After a few weeks training up our replacements, we left FOB Morales-Frasier and spent the last week at Bagram. The violence in Kapisa has been rather high during this fighting season & I’m glad that I’m out of there. Here’s an article about an attack this week in a Kapisa village where we have often been. I probably know many of the soldiers who died.
As I was leaving Morales-Frasier (actually, it was renamed FOB Nijrab on the day that we left), I took a picture of my room and thought I’d post it as I don’t think I ever posted a photo of my room on this blog. Here’s where I stayed for most of the last few months:
When I first came to Afghanistan last October, I was a part of the advance party which was composed of a few of us who got here 2 weeks before the rest of the PRT to prepare the way for the main body arrival. At the end of this deployment, I was also in the last group to leave – first in, last out! Most of the PRT is already back home – some of them have been home for weeks. That’s ok, I guess it means that I did a good job and am “indispensable”.
Here’s a picture of the last few of us right before we flew out of our FOB by helicopter for the final time. Actually, you can kind of see the helicopters behind us. From left to right is LTC Sierco (PRT Commander), me, LTC Hunt (my boss), Jim Morris (Dept of State), and MAJ Killa (S3/XO):
Leaving the Base
After spending a week in Bagram, we flew out of Afghanistan yesterday and are now in Kyrgyzstan awaiting our final flight back to the United States. In Bagram, we stayed in a big circus-looking tent with no air conditioning. The heat and boredom and constantly blowing sand made it feel slightly miserable but that’s ok – we were finished and going home. Plus, I’m used to “slightly miserable”.
Compared to Afghanistan, Kyrgyzstan is a veritable Garden of Eden. It is much cooler, forested with lush green trees and grass, breathtaking views of snow-capped mountains, a deep blue sky (versus the brownish dust colored sky of Bagram), and very peaceful and calm. This morning, I started my peaceful day with a nice jog on a trail through fluttering-leaved Aspens…
BUT in spite of all the famed and fabulous worldly delights of Kyrgyzstan, I’m still anxious to get home and I should be there within a week or so. I think Mary and the girls are excited too. In the end, “there’s no place like home…”
Oh my. I am so glad that God has protected you during your time there. I am sorry to hear of the guys in the article.
I can’t imagine how that feels. I love you. We are anxiously awaiting your return.
Looks like we can promise you a warm welcome!
Wichita Temp projections for the week:
Monday 101 degrees
Tuesday 104 degrees
Wednesday 99 degrees
Thursday 103 Degrees
Friday 99 Degrees
Saturday 99 Degrees
Sunday 102 Degrees
Bring your winter gear so you won’t catch cold!
I have heard about Rose Hill, and Clearwater….but never heard of “Kyrgyzstan”. Had to look in the travel guide and here is what I found!
Sounds pretty nifty!
“A holiday to Kyrgyzstan has adventure written all over it. This friendly country of Kyrgyzstan situated at the backdrop of the magnificent Tian Shan Mountains has occupied a position of historic importance since olden times when it proved out to be an important stop on the famed Silk route. Rugged, beautiful, vast and charming best describe this country. Kyrgyzstan was once a part of the Soviet Union and ever since the disintegration of the Soviet Union this country has had to work real hard to cement its position in the world map. It has done good for itself and made for itself a prominent mark on the tourism map of the world. This remote Asian country of Kyrgyzstan where nomads trek the landscape is loved by trekkers and mountain climbers who find the rugged terrain of the country best for these sports. Mountains, glaciers, lakes and grasslands add to the natural delights that Kyrgyzstan has to offer.”
Happy to hear you are so close to home. God bless the rest of your trip with happines and safety. One thing about the heat we’ve had this summer.. it’s been hot, but we are spoiled with a/c. At least you will not have all that gear hanging on you when you get home. That will be a relief!! Love ya,