Radio story June 22, 2009

Latest chat with WUSF Radio 89.7 FM’s reporter Bobbie O’Brien about the medical mission. Click on the link below to listen to it. My Last Tour: Medical Mission

June 09 Medical mission photo slide show

Here are about 70 photos from the medical mission to Afghanya, Uzbin, and Taghab Valleys June 12-18, 2009. If you would like to have the photos change faster, click on the plus sign in the bottom left corner of the slide show until you reach the desired speed.

Going back to home camp

It was a long 6 days on the road outside the wire (OTW).   We traveled 215 miles on the bumpiest and narrowest roads to provide medical care for village residents. Our team delivered 98 tons of medical equipment and supplies to the ANA in the form of mobile (M.A.S.H.) units.  We endured brutal rides in [...]

Day 6 of Medical Mission

Everyone was exhausted last night and went to bed early.  I stayed awake until 1130 pm perched on my cot writing my memos.  Around 0330 hrs a pack of stray dogs were barking incessantly.  Then around 0415 hours the Mullah started broadcasting his sermon and prayer music.  I lay in my cot and struggled to [...]

Mission Day 5 – Into Afghanya Valley

Another early rise at 0430 hours.  I woke up at 0330 hours due to the prayer music being blared over the loudspeakers.  Blueberry Pop Tart and Famous Amos chocolate bit cookies for breakfast….yum…yum.  Not necessarily the breakfast of champions, but it will suffice until I can chow down an MRE at lunch time.  Prior to [...]

Mission Days 3 & 4: Leaving COP Rocco for Alah Say Valley

Day 3 VMO Mission: We disassembled our tarps, folded our cots, packed our bags and equipment and set out for the next leg of our journey.  Little did I know how brutal and punishing the roads would be.  To compound the misery, the flatbed hauling the 10K forklift was inoperable.  So following the forklift to [...]

Day 2 Village Medical mission

Our doctors along with several Afghan NGO doctors set up their supplies in a crude and rustic concrete building divided by several rooms.  The outlying villages were informed of our presence.  The biggest problem these villagers face is lack of medicine.  They are unable to purchase or have access to antibiotics, aspirin, topical creams or [...]

Day 1 – Medical Mission to Uzbin Valley

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, [...]

Photo slide show June 8-12, 2009

Here are all the photos from June 8 through June 12, 2009. If you would like to have the photos change faster, click on the plus sign in the bottom left corner of the slide show until you reach the desired speed.

Top Things Not To Say To The Spouse of a Deployed Soldier

From Liisa, SMSgt Temple’s wife: Rex is out today on a mission. Meanwhile I found this series online in a blog written by Army Captain Richard Connaroe. He had asked his wife and some of her friends to come up with helpful tips for civilians who find themselves dealing with a military spouse during a [...]

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