Then we brought the lances down, then the trumpets blew,
When we went to Kandahar, ridin' two an' two.
Ridin', ridin', ridin' two an' two!
Ta-ra-ra-ra-ra-ra-a!
All the way to Kandahar,
Ridin' two an' two.
This poem by Rudyard Kipling, highlights a Kandahar City that everyone is excited to arrive and enjoy themselves, maybe...or is it a poem about Soldiers ridin in two by two?? What do you think? Please comment..
On Saturday my battle buddy and I rode around Kandahar Airfield inside the Fence, leaving out of the gate made no sense.
It was two of us and we wanted it to stay that way, Kandahar today is no place to play, but maybe one day. Yesterday, no trumpets blew, lucky for us meaning no rockets flew.
Another day in Kandahar City!
Good night, should I take up poetry??
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
A Posting for my 4th grade friends at Rockwell Elementary: Learning Begins at Birth
"Learning Begins at Birth"
Babies and young children think, observe, and reason. They consider evidence, draw conclusions, do experiments, solve problems, and search for the truth. "The Scientist in the Crib". One great memory I have of my childhood is being droven to my elementary school by my maternal grandmother. It was the same school that my uncles and aunt attended as well as many others members of my extended family. My mother would drop me off and continue to work and my grandmother would take over; my mother would continue after school with ensures that I could spell all of the words that were assigned to me that day at school. I also remember talking with my aunt about her experiences at college, which I admired greatly. Finally, I remember the day that my uncle departed and returned home from his activation to support the First Gulf War; experiences such as these helped me develop into the individual that I am today.
I learned from positive childhood experiences, the importance of education, dedication, helping others, and service to our country.
Now, I was very fortunate like ALL of you to have an environment that fostered positive experiences (not saying we did not face challenges at home and away). If you have any question of your environment, consider the harsh environment of the afghani children and people.
In the past five years progress has been made, but Afghanistan still faces many challenges. It has high infant, child and maternal mortality; low immunization; chronic nutritional deficiencies among children; low literacy levels; low school enrollment and high drop-out rates, especially among girls; and difficulty protecting children and promoting their rights.
Can any of us really size up to such grave statistics, We are blessed and fortunate!
Finally Numbers at a Glance,
• One Afghan child in five dies, often of a preventable cause before her or his fifth birthday
• 85% of women give birth at home with untrained attendants
• 30% of healthcare facilities are without female health professionals: doctors, nurses and midwives
• 100,000 teachers are needed in Afghanistan, including some 48,000 new women teachers, if there is to be an essential increase in girls' enrollment and retention in school
• Only one female teacher in three has the required education; some 27,000 current teachers will need support to increase their knowledge and teaching skills
• The vast majority of rural parents do not understand child development. According to a recent Save the Children survey, only 19% of mothers believe play is useful to promote learning and only 4% believe that it readies a child for school; no fathers understood that play helped their children's cognitive development.
Have a great day and be sure to call to thank someone that helped to prevent you from being subject to one of the above statistics!
On top of all of these health, education, and poverty issues, children see war and destruction daily!
Babies and young children think, observe, and reason. They consider evidence, draw conclusions, do experiments, solve problems, and search for the truth. "The Scientist in the Crib". One great memory I have of my childhood is being droven to my elementary school by my maternal grandmother. It was the same school that my uncles and aunt attended as well as many others members of my extended family. My mother would drop me off and continue to work and my grandmother would take over; my mother would continue after school with ensures that I could spell all of the words that were assigned to me that day at school. I also remember talking with my aunt about her experiences at college, which I admired greatly. Finally, I remember the day that my uncle departed and returned home from his activation to support the First Gulf War; experiences such as these helped me develop into the individual that I am today.
I learned from positive childhood experiences, the importance of education, dedication, helping others, and service to our country.
Now, I was very fortunate like ALL of you to have an environment that fostered positive experiences (not saying we did not face challenges at home and away). If you have any question of your environment, consider the harsh environment of the afghani children and people.
In the past five years progress has been made, but Afghanistan still faces many challenges. It has high infant, child and maternal mortality; low immunization; chronic nutritional deficiencies among children; low literacy levels; low school enrollment and high drop-out rates, especially among girls; and difficulty protecting children and promoting their rights.
Can any of us really size up to such grave statistics, We are blessed and fortunate!
Finally Numbers at a Glance,
• One Afghan child in five dies, often of a preventable cause before her or his fifth birthday
• 85% of women give birth at home with untrained attendants
• 30% of healthcare facilities are without female health professionals: doctors, nurses and midwives
• 100,000 teachers are needed in Afghanistan, including some 48,000 new women teachers, if there is to be an essential increase in girls' enrollment and retention in school
• Only one female teacher in three has the required education; some 27,000 current teachers will need support to increase their knowledge and teaching skills
• The vast majority of rural parents do not understand child development. According to a recent Save the Children survey, only 19% of mothers believe play is useful to promote learning and only 4% believe that it readies a child for school; no fathers understood that play helped their children's cognitive development.
