Afghanistan My Last Tour

I was once told never to volunteer for anything.  This is one piece of advice I’ve always ignored.  Instead I look for unique opportunities because they can become rewarding.  So when the Public Affairs Officer (PAO) offered me a chance to embark on a 6 day Village Medical Operation (VMO) mission as the PA representative, I immediately seized the offer.

Primary mission:  Establish medical aid clinics at remote villages and render medical care to the local residents.  In addition to US doctors, several Afghan practitioners would accompany us.  Secondary mission:  To transport logistics including 3 mobile aid stations for the ANA so they can provide care to their soldiers.  Our convoy consisted of over 2 dozen vehicles.  To plan, let alone execute this mission would be a logistical challenge.  My mission:  Capture everything with a camera and forward to ANA, US military channels, and my personal blog.

This was the first time I ever rode in the back of a Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicle.  Race car straps would be used to secure me to my seat.  My crew consisted of 3 Marines and an Army doctor.  On the way down through the J-Bad pass, the truck hauling the forklift had problems with its brakes locking up.  This only slowed traffic to a crawl and made our trip this much longer.

Football game between Army and Marines at remote FOB

We finally arrived at remote FOB nestled in the Uzbin Valley.  The Marines were engaged in a friendly game of football with the Army and I recognized a familiar face.  It was Emily and she greeted me with a wagging tail and then started chewing on my arm.  The FOB residents play rough with her and now she has become a bit aggressive.  A piece of beef jerky fell from my hand and quelled her biting habit.

Emily, the camp puppy, who is all grown up now

At the Combat Outpost (COP), a large contingent of French were in defensive positions with mortars and armored vehicles.  One of their patrol vehicles broke down and they would have to guard it for the night.  They were also providing protection for the airdrop.  The COP relies on airdrops for food, fuel, and supplies.  A C-130 flew overhead and then circled around the nearby villages.  This was the cue for the local residents to gather.  As soon as the parachutes deployed,

Supplies being air dropped

the enemy on the ridge line took potshots at the chutes and fuel barrels.  The French yelled they were shooting at us and we took cover.  Meanwhile the barrels landed and a race commenced.  The military sped toward the barrels in HMMVWs and trailers and the villagers sprinted on foot.  After the chutes are released the villagers take the ropes and chutes for their own uses.  I sought cover during the firing and was unable to take pictures but witnessed it by peering over a Hesco barrier.

Later that night the cooking pit was fired up in preparation for a hot meal.  The Marine “Master Guns” (E-9) arranged with our DFAC to supply some steaks, rice, succotash, and salad.  Note:  This stone pit is where the soldiers cook all of their meals if they want a hot meal.  Their vehicle mechanic is the main cook for the FOB.  Anyhow, A-1 Steak Sauce was used as the marinade and the steaks were delicious!

Our delicious steaks

Later that night we set up our cots and sleeping bags.  My team didn’t bother with a tarp and we slept under the stars.  Approximately 0330 hrs, the French launched 2 phosphorous flares from their mortar tubes.  Despite being protected by a Hesco barrier wall, the sound was deafening and made me rise up on my cot.  After figuring out it was outgoing fire, I resumed sleeping.

Note from Liisa, SMSgt Temple’s wife: Internet connection is really bad today and Rex could not attach photos to an e-mail or upload them to the blog; he hopes to have amazing photos to post tomorrow as well as more blog entries from this 6 day mission.

Filed under: Missions, Uncategorized Tagged: | Afghanistan, combat outpost, COP, Deployment, FOB, grilling on open fire, J-Bad Pass, medical mission, MRAP, stone pit, U.S. Air Force, U.S. Army, Uzbin Valley, war