Pushing Forward

“The Last Journey” #6 Pushing Forward

Thursday Morning 22 July 2010 Ramstein Air Base, Germany

Saturday
31 July 2010, 1145 hours
Bagram Air Field, Afghanistan

The journey is beginning to take shape. I left home in Albuquerque, New Mexico, at 0430 hours, Wednesday, July 21, 2010. Ten days later and what seems like a million miles ago I’m finally in Bagram. None of this could have happened without the help of the Army and Marine Public Affairs Offices. Before I go one step further, it needs to be made known that they have absolutely gone above and beyond their calls of duty to assist me and educate me on everything pertaining to my embed. It was my experiences with the same offices that made everything concerning my journey in Iraq back in 2007 a success. I must commend them again for the hospitality, professionalism, and dedication.

My back yard in Bagram

In a little over twelve hours I hope to depart Bagram for Camp Salerno, via helicopter. Salerno is a “no light at night” base. I have a friend there whom I used to work on the flight line with in Balad, Iraq back in 2004. He reminded me via email this morning to be sure and bring a red lens flash light for night. Salerno is subject to attack at all times and every precautions is taken to keep a low profile. Camp Salerno is my second to last stop before I arrive at my first embed location. From there, I hope to head further into the border region with Pakistan.

This morning, I found myself getting up at 0430 hours to take a shower. It’s still quiet and not crowded. I shave, floss, maintaining hygiene is key to staying healthy and who knows when I’ll have the luxury of a good clean up in the near future. I also take advantage of the time to minimize clutter in my belongings. At the chow hall I enjoy a great bowl of oatmeal with nuts and raisins as well as a couple of glasses of cranberry juice. Then I headed to the MWR facility to catch up on emails. I take some time to chat with folks at the PAO and feel that this is actually the most productive day I’ve had since my journey began.

I met Walli, a local in his 30’s, that’s main job was to work with media types coming through the PAO office. As I sipped on my cup of black coffee, I inquired about the production of pomegranates, pistachios, and other tidbits regarding agriculture and geography I had studied up on. My interests’ sparked enthusiasm and Walli shared many details pointing out specific regions, raging rivers, and mountain ranges on a wall map we stood next to. I told him the mountains in New Mexico were much smaller, a fact he took pride in as we continued to talk.

The PAO joined our conversation as they saw my interest was genuine and I understood the importance of building local relationship. One of the representatives explained the role of ADT’s (agribusiness development teams) which are operated by National Guard units and dedicated to increasing the prosperity of Afghanistan by agricultural means. After looking at photos and having a detailed discussion I hope to visit some of the project sites.

But first onward to Camp Salerno and closer still to my embed with the Infantrymen of the 101st who I know are working hard to give the folks in Afghanistan a chance to make it.

Reporting,
Jim Spiri In The Stan

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

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