Day 89: Convoy

Today, I was the medic for a convoy mission to a nearby FOB (Forward Operating Base). My good friend Justin had a great post about the "ins and outs" of convoy missions since he also takes part in convoy operations (ConOps), and so I wanted to at least describe, to all my friends and family, what a convoy entails.

A convoy is defined as any group of military vehicles traveling under the same orders (thank you dictionary.com). But, it doesn't just mean getting into a vehicle, turning the key, and off we go. Convoy missions are meticulously planned for this reason...many of our soldiers are being wounded or worse during convoy missions because of roadside IEDs (improvised explosive devices). Therefore, a convoy is serious business which is why convoy missions were a big part of my training at Fort Riley.


Typically, a convoy consists of at least 3-4 vehicles, the more the better. We drive either 1151s which are the standard up-armored HUMVEEs and/or MRAPs (Mine Resistant Ambush Protected vehicles) which are the new generation of IED resistant vehicles built to withstand most IEDs, but without any intention to provide comfortable seating. Each vehicle will have personnel to include a driver, gunner, medic, and vehicle commander who all have defined roles for that vehicle.


Checkbox items that need to completed 24 hours prior to moving out include vehicle maintenance, crew serve weapon systems (the guns on the vehicles) maintenance, passenger list, medical supplies check (my job), commo check (radio frequencies), and intelligence briefings (to assess the enemy threat).

We usually have a set time for a pre-movement brief (military talk for "meeting") just before moving out. Before then, the team will need ensure that the weapons are mounted, medical bags are resupplied, radio frequencies are set, and all passengers of the convoy are assigned to their respective vehicles. During the brief we review the mission, any new intel about the threat in the area, and the order of movement.


Once we go "outside of the wire" we are vulnerable to an enemy attack. As we drive, every person in the vehicle needs to look out for suspicious activity or areas that may pose an IED threat (piles of trash, rocks, loose dirt mounds, roadside vehicles, cars that pull into the convoy). The problem is that everything looks like an IED threat so it's best to just relax and take a picture or two!

It's so nice to get some positive feedback every once in a while!

Day 87: Little Doc

The things that I will be able to accomplish as a military medical advisor will depend solely on the rapport that I will have with my interpreters. Here is a picture of my primary interpreter and cultural advisor, Latif aka "Little Doc". He's an exceptionally intelligent Afghan national with a background in pharmacy. He is very pleasant and, from what I can already see, very easy to work with. He'll be accompanying me on daily "rounds" to the clinic to oversee the day-to-day workings of the Afghan National Army Clinic. The nice thing about my job is that it is walking distance from my "home" and requires no body armor!

Here is a picture of us posing in front of the Camp Clark bazaar aka "Afghanistan Wal-Mart" on our way to the clinic. I've got to stop spending money...

Day 86: Perception

To all my beloved friends and family that are taking the time to follow me on this journey, I hope that this blog will serve as a source of strength for you as it has for me.

Today was my first day at work. Seeing Afghanistan with my own eyes and from the side of the military is a perspective that isn't accurately portrayed in the media. Yes, troops are dying, but that's only part of the story. The war on terrorism is not just a war of bullets, rockets, and armor. We as representatives of the United States and defenders of freedom are also rebuilding schools, installing wells, providing food, giving free medical care, and educating local nationals on basic sanitation and hygiene practices. Those are the most effective weapons we have against the Taliban. Doesn't it sound familiar...we, the United States military with all our military might, are using the simple, humble work of meeting the basic needs of the people as an agent for positive change!


Many of you have asked if I will be on the "front lines". Well, the war isn't quite like that. There isn't 2 large groups of people shooting and bombing each other constantly. That's not to say that my job is without the usual war-type dangers. Our mission in Afghanistan is to train and mentor the military and police to effectively defend it's citizens against the Taliban threat thereby strengthening confidence in the central government. This is a coalition effort that is shared with approximately 28 countries along side the United States. At the same time, we are assisting in many humanitarian missions, as I had mentioned earlier, in hopes of establishing a lasting infrastructure that would allow the country to be self-sustaining.

