Troop Updates

Hello Again everyone,

I know I just pushed off a letter when I returned from Salerno but much has happened that needs to be shared. First you may notice that I have placed everyone's e-mail addresses in the Bcc line. It was suggested to me, to keep all of your information safe that it would be wise to do this. Especially because the list continues to grow. I have done this, so be assured that everyone is still getting the weekly update.

Now for the weekly update. Since returning from Salerno, much has happened, most of which is part of the profession of War. A couple of days ago we had an IED incident down here in Zormat. An IED as many of you may know is an Improvised Explosive Device. There are many ways that these go off. Where we are located they use pressure plates, because our electronic countermeasures defeat the ones that are hooked up to walkie talkie radios and cell phones. However there is always the risk of civilian casualties when pressure plates are used. This is what happened a couple of days ago. Several men and boys were riding on their tractor coming out of the local boulder field, where they get rocks to build houses and other buildings. The dirt road that they were using is not one that Coalition Forces ever use, so it is still a bit of a mystery why one was set on that road at that location. We think it may be a road used by some of the local Afghan Army. Anyway, the tractor was a catastrophic loss. Four of the individuals to include a little boy were killed and two teenagers were injured. They were rescued by ANA and CF forces and EVAC-ed to COP Zormat where they were treated and released. It was a major travesty, one man lost two sons and his grandson, and another innocent family is without their father.

There was much outcry against the insurgent forces since the attack. The bazaar, an area where we get a lot of good Intel and atmospherics was a buzz, of people openly criticizing in public the people who placed the IED. This is very rear in this area for people to speak out publicly on such an issue, especially with so many Taliban in the area. For me it is good that the public is vocal and is outraged, they should be. Damn those who espouse their cause as a religious holy war, and indiscriminately kill innocent civilians who practice the same faith.

My team SGT and I have begun dialog with both the Religious and Cultural Affairs Commander down here in Zormat as well as the family to express our condolences. It is a bit touchy though. Through a phone conversation with the Father how lost the two sons and his grandson, we expressed our condolences, and stated that we would stop by in the near future, when they did not have so many guests at their qalat (house) so as not to interfere with their traditional mourning process. He was greatly appreciative towards our cultural understanding, and would welcome us when it was appropriate. He also said something that kind of took me aback. Even thought he just suffered a massive loss to his family as well as his only means of transportation and livelihood, his tractor, he said that every day he prays for the safety of the ANA and CF (US forces) in the area, because of our sacrifices in providing the people of Zormat safety and security. He also condemned the actions of the people who placed the IED, and was thankful that the US forces have traveled so far and have made so many sacrifices for his family. This blew me away.... What do you say to something like that...?

This is still an ongoing operation, and I will keep you all apprised to the final outcome. It only takes a catalyst like this to occur to change the entire perceptions of a population. It was the same thing that happened in Al Anbar when I was there in 2007-2008 when Al Quida in Iraq assassinated Sheik Sitar, a prominent leader of the Awakening Movement which effectively turned the tide in both Al Anbar as well as Iraq as a whole. We can only hope that the sacrifice and loss of this one family can assist in changing the tide of war here in Zormat. Time will tell....

If that was not all. A day later out Provincial Reconstruction Team Civil Engineers were heading back from a project assessment in the northern area of our province, when they hit a very large IED. The explosion did significant damage to the asphalt road, you can see the ripples in the asphalt away from the explosion site. It also tossed a 10+ ton MRAP (Our new Mine Resistant-Ambush Protective) vehicles we now use. The truck was launched down the road and ended on its side. The truck was a catastrophic loss. But the product lived up to its name. All who were in the truck, though a bit shaken up, they all walked away from the accident with minimal scrapes and bruises. This should be a good example of why it is so important to buckle up when you get into your vehicle. So the day was quite eventful. It was our first kinetic attack which targeted our guys directly. I think it now has woken some of the guys up. Everyone talks tough, especially if they have never dealt with such an event. But once it happens to you, you develop an entire better understanding and appreciation of life, and what our mission is over here for the short time we are here.

On a lighter note, last night was a first in my military career. After our mandatory weekly meeting with everyone in the battle space via the Internet, we walked to the chow hall, only to find out that it was locked. They ran out of leftovers from Thanksgiving, and decided to shut the door. NO FOOD!! What???

By the grace of God, we still had some items from the care packages, so we pulled some stuff out and my team eat what we had. Peanut butter Cheddar crackers, you know the ones that come in packs with the orange crackers, as well as some popcorn, and we had a ChiChi's microwave-able Fiesta Plate. Mind you this is a one person serving but everyone got a couple of bites. It was a bit of an anti climatic Turkey Day. A bit weird too. Anyway we survived until this morning.

This brings me to my next note, several people have asked if there has been any changes in our needs list. So I would like to update that for everyone. Snacks are always welcomed. We have talked to several of our local assets to see what we can expect for winter. They have told us that every other year is pretty hard. Last winter was a light winter, but the year before that was rough, they expect between 4-6 feet of snow by early Jan, and it will continue until it begins to melt sometime in March. We got a report from one of the infantry guys who is up here who was here two winters ago, and stated that they had 7 weeks of red air. This means no air support or resupply. We here in Zormat may have clear weather, but we sit in a bowl between several mountains. If the passes are not clear, or they have strong winds and snow, they cannot fly through. This means no resupply. For this reason, we are all reaching out and stockpiling in anticipation of a long winter, possibly without resupply.

So here is our updated list. There are a couple of things for the holiday season, which we can't eat, but bare with us:

ChiChi\s Fiesta Plates - Any will do (Savory Garlic Chicken) was quite good last night. We had received this from a care package from the Peace Greeters out of NH.

Christmas lights - and extension cords - White / White dangle ice cycle or multi color are preferred.

Fabreeze air spray

Pop Secret or Orvil Redenbacker (sp?) microwave popcorn - Butter or Kettle Corn is preferred.

The Keebler's Orange Crackers with Peanut butter packs

Peanuts

Cashew

Foil packs of star kiss tuna or other varieties

Ramen Noodles (the main stay for people without a proper kitchen)

Pretzels

Jelly Belly Jelly Beans

Jelly Life Savers or Jolly ranchers

Regular Life Savers

Other Keebler cracker varieties

Small cans of Jolly green Giant nibblet corn

Oreo Cookies :)

Cigars (can't be eaten, but always great for moral)

Little Debbie Snack Cakes, Zebras and little suzzies are preferred

Coffee, pre ground would be preferred, we were sent a box of beans but we don't have a grinder :(

A small hand cranked or electric coffee grinder would be helpful for the BOX OF BEANS :)

If there is anything else that you would consider that is good and semi healthy to eat if you were in our predicament, would be appreciated. Just remember, it needs to be non-perishable.

This up and coming week is going to be quite hectic, need to start to prepare for it. I hope that this e-mail finds its way to everyone in good health and spirits. I should have much to update you on by this time next week.

Sincerely,

1LT Tristan Boddicker

Just to let everyone know, now that the new infantry guys are in, our address has changed.

It is now as follows.

1LT Tristan Boddicker

PRT Paktya / DST Zormat

TM D / TF 168 INF

COP Zormat

APO AE 09364

Thanks,