Focus
I certainly can't complain about the weather here. It's been in the upper 50s during the day and lower 20s at night. At least there has not been a significant amount of rain, and that suits me just fine. FOB Spin Boldak is actually two FOBs. Let me explain. Initially, the Canadian
Focus
We left FOB Spin Boldak at around 1300 and headed for a little place called Lwar Kalay. A farmer there claimed that a 155mm shell had landed in his compound and killed a number of his sheep. Under the command of 1Lt. Patrick Kohler, 1st Platoon would conduct a consequent management mission
Focus
The goal was to render humanitarian assistance to poor Afghanis. Under the command of Lt. Josh Martin, 2nd Platoon would head to the villages of Martsenzai and Haji Satan Klaey. Accompanying the platoon was a pickup truck with four Afghan Border Patrol (ABP) soldiers. After about a 90-minute ride, our six Strykers
Archives
There is a four-step process by which veterans can receive a disability from the Veterans Health Administration for post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD. First, tell the truth. That's right - don't lie to the VA. The folks who work there are not stupid. They know that veterans need the VA's help; they
Focus
The main attraction here at Kandahar Air Field is the bazaar that is held each Saturday morning. Hundreds of Afghani vendors show up and present their wares for sale. It seemed, too, that most of the military members from the NATO nations showed up to look over the merchandise. Each vendor arrived
Resources
Soldiers such as 1st Sgt. Abby West ensure that troops on the front line get the supplies they need. "I transport supplies, personnel, ammunition ... anything that needs to keep our soldiers in the fight," said West as she sipped a cup of water. "We're not just dumb truck drivers; we're
Focus
Enjoy. We'll post John's next update Wednesday afternoon, plus another photo album at the end of the week. Look inside the Ranger newspaper on Thursday for more stories and photos. If photos are a ? below, click on them, they work.
Focus
Lt. Col. Jon Neumann and Sergeant Major Peter Smith, 1st Battalion, 17th Infantry Regiment, know how to thank those who have helped their soldiers out of a number of tight spots. "I can't begin to tell you how much we owe the guys in the 1st Squadron, 17th Cavalry," said Smith
Deals
Talk about getting the boot. Except this one is all about supporting wounded soldiers returning from Iraq and Afghanistan. "It's a real good deal," commented Regis Jackson as he held up a My Good Dog's Chewy toy. The toy features a red, white and blue shoe sole with an attached throwing/tugging lanyard. Quabaug Corporation
Focus
William Carroll exudes a "just the facts, please" attitude as he goes about his responsibilities as an Army reservist and college student. A non-commissioned officer (NCO) assigned to drill sergeant unit in Renton, Carroll served six years on active duty and served two tours of duty in Iraq. He knows the value
Health
Understanding TRICARE medical benefits is a difficult task at best. Surveys document that most service members and their families are confused by TRICARE. "I was active duty for eight years," commented Rebecca Zimmerman, "and I never understood what it was all about." What follows is a general primer designed to help active duty
Focus
Friday, December 11, 2009 With over 20,000 soldiers, airmen, sailors and Marines at Kandahar Air Field from 17 different countries, Kandahar Air Field (KAF) is a multicultural mix of languages, food and customs. For example, one of the dining facilities, otherwise known as a DFAC, caters to the British. Another eating-place, called
Focus
Monday, December 7 - Pearl Harbor Day I spend most of the day with First Sergeant Henry Ortega of Headquarters and Headquarters Company (HHC), 402nd Brigade Support Battalion (BSB), 5th Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division. A quiet but strong and very intelligent leader, Ortega outlined for me what the BSB's mission is as
Focus
Updated Christmas Eve To Mark & Debbi Mullenioux: Happy Anniversary and Happy Holidays. Spc. Kasey Mullenioux To Phil & Rosi Holden: Merry Christmas. I love you very much. How's my swoop? Pfc. Jayson Holden To Sue Hall & Nia Offerman: Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. I love you. SFC Brandy Offerman To Family
Focus
Master Sgt. Tabatha Bennett is fair, honest, tenacious and keenly aware of the fact that she sets an example for enlisted service members to follow. “I lead by example,” said the recruiting office supervisor for the Washington Air National Guard (WANG) as she sat with her daughter in a local coffee
Archives
A person who is the model of perfection - either spiritual or secular - is called a saint. Regardless of an individual's beliefs, saints offer believers a means by which to find a sense of safety. It is this sense of comfort, a belief that everything is going to work out
Focus
Sgt. Rachel Strong exemplifies the finest qualities of what a citizen-soldier contributes to society. “She’s an outstanding soldier,” wrote Lt. Keith Kosik, a Guard spokesman, in an e-mail. “She is an outstanding example of the citizen-soldier.” Serving for the past five years with the 341st Military Intelligence Battalion, 96th Troop Command, Washington
Education
Sione Potoa'e is the epitome of the student-athlete. He is also a first class gentleman. In the classroom, he carries a 3.0 grade point average. When he graduates from high school, he aspires to continue to play football and earn his college degree in a business related field. A standout defensive end of
