Sgt David Stephens

AWAC Primer

The cast:

Capt Doug “Bear” Traversa (me), USAF, editor and ringmaster

Capt Doug “Rat” Templeton, USAF, my hut mate and regular contributor

Maj Steve “Odie” Odum, USAF, contributor

Capt Mike Toomer, USAF, another hut mate and contributor

Capt Drew Morton, USAF, another hut mate and contributor

1^st Lt Dany Barcan, Romanian Army, fellow soccer player and contributor

SSG Carrie Sawyer, US Army, contributor

Maj John Rogers, USAF, contributing photographer

Hamid, Han, and Wali, CMA interpreters

Cute dogs provided by Papillon 911, Pom Posse, and North Central Maltese Rescue

    

The setting:

Camp Phoenix, Kabul, Afghanistan, home for most of us

Central Movement Agency (CMA) - Afghan Army transportation base where I work

Logistics Command - Afghan Army base where Rat, Mike, and Drew work

ANA - Afghan National Army

KAIA - Kabul Afghanistan International Airport

 

23 Apr 07

40,000 Hits!

This news from my hometown:

     Sgt David Stephens of the 82^nd Airborne Division and native of Tullahoma, TN was killed by a roadside bomb in Afghanistan on 12 Apr.  His remains were returned to his family via aircraft on Thursday at the Tullahoma Regional Airport.  AEDC (Arnold Air Force Base) was represented by the Commander, Vice Commander, and the AEDC Honor Guard.  Air Force personnel assisted in the offloading of the casket.

     I did not know SGT Stephens, but I feel this loss particularly, since he was from my hometown, and because he died here in Afghanistan.  Nothing I say would bring any relief to the sadness of his family, but I hope they know that he did not die for a losing cause or a bad policy decision.  He was helping in a noble effort over here, and the Afghans do appreciate what we are doing. 

* * * * *   

     When I was in junior high school, and a member of the Military Book Club, I bought The Art of War by Baron Antonie-Henri de Jomini, one of Napoleon’s Generals.  Yes, I actually read stuff like this as a kid.  I don’t remember much about it, but one thing I have never forgotten, and I paraphrase, is that the leader of a country should have served in the military first.  Otherwise, he will have no real appreciation for the capabilities, limitations, hardships, and ramifications of war. We’ll never see this put into our constitution, but wouldn’t it be wonderful if every one of our leaders, from the President down to Senators and Congress people, had served in the military, and even better, been in harm’s way (so they really understand what it’s like)?  Wouldn’t it be nice if we didn't feel like pawns in political fighting between two parties?  Wouldn’t it be nice if the people of Iraq and Afghanistan didn’t have to wonder day after day if we’d be here much longer?  Wouldn’t it be nice if we could commit to the long-term reconstruction of these countries and our long-term support, so we could build some permanent support facilities over here, instead of making the troops live in tents and B-Huts?  Wouldn’t it be nice if the troops didn’t have to read about their Senate Majority Leader back home saying the war is lost, then watching him “clarify” his remarks?  Keep dreaming.

     I can’t even bring myself to watch the news anymore.  Our media has lost all sense of responsibility when they play a video made by a mass killer.  They will sell their soul for ratings.  Is there any sense of decency left?  Hey, I just read that there’s a video going around over here of a 12-year old Taliban boy that beheaded someone, all for the glory of Allah, of course.  Maybe our media can show that too.  It’s supposedly very graphic; I’m sure the ratings will be great.  I am now beyond cynical.  Humans can indeed stoop lower than I ever thought possible, and the US media leads the way.

     Mike has talked about the anger he felt when he went home on leave, as he looked around at the people in his town who carried on as though there weren’t two wars going on.  I didn’t really feel that way when I went on leave, but I think I will this time.  I am so fed up I doubt I’ll ever want to leave the house.  And of course, there a many things I can’t discuss that contribute to these feelings.  I have a medical form I have to fill out before I leave. Among the questions I have to answer are “Did you see anyone wounded, killed, or dead during this deployment?” (Yes) and “Did you ever feel that you were in great danger of being killed?” (Yes).  They also want to know if I have felt down or depressed over the last two weeks (No, never. No one ever feels down when they been deployed to a war zone for a year, especially when the Senate Majority Leader has declared the war to be lost). 

     I wrote The Rossman yesterday (funny, we have started corresponding, just because I wrote him a note saying I like his anime review site; now I’ve made another friend through the wonders of blogging and the internet) and said it would be hard to adjust to the daily chores I haven’t had to do for a year, like house upkeep, yard work, bill paying, and wrestling the TV remote from Jancy.  I do not say this in jest.  For a year I’ve only worried about work, traveling, and writing.  It will be a huge adjustment.  I’ve not been in combat, but I feel can at least I understand a little better what our combat troops face when they try to adjust to life back home.  And now they won’t even be back for a year before they go fight again. 

