One Marine's View

Sandwich ninja

So we are moving around some and I stopped to enjoy an Army chow hall. You know, have a sandwich and real cold cuts and try to live like the other half…There I am minding my business and trying to get a piece of Swiss cheese for my sandwich when this third country national that was apparently on some sort of time trials to restock the cheese in the sandwich bar damn near scissor kicked my ass when I reached for a slice.

One dog, One Marine, One mission

(This story by MEF PAO strikes close to home as it transpired close our operations) Dogs work in many ways throughout the area and the below story is yet another example of the great work they continue to do-enjoy with a stoag)

 

 

Helmand province, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan – Worse than turbulence, their truck sways side to side and bumps up and down along a path in Afghanistan. What would be an intolerable ride for most is just something Lance Cpl. Paul N. Krist, a dog handler for 2^nd Combat Engineer Battalion and his dog Max have accepted as part of the job.

Too quiet

Its been in the high 100s lately and there isnt any end in sight until today there areclouds and rain. A very nice break as you can be outside and not have a 3rd degree burn. All is quiet throughout the area as most are farming. This wont last for long as the crops awill ge harvested and before you know it, things will be frisky again. Its quiet, too quiet...Time for a stoagy!

Marines & Ospreys in Afghanistan

  

US Marines disembark from an Osprey aircraft in Helmand province, southern Afghanistan.  AFP/ Norr Mohammad.

Taking the fight to the enemy in ways the badguys never thought we would. The Marine Air Ground Team- Time for a stoag!

IED Sweep

The below link has some good footage of what its like to patrol in the 100 + heat and look for IEDs.

http://www.bing.com/videos/watch/video/afghan-ied-sweep/26dn7eua?from=sharepermalink

Watch it.......then have a stoagy!!! Semper Fi

A child watches....

 

A child watches U.S. Marines from Lima Company, 3rd Battalion, 6th Marines conduct searches in a residential compound during a patrol around the area of Karez-e-Sayyidi, Helmand province, April 13, 2010.  REUTERS/Asmaa Waguih

There are many times we influence villages and the people within them. Marines, no better friend, no worse enemy.

Time for a stoag.

 

120 Days of Wind in Afghanistan

 It sweeps across Afghanistan's desert steppes and mountains at speeds that can top 100 mph, pummeling the country relentlessly with sand and dust.
Known as "The Wind of 120 days," the phenomenon is a blessing and curse for the millions of people who live in its path.

"We have a saying," said Bagram resident Mohammad Safa, 54. "If you eat poison little by little, eventually you'll get used to it."

The winds usually blow between June and September, they have arrived early this year , making it difficult to see and sometimes hard to breathe. But in the dry summer heat, they also ease the sweltering.

 

Afghani farmers and.....Marines

U.S. Marines from Lima Company, 3rd Battalion, 6th Marines walk past Afghanis working in poppy fields during a patrol in Karez-e-Sayyidi, Helmand province, April 10, 2010.  REUTERS/Asmaa Waguih

 
As the locals continue to work their crops, Marine patrols as usual, make their way through the local farms to keep the enemy off step. The harvest season is in full swing now and before long they will be selling their product. Marines continue to pursue the enemy and keep them at bay. Im not working the crops.....so its time for a stoagy!!! Semper Fi

Afghanistan's innocent

 

Afghans most innocent, protected by America’s strongest….the heroes daily task continues as it’s not always the extremist you run into. More often it’s these locals that get caught in the crossfire and try to make a living in this place. Be grateful for what you have.  They are…

A HOT ONE today..

For all that is holy, it was hot today. We attended a few key leader engagements (meetings with locals) and when we came back my uniform was soaked. I’m not bitching, just describing it to you as there are hundreds of young studs out doing this daily without letting up. You know you are sweating when your boot laces are wet from the sweat running down your legs. I’ve downed 3 bottles of water and don’t have to go to the head….sorry kidneys.  Guess that pot of coffee this morning wasn’t the best call. A cigar should help…