Monday, September 27, 2010
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Morning of the Attack
Our search that morning for any taliban that might of made it on base.
The al Qaeda-linked Haqqani Network lost more than 30 fighters and a commander during their Aug. 28 attack. US and Afghan troops killed more than 30 Haqqani Network insurgents during the early-morning assault on FOB's Salerno and Chapman. Thirteen of of those killed were wearing suicide vests.
After the fighting, we capitalized on intelligence tips and captured a Haqqani Network commander who was involved in planning the attacks.
I don't think they get it!!! These attack have become little more than exercises in target practice here, They show up, we watch them on our cameras, and then we kill them.
The al Qaeda-linked Haqqani Network lost more than 30 fighters and a commander during their Aug. 28 attack. US and Afghan troops killed more than 30 Haqqani Network insurgents during the early-morning assault on FOB's Salerno and Chapman. Thirteen of of those killed were wearing suicide vests.
After the fighting, we capitalized on intelligence tips and captured a Haqqani Network commander who was involved in planning the attacks.
I don't think they get it!!! These attack have become little more than exercises in target practice here, They show up, we watch them on our cameras, and then we kill them.
Saturday, August 28, 2010
They Attacked.
Just want you to know that Im doing fine.
Around 50 Insurgents attacked us and some were disguised as American soldiers. Some were armed with suicide vests but were killed before they set them off. One truck full of explosives got stuck in the mud and never made it to our front gate. They managed to breach our perimeter by cutting through it but never got anywhere after that before they were killed.
What a Crazy day it has been. Im proud of our quick response and our soldiers fortitude during this time. I saw many brave and selfless actions. GO US..
The assault began at about 4 a.m., and i was awakened by apache Helicopters right above my living quarters firing at them
Dozens of Taliban fighters, some wearing U.S. military uniforms, launched simultaneous attacks on us here in Salerno and our sister city Chapman (30 min down the road).
They fired mortars and rockets, Rocket propelled grenades and guns, two insurgents entered FOB Salerno by cutting a hole in our fence, No Afghan or U.S. troops died in the assault, but four NATO troops and an Afghan policeman was wounded, and a 12-year-old Afghan boy was killed.
Our response to the attack was swift and deadly. We killed about 15 insurgents here and six at FOB Chapman. There was no damage to our FOB that I could see.
Around 50 Insurgents attacked us and some were disguised as American soldiers. Some were armed with suicide vests but were killed before they set them off. One truck full of explosives got stuck in the mud and never made it to our front gate. They managed to breach our perimeter by cutting through it but never got anywhere after that before they were killed.
What a Crazy day it has been. Im proud of our quick response and our soldiers fortitude during this time. I saw many brave and selfless actions. GO US..
The assault began at about 4 a.m., and i was awakened by apache Helicopters right above my living quarters firing at them
Dozens of Taliban fighters, some wearing U.S. military uniforms, launched simultaneous attacks on us here in Salerno and our sister city Chapman (30 min down the road).
They fired mortars and rockets, Rocket propelled grenades and guns, two insurgents entered FOB Salerno by cutting a hole in our fence, No Afghan or U.S. troops died in the assault, but four NATO troops and an Afghan policeman was wounded, and a 12-year-old Afghan boy was killed.
Our response to the attack was swift and deadly. We killed about 15 insurgents here and six at FOB Chapman. There was no damage to our FOB that I could see.
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Monday, August 23, 2010
Sunday, August 8, 2010
Back Gate
Here is the back gate leading to the city of Khowst right outside the FOB. The valley of Khowst is closed to the West with a long mountain chain with peaks that go over 3,000 m. Through this runs for about 90km the road to Gardez, which is considered extremely dangerous due to the risk of ambush.
During the Soviet-Afghan War, Khost was the object of a siege which lasted for more than than eight years. Soon after the invasion of Afghanistan by Soviet troops, Afghan guerillas took control of the only land route between Khost and Gardez, effectively putting a stop to the Soviet advance.
During the assault on the Zhawar Kili Cave complex, the Soviet used the Khowst airfield as an initial staging ground to insert troops into the combat zone, using Mi-8 armed helicopter transport ships.
Khost has been American territory since 2001, as it is in eastern Afghanistan it was a hotbed for insurgent activity attempting to dislodge the American forces there. Like most every other province Khost is home to manuever forces and a PRT, manuever forces wage war against insurgents and assist the ANA and ANP in operations while PRT's handle the reconstruction aspects.