     People ask me if I’ll have to deploy again.  When I get back, they are supposed to leave me alone for a year, but all rules can be broken.  I will have about a year and a half before I retire, and I have no idea if I’ll deploy again or not, though going for a year seems very unlikely.  But for those who aren’t able to retire, they know they’ll be coming back.  Try to imagine living that kind of life.  Try to imagine being a spouse with several kids living that kind of life. 

* * *

     I wrote the first part this morning.  It’s now evening, and I feel a little better.  We discussed my bad mood at lunch, as the guys had noticed I was not my usual cheery self.  We all agree the media whores have outdone themselves this time.  Lower forms of life are hard to imagine. 

     On a happier note, Odie is safe at home, and he has a post for you.  Dany will be the next staff member to leave.  Slowly the team is splitting up.  That may sound sad, but from our perspective, it’s great news.

     Here are more photos from Dany’s Wall of Fame. You can also see the US and Romanian conexes.  Dany made me promise to point out that the Romanians painted both.  There, I kept my promise.

The Romanian Courtyard - plush!

   

 

To the right, Dany's birdhouses

 

 

Rat and Dany hang up Rat's name tape

 

 

You can see Templeton, Traversa, and Toomer in the lower right corner

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Tonya’s Cute Dog of the Day:

 

This is Sunny, available for adoption through Pom Posse

www.pomposse.com

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Five Seconds of Fame: 

     Yesterday’s quotes, “Would you say I have a ‘plethora’ of piñatas?" is from The Three Amigos.  Two winners today, Peter Fleming and Caitlan Bright.  All the glory is yours today. Enjoy!
     Remember, you too can be famous.  Just identify the quote (without using Google) and send me an e-mail.  You can also send a photo of your choice to be posted.

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Quote of the Day: 

“The light that burns twice as bright burns half as long - and you have burned so very, very brightly.”

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A great day since I only spent 30 minutes killing Zombie Project today.

- Bear, Zombie Slayer

traversa@gimail.af.mil   

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Here's Rat -

     What can I say about today other than it was my last day to work out at my office with the Afghans? I got up early and made the bittersweet drive outside the wire to the office and had my last mentoring day. They gave me a beautiful hand-stitched waist coat used as a traditional celebration jacket worn for weddings and such events. I was a bit surprised and honored to have them think enough of me to give such an ornate and opulent gift.

 

Rat looking dapper in his new coat

    I do have to say though that I am happier not having to travel outside each day now, considering that two vehicle-born IEDs were discovered here in town today. One, pretty close to one of our routes of travel and the other in a different part of town, neither one detonated. They were both discovered and neutralized before they had a chance. Score a couple for our side today.

    After riding with the new guys it was obvious they are uncomfortable in their new environment. I can’t blame them; it is an eye-opening place, and the threat is very real. Strange how we have come to find this as normal business and have learned to live with the risk. They will too, over time, but to see their reactions is like looking into a window to the past at how we were when we first arrived.

    It has been a good year in respect that our team has had no loss and I can only hope the same for the new guys. They have a long way to go, and it is going into the worst time of the year for incidents to occur. I will say an extra prayer for them as we prepare to leave and hope the luck holds for their tour as well.

    That all from here for today, and a great day it has been.

Ratman, preparing to leave Afghanistan

dtempleton14@yahoo.com

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Here’s Odie -

Finally Home!!

After my last post, I made the final hop into Lambert Field in St Louis where I met up with my family for the first time since early December.  The kids didn’t exactly come running into my arms but it was a sweet reunion nonetheless. Due to a last second gate change, I actually met everyone halfway between the gate I arrived at and the one I was scheduled to arrive at.  That messed up all the photo planning Anessa had done to catch me as I walked out of the jet-way.  Lauren was completely silent but didn’t resist me holding her.  Erick decided to act goofy and hide behind Anessa and then make it like a game for me to get a hug from him.  I didn’t have any problem getting a hug from Anessa of course.  The shyness didn’t last long as Lauren starting shouting “Daddy!” from the back seat of the car on the way home and hasn’t been quiet for more than a few seconds at a time since then.  I was also met at the airport by my mother (dad stayed at home to allow enough room in the car for everyone – and he hates airports and crowds) and two Lt Cols and a Col from work.  They were all great while I was gone and made sure Anessa had all the help she needed.

