As I review and edit the book, I stumble through numerous contemplations. I thought I would share one…. …A few days had passed, and I tried to function. I was a stick in the family spokes of progress. They were functioning without me. Yesterday, the important decisions were about life and death— identifying Taliban, evacuating … More Book is getting close…
OP DEVIL STRIKE The planning and briefings were all complete. We were well rested and prepared for the mission. All contingencies considered and coordination complete. Throttles were winding up and the sound of the griffon’s rotors was stirring the air on the dark KAF ramp…. “Prof, you good to go?” I radioed. “26 is … More 15B. OP DEVIL STRIKE…the pick up
OP DEVIL STRIKE “One Minute, hustle! We’re waiting.” I left the tent splashing my MOAC yelling at Arnie. MOAC stood for Mother-Of-All-Coffees. It was a Green Bean special that was available 24 hours a day on the boardwalk; the ideal motivational drink for a late night/early morning mission. It was a twenty-eight ounce dark roast … More 15A. OP DEVIL STRIKE
“Shit…did you guys feel that?” I exclaimed. “Yup, everything seems okay in here, I saw a flash toward 3 mile mountain.” Irish reported. 3 mile mountain, as it’s named, is three miles north of KAF separating KAF from Kandahar City, which was eight miles north from the airport. Many of the rocket attacks on base … More 14E… Crappy for Scrappy
When I last left off my (fictional story based on true events), I had gone to operations to chat with Scrappy. We had a discussion over his lack of sleep and taking up residence in the TOC. He brushed it off and rewarded me the an ‘almost daily’ pull up competition; his usual response when … More Blog 14B. Op Devil Strike (a little preamble first)
As Christmas approaches I am reminded of 6 years ago. I was very fortunate to travel home during the holidays. Not everyone was so blessed. Some had to stay and work and there are others, others that will never come home again. My thoughts as I write are of you, your families, and your sacrifice. … More Merry Christmas
In my last post, I was leaning to describe the irony between an extremely beautiful land and how such beauty and ruggedness can be poisoned by humanity. As I flew through Afghanistan, I recollected thoughts of the Canadian Rockies any American Rocky Mountains that I have also flown through. As I experienced North America from … More 14A. A contemplation
T’WAS THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS, HE LIVED ALL ALONE, IN A ONE BEDROOM HOUSE, MADE OF PLASTER AND STONE. I HAD COME DOWN THE CHIMNEY, WITH PRESENTS TO GIVE, AND TO SEE JUST WHO, IN THIS HOME, DID LIVE. I LOOKED ALL ABOUT, A STRANGE SIGHT I DID SEE, NO TINSEL, NO PRESENTS, NOT EVEN … More Night Before Christmas
Just a commentary on the current affairs of our world. Now it is almost 2016 and society is faced with wide-spread propaganda promoting fear and violence in the name of attaining of peace and security. As I write this ISIS is growing, attacks against England, Los Angeles and Paris have occurred. Russia, France, Britain and … More Step away from the Fear…
One of the Principles of Warfare, and actually a principle for any business or personal goal is to “Maintain the Aim.” It is taught to every soldier that crosses into the halls of basic training. I am sure fire, police, business managers, martial artists and many schools also have their versions of this rhetoric. Its … More Maintain the Aim
"Go For Shakedown" -- Canadian Griffon Helicopters in Afghanistan 