Have a great day and be sure to call to thank someone that helped to prevent you from being subject to one of the above statistics!
On top of all of these health, education, and poverty issues, children see war and destruction daily!
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
After one week....
Open-Mindedness..summarizes my first week in Afghanistan. Survival in such a potentially harsh, unforgiving environment fundementally requires open-mindedness, vigilance, and patience.
Thinking matters through before we act is always difficult and often consumes alot of our time and patience, but it is simply not possible to be a person of integrity without doing it.
Despite the fact that we are in a very precarious environment and the totality of circumstances surrounding us appear grave at times.. 'Ain't nobody worryin'. We carry about our daily business and remain open-minded!
Tonight the great American that I replaced here, departed for the U.S. to reunite with his family after many months serving our great Nation and aggressively searching for and acquiring the best medical technology and resources to diagnosis and treat our warriors in the battlefield. Nearly missing his flight, he wanted to ensure that I had all of the contacts and resources needed to be as effective and efficient as possible to continue the mission. He reminded me to remain open-minded, remain vigilant! Most importantly to "keep my head down" and continue to get on the ground when I hear the words uttered "rocket attack, rocket attack", the difference between doing so or not could be profound. We smiled and he departed!
Thinking matters through before we act is always difficult and often consumes alot of our time and patience, but it is simply not possible to be a person of integrity without doing it.
Despite the fact that we are in a very precarious environment and the totality of circumstances surrounding us appear grave at times.. 'Ain't nobody worryin'. We carry about our daily business and remain open-minded!
Tonight the great American that I replaced here, departed for the U.S. to reunite with his family after many months serving our great Nation and aggressively searching for and acquiring the best medical technology and resources to diagnosis and treat our warriors in the battlefield. Nearly missing his flight, he wanted to ensure that I had all of the contacts and resources needed to be as effective and efficient as possible to continue the mission. He reminded me to remain open-minded, remain vigilant! Most importantly to "keep my head down" and continue to get on the ground when I hear the words uttered "rocket attack, rocket attack", the difference between doing so or not could be profound. We smiled and he departed!
Monday, February 22, 2010
The Kandahar Airfield Bazaar
Periodically, we have an opportunity to host the local afghanis on base for a bazaar! It is an open air flea market of 40 or so local folks men and young boys selling every from cigarettes to "bootlegged" CDs and DVDs. The funniest thing being sold was a TUPAC t-shirt, TUPAC in Afghanistan, now that is funny, obviously the Chinese are in control of the free market, lol. Now the most interesting thing being sold was a figurine of "the last supper" now that is obviously challenging to imagine in any cerebral thought. That is "Bazaar"!
Modern figurines, particularly those made of plastic are often referred to as figures, go figure that one out, it is easy, Obviously capitalism wins! I am sure that the "last supper" is not a collectors' item of the home of the locals.
I am positive that nothing being sold was made locally! imagine that a third world country selling "chinese made stuff, being passed off as local stuff". I have seen any manufacturing facilities or folks making hand crafts..
Now, I was tempted to purchase an afghani rug, not sure that it was really an afghani rug! what is an afghan rug? likely a chinese or iranian rug?? not sure..I am confused!! On the contrary, during a trip to Kenya, some of the items being sold were from Kenya however, many of the items were obviously not made in Kenya. Capitalism and third party manufacturing have even taken over the local jobs in developing and third world countries, this is unfortunate for the world in general! I guess that craftmanship is not valued anywhere! Now that is also BAZAAR!
Modern figurines, particularly those made of plastic are often referred to as figures, go figure that one out, it is easy, Obviously capitalism wins! I am sure that the "last supper" is not a collectors' item of the home of the locals.
I am positive that nothing being sold was made locally! imagine that a third world country selling "chinese made stuff, being passed off as local stuff". I have seen any manufacturing facilities or folks making hand crafts..
Now, I was tempted to purchase an afghani rug, not sure that it was really an afghani rug! what is an afghan rug? likely a chinese or iranian rug?? not sure..I am confused!! On the contrary, during a trip to Kenya, some of the items being sold were from Kenya however, many of the items were obviously not made in Kenya. Capitalism and third party manufacturing have even taken over the local jobs in developing and third world countries, this is unfortunate for the world in general! I guess that craftmanship is not valued anywhere! Now that is also BAZAAR!
Saturday, February 20, 2010
More on Friday Night in Kandahar...
