vedana.net

Updates From Both Fronts

First, Kevin Sites just updated his blog with details about his live field reports:

"See that dirt berm? That's Syria on the other side. See that guy with a gun? That's a new Iraqi border guard. Nice pose, huh. See that guy in camo -- that's Lt. Col. Arnold (he's going to be bummed because he wanted to take off his cold weather gear before going on camera -- too late. It's an Army macho thing). See that guy behind the camera? That's me. See that tripod? It's a piece of crap -- one of the legs fell off en route to the border and will never be found. See that box of MRE's (Meals Ready to Eat)? That's my new tripod leg. See the Colonel's helmet? That's the counterweight that keeps the camera from tipping over."

Anyway, I can tell you that I don't have much to do with Iraq. I'm up in Uzbeckistan flying missions into Afghanistan nearly everyday. It's wild man, and just because CNN doesn't say much about this place doesn't mean nothing is happening over here. Actually quite the contray. There is still lots of fighting. Still Talaban and Al Quida forces scrapping about. From a flyer's standpoint it is mostly a matter of small arms fire and RPGs which are an issue. I try not to give them too much thought though. Just enough to keep us safe, but not enough to keep me up at night. I feel for the ground pounders though, both here and in Iraq. I've seen some of the dudes we've med-evaced before.

I wish I could be home for T-giving. That is by far my favorite holiday. Oh well, eat some pumpkin pie for me brother and enjoy your freedom. Take care.

LT JPK