Since today was Liberation Day celebrating the Soviets departure, my ANA counterparts were off. I used this as an opportunity to catch up some administrative work. My Captain had Command Post duty, so I visited him and we worked on the paperwork together. He inspires me while I write bullets for decorations and evaluations. While [...]
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Apparently I raised a few eyebrows in my weekly WUSF radio interview when I voiced my opinion about my desire to revisit Afghanistan in the future. As a student of history, Afghanistan fascinates me with its varied culture, landscape, and archeological ruins. The problem is that it’s not safe for me or tourists to go [...]
Filed under: Uncategorized | Tagged: Afghanistan, Afghanistan A Companion and Guide, Bijan Omrani, Deployment, Matthew Leeming, MSgt Jerry Dameron, war | 1 Comment »
Last night after completing my TAC duty, I walked back to camp from ANA land. Shortly after arriving at my B-hut, it started to rain. The temperature was dropping and I was certain the freezing rain would turn into snow. When I awoke in the morning, my assumption was right. It was snowing and the [...]
Filed under: Uncategorized | Tagged: Afghanistan, camp dog, ETT, McCain, Palin, snow, U.S. Air Force, U.S. Army, war | 1 Comment »
In the past 9 months, I have met some colorful people in Afghanistan. They have appreciated my interest in their culture, history, and philosophy. As such, they provide me insights and stories you don’t read about in a book or newspapers. Over numerous cups of tea I find out some interesting stories or a sneak [...]
Filed under: Uncategorized | Tagged: Afghan National Army, Afghanistan, ANA, Badakhshan Province, Baharak, Deployment, ETT, Fahrad, love story, mentoring, Princess Shirin, tea, war | 2 Comments »
Some days I really don’t know what to write about. My day becomes routine and I consider the things I do rather mundane and uninteresting. But for my wife and family members and now seven hundred daily readers, anything I take a picture of or write about draws them closer and helps them understand my [...]
Filed under: Uncategorized | Tagged: Afghan National Army, Afghanistan, Ahmad Shah Massoud, ANA, Deployment, ETT, General Khotul, library, Lion of Panjshir, literacy, U.S. Air Force, war | 2 Comments »
For the past two days I have been in class learning about all the gauges, knobs, and devices on various MRAP models. So now I am certified on all 3 of the MRAPs to include the Max Pro, Cougar, and RG-31 models. The only one I haven’t trained on is the new MATV. But the [...]
Filed under: Uncategorized | Tagged: Afghan National Army, Afghanistan, ANA, Army, BAF, Cougar, Darulaman, Deployment, dog, ETT, Max Pro, MRAP, RG-31, U.S. Air Force, U.S. Army, war | 5 Comments »
Sounds like a catchy name for a movie or a thriller novel. But in this case, it is not. Forty two minutes could be a lot of time or a little bit of time. Two thousand, five hundred and 20 seconds, this is how much rest I got last night before being awakened and directed [...]
Filed under: Uncategorized | Tagged: Afghanistan, Deployment, ETT, Kite Runner, Mujahideen, night shift, Tactical Command Post, The Other Side of the Mountain | 1 Comment »
When soldiers walk past each other, first they look for officer/enlisted insignia and then their eyes gravitate towards the right shoulder sleeve in search of a combat patch; the patch worn on the left sleeve is worn as the unit patch. It wasn’t until I was assigned to an Army unit, I became aware of [...]
Filed under: Uncategorized | Tagged: 173rd Airborne, 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team, 8th of November, Afghanistan, Big & Rich, combat patch, Deployment, ETT, HMMVW, Sky Soldiers, U.S. Air Force, U.S. Army, Vicenza | 10 Comments »
From Liisa, SMSgt Temple’s wife: Rex is having severe Internet problems tonight. So no blog entry.
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It was an exciting day for an AF MSgt on our team. He was being promoted to SMSgt (E-8) effective at midnight. In honor of his wishes, he requested a rather unique pinning ceremony. The ANA General and our Brigade Commander (Marine LTC) would have the honor of tacking on his future stripes. We started [...]
Filed under: Uncategorized | Tagged: Afghan National Army, Afghanistan, Blue Moon, Deployment, ETT, photography, promotions ceremony, SMSgt, U.S. Air Force, war | 3 Comments »