So I last concluded with my discussion of the not so bad food from the American Dining Facility! Yes, so.. imagine this . we're driving in a 2007 4 runner (my buddy's 4 runner is a year newer than my truck), dusty as dusty gets coming from a not so bad dinner.
My battle buddy is in the driver seat, I am in the back seat of the 4 runner...an we hear the infamous horn followed by "in coming rocket attack" not good..not good..Our fellow Soldiers and roommates had mentioned the procedure for rocket attacks, but we had not had the opportunity to experience one (you might be thinking are they crazy?)
So we jumped out of the truck landed in the dirt with a belly full of steak, shrimp, etc..."I looked at John, Are you ok?" "yes, but but I am very muddy"! At the same time, a young Soldier walked pass us on the dusty, muddy ground, and looked at us as to say "Are those guys serious?", oh they must be newies, officers or both? Prior to our arrival in Kandahar, rocket attacks periodically happened, nevertheless, it was our first one. 99% of the time, nothing happens as a result of the attacks!
No worries, if you are asking someone else if they are ok, then as my French buddy Arnaud might say "you are in great shape".
I am off to sleep. Next discussion, the Kandahar Bazzar!
Much love,
Robert
My battle buddy is in the driver seat, I am in the back seat of the 4 runner...an we hear the infamous horn followed by "in coming rocket attack" not good..not good..Our fellow Soldiers and roommates had mentioned the procedure for rocket attacks, but we had not had the opportunity to experience one (you might be thinking are they crazy?)
So we jumped out of the truck landed in the dirt with a belly full of steak, shrimp, etc..."I looked at John, Are you ok?" "yes, but but I am very muddy"! At the same time, a young Soldier walked pass us on the dusty, muddy ground, and looked at us as to say "Are those guys serious?", oh they must be newies, officers or both? Prior to our arrival in Kandahar, rocket attacks periodically happened, nevertheless, it was our first one. 99% of the time, nothing happens as a result of the attacks!
No worries, if you are asking someone else if they are ok, then as my French buddy Arnaud might say "you are in great shape".
I am off to sleep. Next discussion, the Kandahar Bazzar!
Much love,
Robert
Friday, February 19, 2010
Friday Nights in Kandahar
I must admit that life in Kandahar is not that bad, nonetheless the occasional "coming to Jesus moments" "Holy crap" we are at war and I am in the middle of it! It is very difficult from watching 5 o'clock news regarding what happened in Afghanistan today, on CNN, MSNBC, etc. Nevertheless, We keep marching along. Times continues.
Friday nights are not bad, the local American dining facility (DFAC)prepares steak, fried shrimp, crab cakes, etc. The best way to describe this is...A Ryan's steak house with dirt floors. More later off to work..
Friday nights are not bad, the local American dining facility (DFAC)prepares steak, fried shrimp, crab cakes, etc. The best way to describe this is...A Ryan's steak house with dirt floors. More later off to work..
Thursday, February 18, 2010
First 4 days in Kandahar
It is hard to believe that I have been at Kandahar Air Field for 4 days. There is truth in the saying that "Time flys when you at busy (or is that having fun?)". Well, my sleep quality continues to be inhibited by jetlag, the new environment, and a roommate with mild sleep apnea. Collectively, these factors lead to me having 4-5 hours of sleep. On top of that I now have sinus issues and a nasty headaches. I visited the local clinic which is staffed by at least 6 Soldiers that I served with in Houston, Dallas, Natick, MA, Germany, or Washington D.C. What a small military we have. The good SGT, said Sir, "you have the Kandahar Kude", what?? I was told that it is apart of the acclimation to "Dusty" Kandahar.
Kandahar in the local Pashtun language means "sweet city", sweet obvious has several meanings.
We work behind the wire "fence for the non military folks", however just beyond the wire is another story. The best way to describe our senario, consider a caged Ape at the local zoo..you and your family are protected by a small fenced cage. The Ape seems very friendly however under the wrong circumstances, the outcome would be significantly difficult or not. Some apes without the fence would be as friendly as the caged ape, others would take advantage of the new situation.
Nevertheless, we are well trained and expected to operate as if the neither the fence nor the Ape on the other side of the fence, exists. This is truely an excellent example of human survival at the core of all of us. Humans are truly adaptable.
Finally, we said farewell to one of fallen Heroes yesterday evening. Hundreds of Soldiers from across the world (NATO Forces) joined in to say, farewell to one of our fallen Marines.
Kandahar in the local Pashtun language means "sweet city", sweet obvious has several meanings.