My job, specifically, involves mentoring and training the Afghan National Army ("ANA") medics and doctors in various patient care and clinic management skills. I will also be participating, along with the ANA, in community service clinics for local civilians such as the one we did today. Here are some snapshots of my first day.

As you can see, Afghans are very affectionate. Here's one of the medics that I'll be working with.

Aren't the children beautiful?

Here's picture time after clinic and rummaging through their goodie bags!

"Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it unto the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me." Matthew 25:40 NKJV

Day 85: Recap

I've finally made it to the Forward Operating Base ("FOB"...keep up with the acronyms!) where I will be working out of. I haven't had any phone or internet access for the last 4 days so I wanted to take the time to recap my crazy journey. As you all know, my previous post left me at Combined Joint Task Force Phoenix (CJTF Phoenix) which is the headquarters for Navy personnel in Afghanistan.

Here are some pictures of my flight out of Kabul on my first helicopter, a "Chinook", which was extremely fun, but as you can see very, very dusty when it landed. Check out the overhead view of the countryside!

I then landed in the village of Gardez where the headquarters for forces in the eastern region of Afghanistan is located. I pretty much hung out for three days without internet or phone access...but I definitely made use of my time.

Here I am hanging out at the TMC or Troop Medical Clinic where I met with Captain Marr one of the physician assistant's in charge of the clinic. He's a great guy with high energy...former infantry. We reviewed axillary wound dressings which he had me place on him...pretty impressive job if I do say so myself.

I also invested some time in getting my aid bag together with the help of the invaluable medics. As you can see I had lots of great help getting tourniquets, dressings, IV kits, and various other medical gadgetry organized in a way that allows for easy access. Now I'm ready to save some lives...I think.


I still had some time to play the tourist. Here I am taking in some of the sites from behind the blast wall. Here are deserted forts rumored to be built by either Genghis Khan or Alexander the Great nestled in the hills behind me.

Outside the FOB there's a tantalizing "bazaar" or marketplace where local nationals have the opportunity to peddle their wares to the "rich Americans". Examples of their inventory include imitation Oakley sunglasses, Rolex watches, pirated DVDs, or Gerber knives with prices that were subject to negotiation. There were also impressive hand-sewn rugs, blankets, marble carvings, jewels, and wood work which were all exquisite. Here I am with Mr. Muhammed who convinced me to purchase one of his gorgeous hand-sewn blankets at an unbeatable price! Man I'm an impulsive shopper.

Finally, after 3 days of waiting, the cavalry arrived. As much as 2nd helo flight would have been fun...this time it was going to be a 6 hour convoy through the infamous "KG Pass" (see pic above) arguably the most dangerous road in Afghanistan and essentially Taliban suburbia. I'm sure many of you have seen on the news the horrible atrocities that the Taliban can do with their improvised explosive devices aka IEDs. But, the Lord was more powerful than any human-devised weapon and I'm now sitting safely at my home base here in Khowst enjoying a warm shower, internet, phone calls to home, and my OWN room! Praise the Lord!

"I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in Him will I trust...For He shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways."
Psalm 91: 2, 11 KJV

Day 81: Emotions

"Toto, I don't think we're in Kansas anymore". I could imagine the blank look on Dorothy's face as she found herself in the land of Oz. Today, I had that same look and that feeling of being in different world as we touched down into Afghanistan. You could say that I was overwhelmed with emotions. The most immediate was FEAR...for obvious reasons. All around me were military vehicles, barbed wire fences, and blast walls all around the airport. And with all the training I received on roadside bombs and how to spot improvised explosive devices...I was now in the middle of the real thing. The other would be a feeling of PITY as the poverty was very obvious and very disheartening.

Here is a picture of the inside of the plane that we took into Afghanistan. As you can see I sat in the "jump seat" which allowed for tons of leg room. It was actually the most comfortable flight I have been on in months. The most memorable moment was getting on the plane and seeing "Old Glory" on display as a symbol of freedom and our mission to defend it.

