End of Mission

Well, the time has come for me to end my job here in Kandahar. It's been frustrating and tough but I actually hate to go. I met a lot of good Afghans who are working hard for a better life but it's a slow uphill climb for them. I won't tarnish this post with any bad comments but will say that Kandahar is the capital of Pashtunistan and things operate very differently here than other parts of Afghanistan. No matter what we do or how much money we pour into this place it will remain the same.  
 Anyways I should be back in Virginia by 1 Nov, take some leave and have a scotch. I'm probably going to get a Pentagon job and become another cubithian but I will retire within one year and start another life. I'm thinking about hitting the road for a long time but that's a decision for another time. Enjoy some random pictures.

My empty rack.  Time to move on.

I'll miss moving around the city in these things.  They're a little too big but will keep you safe.

My boys.  Took me everywhere and were always ready for anything.

Shirley, always took care of me and never let me out of her sight.

My translator Younas.  Younas was my last translator and worked out very well.  He was well educated, held no grudges and liked the work. I hope he finds what he's looking for.

Bye, for now.

Outdoor Work

Been a little too busy to update this blog so thought it was time.  We've been spending a lot of time in the city visiting provincial officials.  I'm not really sure how much help we are but we always try to help.  Some pictures of our visit to the Public Health Facility.  Health is not what I'm responsible for but I have a friend from USAID who needed to go so we planned a trip for him.

Getting ready to go.  

Got stuck in traffic.  Not good.

We got blocked in by someone who abandoned a car in front of us to keep us from moving. The place cleared up pretty quick so me and Greg got out and started walking back while the vehicles backed up.

(L-R) my sidekick Kip, Me, Dr from USAID, Afghan guy, Team Medic Greg

Lunch. Turkey, dumplings and big bread.  It was great food.  I love Afghan food.  

The guy who runs the library.  Not sure what I'm doing.

I bought this rug the other night.  It's silk and hand wove.  Don't ask me how much it cost.  I'll add it to all the other stuff I've bought over the years.  One day I'll have a big yard sale and clear everything out.  I hope you enjoyed the pictures. 

Squirt Guns

We went shooting today in the middle of nowhere.  Had fun and got to shoot-out some old ammo.  I'm no shootist but I'm pretty comfortable with it and do enjoy shooting all the ammo they throw at us. Pictures.

So my mission ends in a couple months and they finally give me a couple vehicles.  I like these MRAPs because they carry lots of cool stuff, have A/C and remote-controlled guns on top.  Very accurate and simple to operate; X-Box simple.

Ok, this is my friend and assistant Kip.  I had a write up for him but when trying to update this post I lost it.  Kip is a good friend and has been with me for a while. 

I don't usually show pictures of myself but I liked this one.   I've lost a lot of weight since I've gotten here.  All this gear use to weigh me down but now it's pretty light and fits like a glove.  I also hate wearing anything on my head so I ditch the helmet every chance I get. 

Me shooting taxpayer ammo.  Thanks!!

Kandahar International Airport

So we spent some time at the Kandahar International Airport just down the road from us.  I ran into an old classmate who works there as an advisor.  Got a great tour of the place and offers for lunch.  A couple of pictures.

The Kandahar International Airport.  Rush hour was a couple days ago.

The garden inside the airport.  Yes that's a pot plant growing and there are a few more around.  Poppies too.  Actually it's quite nice in the garden.  I told my friend I'd rather wait here than Reagan National.  No bar though but they are trying to build a Duty Free shop with stuff I like.

Cart service.  First come first serve.

Ramazan

So it's Ramazan (Ramadan) here in Afghanistan.  Not much to do for a month because the Afghan's are on half-days and I have no wheels.  We work out twice a day, check email, try and help others but we are bored.  There isn't anything going on here so I thought I'd show you my fridge.  It's got water, Red Bulls, chocolate and a bunch of crap on top.  I've accumulated too much stuff so nobody send me anything.  I need to start thinning this place out in case I have to leave.  Thanks for visiting.

Back to the City

Went into Kandahar City for some work with a government official. I won't go into details but it was nice to get out and see things. It's Ramazan so everything shuts down around noon. Pictures

David and Kevin. Both good guys who work for me and enjoy going out. Kevin comes from a remote district so he's happy to be in the city.

My friend Kip. Not sure what he's doing.

David and Kip. 

Me and Kevin. I got helmet hair and full of sweat.

The garden. Nice place and it's quiet. 

More Afghanistan Pictures

Sorry for not posting earlier.  It's hard to get WiFi and sometimes it's just weak.

I went to Mya Neshin District in Kandahar for a shura.  We spend a lot of time visiting these remote districts to ensure they're not forgotten.  Pretty wild west out there.  Enjoy the pictures..

This is the view from a Blackhawk. 

Afghan National Army soldiers.  Good guys but too much bling on the rifles.  

Me and a friend.  One of the few provincial officials I trust. 

Lunch was served.  Typical bread, chicken, rice and vegetables.  After the men eat they roll up the mat with all the left overs and feed the women.  I'm not joking either.

The view from outside.  Lots of dirt.

I'll try and post more later.  Thanks for looking.