We work behind the wire "fence for the non military folks", however just beyond the wire is another story. The best way to describe our senario, consider a caged Ape at the local zoo..you and your family are protected by a small fenced cage. The Ape seems very friendly however under the wrong circumstances, the outcome would be significantly difficult or not. Some apes without the fence would be as friendly as the caged ape, others would take advantage of the new situation.
Nevertheless, we are well trained and expected to operate as if the neither the fence nor the Ape on the other side of the fence, exists. This is truely an excellent example of human survival at the core of all of us. Humans are truly adaptable.
Finally, we said farewell to one of fallen Heroes yesterday evening. Hundreds of Soldiers from across the world (NATO Forces) joined in to say, farewell to one of our fallen Marines.
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Address changed
PLease note that change in my address:
New address is
Major Robert Carter
4-401st AFSB
AMC LSE, KAF
A&T/Acq Cell
APO, AE 09355
New address is
Major Robert Carter
4-401st AFSB
AMC LSE, KAF
A&T/Acq Cell
APO, AE 09355
In Kandahar Afghanistan...
I arrived in Kandahar on Tuesday morning (local time here is 9.5 hours ahead of Washington D.C.). I flew in on a large military aircraft from Kuwait City, Kuwait. I stayed only 6 hours in Kuwait. Others headed to Afghanistan have been known to stay for 4-5 days or longer. We were very lucky to get out in a few hours (well, luck..you may differ in your opinion, whether or not rushing to a war zone is lucky, crazy, many other wordscould describe.) Nevertheless, I was happy to arrive and get my 20 square feet of real estate, meal card, and Toyota 4 Runner! Yes, I have my own 2007 Toyota 4 Runner to get to and from work and other places that I may need to go on the BASE!! (This vehicle would not survive 10 minutes off base, use your imagination know). My first night was not bad, I slept like a rock, and periodically wake up to the loud noise coming from one of my 4 roommates, I imagine that all of us were disturbing each other at some point of the night.
I am well, this place is not so bad. I am sure that I will have more time to think about the realities of it when the jetlag wears off, for now..I will enjoy the experience. We have so many different nationalities here, French, Dutch, Germans, Romanians, Canadians, British, etc etc.. lots of differents choices of food, The American dining facility is called " Niagara" and the British one is called "Cambridge". All of the facilities are open to all Soldiers regardless of which of the NATO countries they represent!! This should be an interesting experience.
Robert
17 Feb 2010.
I am well, this place is not so bad. I am sure that I will have more time to think about the realities of it when the jetlag wears off, for now..I will enjoy the experience. We have so many different nationalities here, French, Dutch, Germans, Romanians, Canadians, British, etc etc.. lots of differents choices of food, The American dining facility is called " Niagara" and the British one is called "Cambridge". All of the facilities are open to all Soldiers regardless of which of the NATO countries they represent!! This should be an interesting experience.
Robert
17 Feb 2010.
Saturday, February 13, 2010
Flight diversion to Baltimore
Military travel is exciting! After a wonderful night in Atlanta, 4.5 hours of sleep at the Hilton..Departure after hanging in the beautiful hanger of Omni International Airlines (government contracted), we had an emergency stop in Baltimore, One more wonderful night in an American hotel! Holiday Inn! However, I have already contacted T Mobile to disconnect from cell phone, go figure that one out! This is a great start to a wonderful military experience and adventure. Robert 02/13/2010
This is deja vu, I was stuck in Baltimore in 2004 on this same day at the same Holiday Inn after one week of Equal Opportunity Representative training at Detrick, Maryland. Second Valentine's Day in Baltimore alone, in this decade!! Go figure!
This is deja vu, I was stuck in Baltimore in 2004 on this same day at the same Holiday Inn after one week of Equal Opportunity Representative training at Detrick, Maryland. Second Valentine's Day in Baltimore alone, in this decade!! Go figure!
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Leaving from Ft Benning, Georgia
I will leave Ft Benning soon. A brief stop somewhere in the world...3 days in Kuwait City, should put me in Kandahar in the middle of next week. I shot expert today with my M9 -9MM handgun. I have more military equipment then I know what to do with (4 bags full). We are the best equipped, best trained military in the world!! FYI, my handgun is Only used for personal protection. By Geneva Convention, medical military officers only use weapons for personal protection and protection of their patients.
This week has been exciting, my fellow U.S. Military brothers and sisters and I are well prepared for our various missions. We are ARMY STRONG!
Until next time...
This week has been exciting, my fellow U.S. Military brothers and sisters and I are well prepared for our various missions. We are ARMY STRONG!
Until next time...
Friday, February 05, 2010
Starting Training in Georgia
Today, I arrived in Georgia to start one week of deployment training. I departed Washington DC ahead of the snow storm. Let it snow!
Tuesday, February 02, 2010
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