Erick is much the same as I remember him although a little taller.  Lauren has changed a ton and is talking up a storm.  I could have listed all of her intelligible words when I left and now she can have a conversation (the concept of “no” and “mine” is still central but with enough other words to make it a conversation now).

I’ve been pretty lazy since I’ve been back but that will have to change soon since I have a huge list of things I need to get done before going back to work and having two more kids.  Nothing gets done after that, I’m afraid. 

Here’s a picture of His Supreme Laziness with two of his young charges. 

Happy Odie!

I’ll keep you up-to-date with the twins and any major happenings as long as the blog is up.  Thanks to Bear and crew and all the readers.  Good luck and come home safe and soon guys!

Cheers!

Odie

od1kenob@aol.com

Comments

[c]

David (Alex) Stephens was one of my boyfriend's best friends. When they both lived in Chattanooga, we spent many, many evenings at Alex's place. His death came as such a shock to us all, and I hurt so much for his family, especially his wife and new baby. I am saving all the articles and website I can find that talk about him. Thank you for mentioning him on your blog. He was a really, truly great person.

[Teri Centner]

Your quote of the day (Bladerunner) and your comments on military-experienced politicians reminds me of the great Robert Heinlein book, "Starship Troopers." In it, one had to perform federal service just to be a voting citizen. An interesting idea to be sure...

[Solo]

WELCOME HOME ODIE!!!!!!

[Solo]

Sgt. David Stephens: We can never repay the debt we owe this hero, we can stand in honor. We can never forget.

[George Bailey]

Welcome home Odie! Thank you for your sacrifice and service to our country and humanity. You and all of the other service men and women who are fortunate enough to return home are our country's hope for the future. Those wonderful children in your arms will grow up hearing your perspective on how life in other countries as well as our own can be improved. With all of the frustrations in today's world, there is no doubt in my mind that our best days lie ahead. The fact that this blog has over 40000 hits is proof that the truth is getting out, that people understand, and that they listen. Hopefully, we'll all have the courage to spread the word, and act and vote accordingly.

With Sincere Thanks to Those Who Serve,
George Bailey

[colagirl]

I understand your frustration with the media and with the politicians....I share it. Their behavior is, all too often, sickening. There's a reason why I get most of my news from blogs these days.

In happier news, Rat's coat is gorgeous. Is that gold thread? or just yellow? The amount of time and craftsmanship that must have gone into making it looks to be staggering. It's incredibly beautiful!

[Leta]

My heart and prayers go out to the family and loved ones of Sgt David Stephens. They will remain in my thoughts. There are many in this nation who grieve the loss of our warriors and heros when they are taken while defending this great nation. May he rest in peace and may his family know there are legions who are supporting them at this difficult time.

The remainder of your posts are acknowledged but I'm choosing today's comments to be about Sgt David Stephens.

[Matti]

I heard about Sgt. Stephens, and I wondered if you guys knew him. May God bless and comfort his family, and may he rest in peace.

I hear you, Bear. I won't add to your comments with a contribution of my own, because it'd just be more of the same. But I certainly hear you, and I couldn't agree more.

I love the work Dany and the Romanians have done. I think it looks so great! I love all the color.

And I'm really impressed with your jacket, Rat. That was a really nice gift they gave you. That kind of gift says quite a lot.

And yeah!! Odie, that is the best picture in the world. I'm so glad you're home! Keep us posted! :-)

[Rosemary]

Dear Doug (Bear),
We are doing everything we can on this side of the war to get Reid to shut up. Not that we do not believe in free speech, but when it costs others their lives it is no longer free. He really is taking a beating. I was hoping word of this idiot would not reach you. I'm very sorry it did.

You would not believe all the support there is for all of you back home. We understand (as best we can), and we have not forgotten. I know this is easier said than done, but try to consider the source. They are playing politics, and I hate it. I have written something about it. (http://mynewznideas.blogspot.com/2007/04/stop-politics-at-waters-edge-we-are-at.html)

Take all the time you need to adjust when you get back home. You know what is healthy and when you may be heading for some trouble. Promise me you will seek the counsil of a friend or professional before it gets out of hand.

I know someone, Cpt. Dale Dye, who comes on the radio Sunday's at 5-7pm PCT. If you would like to get a hold of him, I can try to hook you up. We are praying so much for all of you. My heart breaks knowing you are touched by this idiot. I wish I had a time machine...

Dear Rat,
Lovely coat! Please continue to pray for the new people. Try to get them to blog, eh? lol.

Dear Odie! WOW! Enjoy it while you can. (Work is everywhere, lol.)