Friday, September 16, 2011

Notes From Afghanistan Part 6

Again, it has taken a bit of time to actually sit down and update this thing with what is going on out here. If they would only let me access this from a government computer I might actually get to do it more often. But that would take an excuse away from why I am slow at updating. Being stuck at an outlying position waiting for a flight or ride back has given me a decent amount of time so I figured I'd get on an MWR computer and post a quick update.

Since the last post Ramadan has ended and we saw September 11th come and go. Eid out here was interesting with people traveling all over the place and celebratory gunfire from the locals each of the three nights. It was an eye-opening experience to be in a Muslim country for both Ramadan and Eid. And apparently there is another Eid in November which is affectionately known as "Big Eid" from our linguists. I can't imagine how much of a party this one day will be.

RP and I continue to travel around seeing the guys and they are all doing well. We recently attended the "soft opening" of a school out here. I say soft because it seems that we always do some big event twice. The first time a few people show up almost to make sure we really planned on doing what we said when we said. That results in a true event a few days later after the local elder goes out and tells everyone that we mean what we say and will be there. At first I thought it was an issue of mistrust, but I actually think it is ingrained into the culture as often as it happens and as widespread it is across villages and districts out here.

We had another run at the FOB on September 11th in conjunction with the Chicago 1/2 Marathon and 5K. This time 123 people showed up to run a 5K (actually 3.4 miles) that morning and it was enjoyed by all. I am amazed that running in the morning would be such a hit out here and continues to be the thing I arrange that actually draws people out to participate. I think it has something to do with the fact that we get a chance to feel like we are back home for the few minutes that we are running with numbers attached to our chests. Hopefully we can get one more done before we head back home.

Both RP and I are approaching a milestone in that we have our Fleet Marine Force boards scheduled for this week (if we ever get back to the FOB). This is a qualification program to demonstrate we have grasped the many aspects of the USMC mission and its history. It takes quite a while and is a requirement for RP while stationed with a FMF unit and I wanted to get it done to do some in depth learning about what my Marines do, etc. All we need is to get back and make our scheduled boards. A few prayers that we can get back would be appreciated.

Care Package Request List for September 2011

Being stuck at a remote post has a few benefits, one of which is updating the blog when I get a chance to hit an MWR computer center.

Care Package Needs September 2011
The ones in bold are especially needed right now
Afghan Children: We received a huge amount of supplies and are doing a good job trying to get them out. We'll take any more that you send, but I think they will be good for a few months.
Marines:
Socks (Brown, Green, Black, White)
Foot Powder
Razors (We are especially low on these)
Bars of Soap
Single toothbrushes
Shampoo
Deodorant (Now that it won't completely melt during shipment)
Body Wash
Candy (Jolly Ranchers, Starburst, Werther’s, Twizzlers, BlowPops) This gets to the kids as well
Beef Jerky
Drink Mix (Single packets of Propel, Propel Zero, Crystal Light, Gatorade, Kool Aid, Coffee, Tea, etc)
Baby Wipes
Gum
Chex Mix, Trail Mix
Granola Bars
Sunscreen
Hand Lotion
Food spices, flavorings and condiments
Tuna Packages

Chapel and Chaplain:

Letters from children to decorate the chapel and dining halls
Syrup
Chex Mix-Turtle and Honey Nut Flavors
Anything you want to send from the above lists. If I don’t use it, it will get put in the general pot.

I thank you ahead of time for anything you send and I am truly grateful for everyone who has already sent packages. RP and I try to reply to each group of packages you send, but if we forget to send an email once we get the packages I do apologize as we get pulled in many different directions. The packages are used and appreciated by the Marines and sailors we have in our area. And what we don't use during our deployment will be used to set up the incoming unit with an initial supply of stuff until their mail begins to arrive in country.



Mail Any packages to:
Chaplain Russ Ferguson
1/9 H Co S-1
Unit 74095
FPO AE 09510-4095