Afghanistan My Last Tour

I’m not sure when Benjamin Franklin created the US Postal Service, he envisioned US mail being transported by armored HMMVWs and protected by machine guns.  But that is one of the methods used to transport mail to the awaiting soldiers in remote combat outposts and camps throughout Afghanistan.  Today’s mission was to retrieve the mail and take care of some additional administrative business.  For me, it was an optimal opportunity to get my chipped tooth filled.

Capt gives SSgt Richard Brown a certificate of appreciation.

Before we departed on our mission, the Captain wanted to present SSgt Richard Brown a certificate of appreciation for his hard work and mentoring these past 6 months.  SSgt Brown is returning home to the United States and if his flights go as planned, he will be home in time to comfort his wife while she gives birth to their baby. (Hold on a few days Mrs. Brown, your husband will be there shortly).

Yesterday, the Muslim world including Afghanistan celebrated Eid Al Adha festival.  This holiday occurs a day after the annual pilgrimage (Hajj) to Mecca in Saudi Arabia.  According to Islamic history, this holiday commemorates the trials of Prophet Ibrahaim (Abraham) when he was ordered by Allah (God) to sacrifice his only son Ismael (Isaac).  So today, the Muslims honor this by slaughtering their best goat, sheep, cow, or camel.  One third of the animal is eaten by the immediate family, one third is given away to friends and relatives, and one third of the meat is donated to the poor people.  This is also a time when Muslims visit others houses and exchange greetings and gifts.

Due to the holiday celebration, our convoy was able to breeze through the city in half the amount of time it normally takes us.  There were very few cars on the normally congested streets and highways.  Most of the shops in the market area were closed and only handfuls of people could be seen walking about.  We arrived at our destination and while the team was busy loading the mail, I went to the dreaded dentist’s office.

Previously I chipped a tooth due to a rollerblading accident and had it filled by the dentist at MacDill AFB in Florida.  Somehow the filling worked loose and I was left with a sharp tooth and a gap between my teeth.  I was dreading going on vacation with this gaping hole between my teeth.  But the female Army Major relieved my fears and humored me while she fixed my tooth.

More school supplies.

I peeked in the back of the trailer and saw a lot of boxes and several of them had my name on it.  I am still receiving lots of school supplies from throughout the US.  Today’s boxes originated from my hometown church in Pennsylvania.  I also received a large shipment from Debra Byrd, Tupelo, MS along with some more boxes from St Martin High School, Ocean Springs, MS.  I guess I need to start planning some HA distributions.  But first, I am leaving this country soon and meet my wife in Germany for a 2-week vacation.  Then after I return and my batteries are energized, I will resume distributing supplies to the local and remote schools.  Thanks to everyone for supporting this worthwhile project!!!

Filed under: Missions, School supplies project | Tagged: Afghanistan, Deployment, ETT, photography, picking up mail, SSgt Richard Brown, war