Then there is the feeling of DIRT. Well it's not really an emotion, but you know what I mean. If you noticed my other posts you may notice that I enjoy documenting my living accommodations as they have progressively worsened. I find it easier to cope when I can share my misery with my loved ones!

Then there is that feeling of ZEAL and PATRIOTISM as I took a walk around the base and found a monument called Patriot Square. The monument is actually made from a piece of the World Trade Center and includes flags from the different Coalition Forces as a symbol of unity in the fight against terrorism.

Please continue to pray for the men and women who serve in our country's military as my new first person perspective of what is going on out here has inspired me to pray even harder!

Day 79: Peace & Quiet

I can't remember the last time I really enjoyed a day dominated by peace and quiet. A majority of my fellow Navy sailors left for Afghanistan earlier this AM, and my sleeping area hasn't sounded this quiet in months! No yelling, no loud rap music, no laughing, no inebriated sailors, no doors slamming constantly, and no obnoxious re-runs of Martin (which seemed to be every one's favorite show to watch on their laptops back in Kansas). Just some of my 2 closest friends, "peace" and "quiet".

The Air Force seems to live quite nicely out here. They enjoy a 24 hour dining facility free access to not only their great hot food, but also free all-you-can-eat ice cream, candy bars (I already fell victim to Kit Kat), Nutri-grain bars, Pop Tarts, bottled water, fresh fruit...and the list goes on. They also have a great workout facility with full court basketball!! There's even a small movie theater and free all you can eat popcorn. It's like an all-expense-paid resort vacation...


I'm no Pulitzer prize-winning photographer, but here's the best picture I can get of a beautiful mountain range that serves as a backdrop for the air base. There are too many buildings, trees, and blast walls to obscure my view so this is as good as it gets.

"Be still and know that I am God..." Psalms 46:10

Day 78: Drowsy

Several hours ago we arrived onto Manas Air Base located in Bishkek which is the capital city of the Republic of Kyrgyzstan. I am extremely drowsy as I believe it's 3AM Kansas time but about 2 PM here. The internet is very slow so I am dosing off as each page is loading. Here is a quick run down of my trip.

First stop was Leipzig, Germany where all I really saw was the inside of a German airport mini-mart. I'm sorry that I didn't capture anything more interesting than a photo-op of myself holding a German flag next to a rack of postcards.

Here is a portion of the huge aircraft at the flight line in Germany...come fly the friendly skies on World Airways.

We then flew 6 more hours (14 hours total) to the Republic of Kyrgyzstan where we are now enjoying a few days of rest. Here's a map in case you wondering where I am.

A sneak peak at my luxurious B&B. Good night...I mean day...whatever...

"Come to me, all you who are weary, and burdened, and I will give you rest."
Matthew 11:28

Day 76: Departure

Today is my "departure day" and it's only fitting that I get to spend it on the Sabbath. I have been blessed with friends from the local SDA church who have been willing to pick me up. The church here in Manhattan, KS has been a refuge for me after such tough training weeks! I also invited one of my sailors, who happens to be Catholic, to join me and he also had a spiritual refreshing. We enjoyed a simple traditional church service and one last home-cooked potluck lunch! If anyone is ever passing through Kansas I definitely recommend the Manhattan SDA Church.

Petty Officer James Hemcher and myself feeling very underdressed!

Here is a picture of Kansas natives Jason, Caroline, and Neth...good people.

Today in Sabbath School we had a simple Bible study about heaven and the new earth. As I declare today "departure day" and I head off to Afghanistan; I look forward to a more significant "departure day" when our Saviour takes us home and creates an Earth made new. My prayers are with you all as I know your prayers are with me.

Before I depart, I want to leave you all some Scripture about heaven and the new Earth...

1. The Lord will live with us (Rev 21:3)
2. We will never be bored (Psalms 16:11)
3. No more pain, tears, sorrow, sickness, hunger, thirst (Rev 21:4, Rev 22:3, Rev 7:16)
4. We will not get tired (Isaiah 40:31)
5. We will be made physically whole (Isaiah 35:5,6; Philippians 3:21)
6. In the new earth, animals will become tame (Isaiah 11:6-9; Isaiah 65:25)
7. No more violence (Isaiah 60:18)
8. There will be nothing defiling on the new Earth (Rev 21:27)

...someday there will be no more luggage!!

