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From: Do, Michael USA CPT USA TF Castle S5 CMO
Date: Fri, Feb 20, 2009 at 1:16 AM
Subject: Deployment Update #7
Classification: UNCLASSIFIED
Caveats: NONE
Hello Everyone!
Hope all is well. Did I tell you how much I hate the cold weather of
Afghanistan in my last update? If so, then I'll say it again, I still
hate the cold weather of Afghanistan. :-) The weather has been
terrible these past weeks. Walking in the snow just to use the
bathroom/shower is no fun at all. In fact, it's not even walking; it's
more like running because it's so cold.
Well, I know I have been clogging up your inbox with my deployment
updates during the past year but not to worry, just want to say that
this will be my LAST updates. I know you might be disappointed but my
vacation is about over and I am redeploying back to the great USA soon.
I thought I'd be able to work on my tan here but it didn't work. So
when I get home, I'll be going on a REAL vacation and working on my tan.
It's for real this time! :-)
Our replacement unit has arrived and we're beginning the transition for
redeployment. It was a great tour but I'm ready to go home. I can't
wait to go back and enjoy good food, good HOT shower, and just really
get my life back again and not have to worry about people shooting at
me.
On a more serious note, I hope that my updates have been very
informative for you. You have gotten a chance to get an idea of the war
in Afghanistan through my updates. But keep in mind; my updates were
based on my experiences only since everyone has their own experiences
and war stories to tell.
Since my time here, I have seen the good, the bad, and the ugly that
goes along with war. I've seen the tremendous sacrifices made by our
soldiers and let me tell you, it is truly amazing. I have seen a lot of
good things accomplished by our soldiers for the benefit of the citizens
of Afghanistan. Projects such as schools that we've renovated and
built, bridges, clinics, and hospitals go a long way in helping the
Afghans to realize their potential for a better future. My biggest
accomplishment during this tour was implementing our engineer skills
labor workshop initiative. This workshop taught basic construction
skills to local Afghans with no prior knowledge of construction and then
bring them to a competency level of being able to construct bridges,
buildings, and other infrastructures is a tremendous step towards
creating the skills labor capacitance that will one day provide for a
self reliant Afghanistan with a self sustaining economy free of military
support.
Over the past year, I have seen our brave soldiers, airmen, sailors,
and marines fought the good fight for a free democratic Afghanistan but
at the same time, protecting and preserving our country's freedom and
way of life. For those soldiers who ultimately gave their full measure
of devotion to duty for our country, I salute them as they are truly our
heroes. I'm certainly glad to be going home and also glad to have made
it back in one piece, hopefully. I still have a couple short weeks left
and let me tell you, I'm not in the clear until I get on a plane and
actually fly out of this combat zone. I've seen some crazy things
happen before. Until then, hopefully, my Taliban friends will leave me
alone and not shoot at me. :-)
When I get back, my next duty assignment takes me as Commander, 387th
Engineer Company of the 244th Engineer Combat Battalion, 420th Engineer
Brigade, 416th Theater Engineer Command. I have had the privilege of
serving on staff assignments for the last 4 years working for three
different generals, but I'm ready to go back to the company level and
lead troops again. It'll be an honor and a privilege to have the
opportunity to lead America's sons and daughters as their commander.
You're all invited to the change of command ceremony if you are able to
attend.
Finally, to all who have graciously supported me and the soldiers of
Combined Task Force Castle, much thanks! Your kindness and generosity
through your care packages have definitely boosted our morale and help
make the deployment a more wonderful experience. Again, much thanks and
see you all soon!
God bless our great USA and our soldiers, marines, airmen, and sailors
who are in harm's way!
Michael
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