In Early 2007 Lieutenant Colonel Scottie D. Custer of the 82nd Airborne Division, saw that the best way to limit insurgent activity in Khost was to forward deploy some 187 paratroopers under his command to Force Protection Facilites (FPF's) in Khost's various district centers next to the sub-governors mansions so they could both protect them and maintain a visible presence in population centers as well as help mentor ANA and ANP units operating across Khost.
FPF's have 18-inch thick stone walls, sleeping quarters for officers and enlisted personnel, a rec room with a flat-panel television, a gym, a kitchen, modest bathing facilities and six of the eight offered internet, so paratroopers can more easily keep in touch with family keeping morale high.
The FPF's brought a broader sense of security and prosperity to the areas near where they were constructed, bazaar's, shops, and gas stations all improve the quality of life for the locals. The Mandozai FPF in Khost had a medical clinic attached to further assist Afghan's in need of basic medical assistance. The offices of Khosts various sub-governors had even seen increased activity as Afghan's went there to settle disputes and voice concerns instead of going through what had been traditionally tribal channels and bribes cutting down on sectarian suspicion and strife.
Throughout 2007 and 2008 roads had been improved, businesses were springing up and and schools were being built, at least 50 in 2007 alone with another 25 planned for 2008. A new airport was under construction as the Khost Airfield was used by the US Military creating new opportunities and jobs.
During the Soviet-Afghan War, Khost was the object of a siege which lasted for more than than eight years. Soon after the invasion of Afghanistan by Soviet troops, Afghan guerillas took control of the only land route between Khost and Gardez, effectively putting a stop to the Soviet advance.
During the assault on the Zhawar Kili Cave complex, the Soviet used the Khowst airfield as an initial staging ground to insert troops into the combat zone, using Mi-8 armed helicopter transport ships.
Khost has been American territory since 2001, as it is in eastern Afghanistan it was a hotbed for insurgent activity attempting to dislodge the American forces there. Like most every other province Khost is home to manuever forces and a PRT, manuever forces wage war against insurgents and assist the ANA and ANP in operations while PRT's handle the reconstruction aspects.
In Early 2007 Lieutenant Colonel Scottie D. Custer of the 82nd Airborne Division, saw that the best way to limit insurgent activity in Khost was to forward deploy some 187 paratroopers under his command to Force Protection Facilites (FPF's) in Khost's various district centers next to the sub-governors mansions so they could both protect them and maintain a visible presence in population centers as well as help mentor ANA and ANP units operating across Khost.
FPF's have 18-inch thick stone walls, sleeping quarters for officers and enlisted personnel, a rec room with a flat-panel television, a gym, a kitchen, modest bathing facilities and six of the eight offered internet, so paratroopers can more easily keep in touch with family keeping morale high.
The FPF's brought a broader sense of security and prosperity to the areas near where they were constructed, bazaar's, shops, and gas stations all improve the quality of life for the locals. The Mandozai FPF in Khost had a medical clinic attached to further assist Afghan's in need of basic medical assistance. The offices of Khosts various sub-governors had even seen increased activity as Afghan's went there to settle disputes and voice concerns instead of going through what had been traditionally tribal channels and bribes cutting down on sectarian suspicion and strife.
Throughout 2007 and 2008 roads had been improved, businesses were springing up and and schools were being built, at least 50 in 2007 alone with another 25 planned for 2008. A new airport was under construction as the Khost Airfield was used by the US Military creating new opportunities and jobs.
Friday, July 30, 2010
Our Church
Church is only 2 hours long here. And we get to wear what ever we want. PT(gym) shorts are the latest fashion.
Volleyball, Basketball, and Gym under the big brown tent
This is where we usually will hang out and play in the evenings.
The Clinic
My clinic in the hospital consists of: one dental chair, one dental assistant, one incredible light, and for all my wonderfull staff note the unit at the back of PFC Camacho. Its a suction, air, handpiece control unit all in one. of course the handpiece runs all the time non stop and the suction is only strong enough when the surgical suction tip is in. Yes drownings are frequent with fillings. Really makes you appreciate a good office. Miss you guys.....
Our Great Medics at the Hospital
Our great medics here at the hospital are there day and night directing traffic for incoming hurt soldiers.
Sunday, July 25, 2010
Finally
Well Im finally in Salerno. It only took a week to get here but i made it. Because of the amount of Soldiers coming in and out of the theater of operation, flights in and out of BAB (Baghram Airforce Base) are difficult. So I was stuck there for 4 days trying to get a space A flight over the mountain into Salerno. Salerno is in Khost and is in between mountain ranges. Ill send pics in my next post. Thanks for all the support.
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Sunday, July 18, 2010
Kuwait
Saturday, July 17, 2010
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