and base out of if and when I ever came. In March of 2002, my son Jimmy, was a door gunner with B-159, a Chinook unit deployed out of Hunter Army Airfield, Savannah, Georgia. His unit conducted troop insertions and extractions during “Operation Anaconda” as our forces attempted to destroy al-Qaeda and Taliban in the Shahi-Kot Valley and Arma Mountains southeast of Zormat. I remember watching reports of what was going on at that time in the middle of yet another sleepless night while living in Hawaii.

Today, as I gaze towards the mountains to the west and pinpoint on a map exactly where I am standing, I realize that I am approximately 35-miles east of where my son Jimmy was during that operation. Surreal hardly explains my emotions. Looking at the map again, I realize I will be embedding with a unit approximately xx-miles* due south of that same area where my son was getting his first taste of war at age 21. That was a “hot” area then and remains so now. I also located on the map that I will be embedded approximately xx-miles* southwest of the area where tragically former NFL player and Army Ranger Pat Tillman died. [Editor’s note, the location of Camp Salerno is well known, however Jim’s exact location during the embed will not be published].

The Bachelor Pad

Getting around Afghanistan via air these days is not an easy task for anyone. The pax terminal was jam packed with soldiers and a few civilians. I wish I could have taken photos but I was hesitant to upset the apple cart. I saw literally scores and scores of soldiers in full battle gear all crashed out on the floor sleeping with no room left in the terminal waiting area. Then, out of nowhere, an Air Force person came over the loud speaker and blared out, “THERE WILL BE NO SLEEPING ON THE FLOOR IN THE PASSENGER TERMINAL”, twice. Ridiculous! These warriors had been here for hours on end, just like me and were all tired and still had a long night ahead. Sometimes the support personnel just don’t get it. I’m no genius, but I would think someone would order a plane or two more to handle overload traffic. I’m not trying to burn bridges but it seems like someone dropped the ball and I’m having a hard time making sense of it. I’m exhausted.

Going to bed down for the evening.

Monday 0920 hours
02 August 2010
Forward Operating Base Salerno, Afghanistan
I woke up this morning to the loud speaker blaring, “STAY IN YOUR BUNKER, STAY IN YOUR BUNKER”. That means from my experiences in Iraq that somebody is lobbing rockets or mortars into camp. My entire sleeping area is surrounded by concrete blast walls so I’m not really worried and I figured it’s best to just stay where I am. I really had to pee but there’s no use, under the circumstances, wandering around looking for a porta potty. Empty water bottles work just fine thank you, it’s not worth getting blown up with my pants down.
After the all clear sounded, I headed to chow. On the way I saw where the incoming projectile had impacted. I had seen this hundreds of times in the past in Balad. I felt like I was receiving my own personal welcome aboard barrage. Breakfast was fruit, potato cake, and a cup of black coffee. Hank, I hope that Devil Dog Brew gets here soon. Yesterday, I took a great shower and cleaned up thankfully with no rush to it. Then, I located self service laundry, a fantastic find this close to the action. Free washing machines, dryers, and soap; I don’t remember ever being so excited to do laundry.
I came across another friend since I’ve been in country. Anthony Brown is a contractor that I knew from the flight lines of Balad, Iraq, a good man and I’m glad to see him. He’s my oldest daughter’s age and also an Army veteran. Anthony’s smart enough but he always picks the wrong NFL team to follow. Originally from Philadelphia, Anthony’s an easy target to razz about Donavan McNabb and his infamous “chokes” and the loss of four NFC Championships. Anthony doesn’t agree with my assessment and reminds me it’s a team sport. But that’s what old friends do; they give each other a hard time when they cross paths after a long absence. Regarding work, Anthony has convinced me that Camp Salerno is the best place to be as a contractor. Though it’s small it has everything and the surrounding mountain scenery is incredible.

We talked a bit about the current situation and then I picked up a copy of the latest Stars and Stripes. The headlines indicate that the Dutch are the first NATO country to end their combat mission in Afghanistan. I’m concerned about how that will impact our other allies. I guess we’ll just have to wait and see.

People from the states keep asking me, “What on earth are you doing in Afghanistan, Jim?” Simply put, I just have to be here. Our sons and daughters are here and I remember 9-11. As a father, I must see where my generation sent our children, our warriors to protect our freedoms and fight our enemies. I’m thankful that my friends and family are safe back home but for now my time is here.

Reporting,
Jim Spiri In The Stan

Candi, I love you and soon I’ll be home.

Donate money to keep Jim Spiri in Afghanistan!

All funds go directly to Jim Spiri. The more funds we raise, the more time Jim can remain abroad giving us an unvarnished look at our conflict in Afghanistan. All monies remaining in this account upon his return will be donated to Soldiers’ Angels. Not a single dime will be kept by Jim Spiri, Ranger Up, or Devil Dog Brew.