Day Three

I woke up at 0830 very excited to start the day. I finally got a shower and was really ready to see what the Afghan Army guys were like. We left the office at noon, and walked to the ANA (Afghan National Army) camp. At the gate, we were greeted by our two interpreters, who were very happy and excited to see us. They are both great guys and very willing to do whatever we needed them to do to make things easier. I discovered that they are a lot like we are; they have families and go to school, and just try to make a living doing what they do just like we do. It’s very strange at first, because you have to be very careful what you say as far as family goes. We can ask about their children and their life, but cannot talk or ask about their wives. It’s really forbidden to talk about the wife of an Afghan man.

We made it to the building where the Afghan Army PA office was, and were greeted by the Afghan PA Captain and an Afghan E-7. The Afghan E-7 will be my guy, the video guy who is fully prepared to learn as much as he can from me. Initially, we were told that they will be reserved and won’t talk much about family and such. However, it was the total opposite for us. I talked about my wife and children to them, and showed them the photos I had of my kids. They talked about how beautiful they were, and were very surprised that I had a teenage daughter. The Afghan Captain asked if that was my wife at first, and he was shocked that she was my daughter. They pegged me for about 25 years old, and said I looked like a movie star. It was very flattering to hear of course, as they treated me like somewhat of a celebrity. Everyone who knows me knows that I’m a people person, so I’d like to think that my personality played a part in them feeling so comfortable around me. They were like that with all of us, as Capt Gerst and MSgt DeWitt are much like me in the way we act and how we view things. It was truly an amazing experience. We talked for a little bit, and then proceeded down to the Afghan Dining Facility for lunch. It was an interesting walk, as Sandy (our Public Affairs Officer) was with us, and the Afghan men react differently to women than most would expect. Sandy did wear a head cover, but it didn’t stop the 100’s of Afghan men from gawking at her as she walked by. We were warned that that would happen, but this was nothing like I would expect. They aren’t used to seeing women, let alone a woman walking around them at camp. Sandy often worries about them, as sometimes it makes her feel like they are angry that she’s there. More times than not, I think it’s just that they don’t see women very often. Regardless, we walked into the dining facility and sat down. An old Afghan man brought us trays of food that included rice, some sort of carrot stew, and a piece of bread. It was very good. People around us were staring, as we were the strangers here at the time. I do have to say that I was pretty proud of who I am and what I’m here for. More times than not, I think about the fact that my uniform says “Air Force” on it, and I’m proud of that. Today though, it was the “US” part of it that made me feel proud. My blood bleeds Air Force blue every day for sure, as I’m an American Airman and I’m proud of it…today, it bled Red, White, and Blue…and I’m proud to just be an American.

We got back to the Afghan PA office and sat down for more socializing. The Afghan E-7 poured us Chai Tea, as is a custom when gathering and socializing with Afghanis. We talked about expectations and all the things we were going to do. It was interesting because we had to use interpreters to convey our messages to them, but it wasn’t difficult at all like I expected. Conversations flowed smoothly, and that was a good sign for things to come. After my third cup of Chai Tea, we finally finished our meeting and got ready to leave. I asked if it was ok for us all to take a photo together and they all gladly obliged. I even got a photo of just me and the Afghan E-7 who is their video guy. I told him that I will make him the best, and he was very happy to hear that. I asked him if he knew “MTV” and when the interpreter told him what I said, he had a BIG smile on his face. I told him that he and I were going to make music videos together and he just loved it! The photos turned out great, and it was a great ending to our first meeting with them. We walked back to our camp and asked the interpreter what he thought their impression of us was. He said that the Afghan Captain told him he was very happy to have us and that we were very professional and friendly. That was good to hear. As we parted ways with the interpreter, I felt a sense of accomplishment; like I had already made a difference…and I haven’t taken a single piece of equipment out of my cases yet. For those that know me, you probably know what I’m thinking already – “they ain’t seen anything yet.”

The rest of the day was rather uneventful. I was able to check some e-mails and my facebook and see what’s going on with my family and the rest of my AF friends throughout the country. I finally got to the wood shop for some tools, hinges, and screws, and put that damn door up for my room. I’m getting there slowly, that’s for sure. I went to the Haji Market to get a light bulb for my lamp, and took the bag of movies and stuff that got locked in the office last night to my room before it happened again. Once I start watching Dexter, they may never see me again until I’m done! I’m in the office now, but headed to my room to wind down after an exhilarating day. There were times when I didn’t know whether to laugh or cry, smile or frown…I was so overwhelmed with all the opportunities that are out there for me and for the Afghanis, yet disappointed that potential barriers could prevent success. Its life in everything we do I guess…to feel success and failure and find ways to achieve one and avoid the other. This is an experience of a lifetime for me…and despite all I’ve seen and done in the past, I don’t think anything can compare. I’ll pray tonight for God to guide my way…to help me make a difference in the lives of these people, and help them live a better life. I’m optimistic about the future, and I hope it stays that way. Day three is nearing an end…177 more to go.