Huge Thank You's to Soldier's Angels!!!

So there we were..(all good stories have to start that way)...but there we were....long crazy day, was getting a bit crazier and I walked back into the office. Sitting on my desk was two large boxes from Soldier's Angels filled with Coffee, two awesome Soldier's Angels Coffee Mugs, and a host of well wishes and support from home!! I can't even begin to tell you how far that went to making the day so much better. Well maybe you can see from the smiles around the room. (Yes I know the picture is a little blurry, I'll upload a better one tomorrow)

But the story doesn't end here. You see, Soldier's Angels is doing this everyday, many multiple times a day, all over the world, for our brave young men and women. They never ask for anything, but are always there offering their support. I can not count how many times I have heard from the Troops how much it means to them, and how thankful they are for what you do.

So tonight, from Kabul, I would like to send my personal thanks, and the thanks of the ISAF Joint Command Future Plans Team to Soldier's Angels. Thank you for our wonderful coffee, thank you for the wonderful well-wishes from home, and thank you very much for all that you do everyday for our Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, and Coast Guard.

God Bless Soldier's Angels and May God Bless The United States of America

Bryan

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What Hasn't Changed....

Last post I wrote on how much has changed, and for the better. Tonight I wanted to write about what hasn't changed. You see, I am struck sometimes by certain scenes that play out in front of me.

Take the example of walking by and seeing a group of Soldiers crowded around water bottle boxes playing cards, or the Soldiers who have befriended the puppy. I am almost thrown back to remembering photos and stories told by my Grandparents or my Father about World War Two or Vietnam.

But there are even more poignant scenes than that. The vision of the young Medic holding the Iraqi child in his arms after an explosion. Children hiding behind US Soldiers after an explosion in a crowded market place because they know where they are safe. Photos from Operation Marjah of young Marines under fire, and at the same time protecting Afghan civilians caught in the cross fire. Any one of these scenes could have been taken from present day, Vietnam, Korea, World War Two, or we can keep going back all the way to the Revolutionary War.

My point is, we do not have an unbelievable Military Force because of our technology, or our budget to buy lots of equipment. We have an unbelievable Military Force because of America's Sons and Daughters serving in it. That is what makes it so special, and that has not changed throughout the years. The same dedication to excellence, dedication to the mission, and caring for your fellow human being is just as alive and strong today as it was in years past. They are truly Heros.

God Bless America

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Afghanistan Update 14FEB10

While I am finishing my next blog post, I wanted to send a quick roll up of news coverage of Afghanistan.

From ISAF (Operation Moshtarak): http://www.isaf.nato.int/en/article/news/initial-key-objectives-of-operation-moshtarak-achieved.html

From ISAF (Operation Moshtarak): http://www.isaf.nato.int/en/article/news/operation-moshtarak-update.html

From ISAF (30 Days Through Afghanistan): http://www.isaf.nato.int/en/article/news/30-days-through-afghanistan-3.html

From BBC (Operation Moshtarak): http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/8515163.stm


God Bless America

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What Has Changed....And For The Better!

Wow....that took a lot longer than I thought! Its been almost two months since I posted that I was taking a sabbatical. Since I got back to Afghanistan I have told myself time and time again, "I'm going to write today", and it never happened. One thing would lead to another, and before you knew it, I was falling asleep, drooling on myself. OK, I know not the best mental image, but accurate.....

So here we are. I have written a number of times about why Afghanistan matters. But tonight I wanted to take a quick trip down a peudo memory lane and tell you what has changed and why its a very good thing it has.

First off, when I left last time, we (ISAF) were firmly in the lead conducting operations. I am quite happy to see that the Afghans are now the ones in the lead completely partnered with ISAF. For example, last time if there was something to do, we would plan it, and tell them what was to be done. Now, they are the ones planning with us, working with us every step of the way, and executing operations. People talk a lot about partnering, but I can tell you that is exactly what is going on here. I could not be happier, because that is exactly what must be happening.

Secondly, when I left last time, we were very kinetic force oriented. Now, not that there is not a time for that, but this complex operational environment calls for a bit more. The whole of government approach that Commander ISAF and IJC are following is dead on the money. ISAF, with our partner nations, all branches and agencies, and most importantly the Afghan Government; working together synergistically are making a great deal of progress.

I know that is a short list, but it is the two most important elements that have jumped out at me from the very start. From the very moment I stepped off the plane, I could sense a difference, and that difference is a very positive one.

My morning updates are probably gone for awhile, but I will write at least twice a week on my thoughts and especially the good news stories that are going on here. I hope all of you had a wonderful holiday season, and are doing great!

God Bless America

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