Saturday, May 1, 2010

The Fighting Season

For the past 4 days, the Taliban in Afghanistan have been on holiday, celebrating their national holiday - the defeat of the Soviet Union in Afghanistan some 23 years ago. At that time - they called themselves the mujaheddin - or holy warriors. Tomorrow - officially begins what is known as the Fighting Season in Afghanistan.

That being said, the Commander - Kandahar Airfield (COMKAF) has raised the threat level on base to Level 3- which means body armor and helmet must be worn at all times - indoor and out. Oh joy!

So - with that introduction - I'd like to take you on a pictorial tour of Kandahar Air Field.

The "TLS" Building - which is the passenger terminal for all arriving Military and "civilian military" passengers. TLS is an acronym for "Taliban's Last Stand" When NATO came to Afghanistan and took Kandahar Air Field (KAF), this building which has 6 feet thick walls, was the last hold out of the Taliban. Two bunker buster bombs later - and the Taliban had their last stand. The inside of this old building still bears the bullet holes - and blackened walls of that action. You might say - it's a bit of a "fixer upper"....oddly enough - this is the building that COMKAF has chosen as their headquarters.

Danger - Danger Will Robinson - The ever existing danger on KAF - the remnants of the Soviets.....Mine Fields Everywhere...
I have a 16 year old son, who just recently got his learners permit to drive.....I wish - for his sake, and everyone on the road with him, he were driving one of these...:

My heart is always a bit softened when I see the sweet words written by childrent to the men and women of our Military:

Tomorrow.....I'll write some more.....but below is a video.....I think you'll like it...