"Eye hath not seen, nor ear has heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love Him."
I Corinthians 2:9

Day 74: Packing Day

As I sit and stare at all the "goodies" that I have accumulated over the last 8 weeks, I am sorely reminded how much I hate packing! Just ask Gemma, whenever we pack for a trip (which is usually last minute) I tend to haphazardly throw my things into a suitcase knowing full well that Gemma will come right behind me and organize it all nice and neat! Honey, I need you NOW!!

"The soul of the sluggard desireth, and hath nothing: but the soul of the diligent shall be made fat." Proverbs 13:4 KJV

Day 73: "Trust Me"

Today was tough. Today was the beginning of what will be a long and painful separation from everyone that is closest to me. I was, for lack of a better word, sad. But, the Lord always finds ways to comfort his children.

My Final Farewell at Bakersfield Airport

As I made my way to my plane and headed for Phoenix, then a connection to Denver, and finally to Kansas; I was greeted with a handshake by several people at each airport who thanked me for my "service". When I was at Denver Int'l Airport I spent a few minutes at the USO (a special lounge for military members), and I was given a small care package as a "thank you". Inside the care package I found various travel hygiene products, playing cards, gum, snacks...I also found a small stack of greeting cards/notes from people all over the country expressing deep appreciation and gratitude for our "service"


Each card I read and each handshake I returned was a tangible reminder that my "service" had a great and even divine purpose, and I found great comfort in that. It felt as if God was saying "Trust me", and Proverbs 3:5,6 came to mind.

Another encounter occurred the day prior, after receiving my final pre-deployment haircut. Gemma had sent me on a final mission to Target, and I then made a quick stop at Supercuts. As I was leaving, a Hispanic gentleman, about my age, walked up to me and asked for a donation. He explained to me that he was a former drug addict, and he was now a mentor at a Christian church-sponsored home for drug addicts seeking recovery. He was very passionate about his new experience in Christ which led to his victory over his addiction. As I reached to hand him some money I asked him if he had a favorite verse, and without any hesitation he recited this to me...

"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go." Joshua 1:9 NKJV

Doesn't the Lord speak to us in mysterious ways and at the most opportune times? I think things are going to be alright.

Day 71: Thirty-One

I am usually not one for doing anything crazy to celebrate my birthday, perhaps a small get-together with friends to include a cake and some ice cream. As long as things are fairly low maintenance I am all for it. Well today was the exact opposite. On paper, the schedule of birthday festivities looked harmless to include: story time at the library with Max, a quick stop at Costco, lunch at a local sandwich shop, ice cream at 31 flavors, and a visit to Color Me Mine to paint some pottery. You figure 3-4 hours tops...you add an infant, toddler, and some dirty diapers, and you just turned your day into an 9 hour ordeal!! Although it totally went against my usual birthday celebration policy it was one of my most unforgettable birthdays ever.

Our day started with storytime at the local Bakersfield library. Max has demonstrated a passion for orcas, especially one by the name of "Shamu", so we decided to read books on killer whales.

Our next birthday activity was a trip to Color Me Mine where we introduced Max to painting. I do not have a single artistic bone in my body, but I still had a great time! Max, Gemma, and I painted a birthday mug for grandpa Mercado's upcoming birthday, and I painted a cereal bowl for Max so he can remember me every time he has a bowl of Cheerios.

You can't have a birthday without ice cream! Here we are spending enjoying 31 Flavors on my 31st birthday.

After a long day with the kids, I finally had some time alone with my beautiful wife for a delicious Japanese dinner to wrap up a very action-packed day.

Day 70: Dedication Day

Taking on the responsibility of raising a child is a great and awesome privilege. As a Christian, I view my children as precious gifts from God, and another avenue as to which I can bring glory to Him. Yesterday, our family participated in a baby dedication ceremony for little Maya. This was conducted as a small segment of the church service, and was led out by our beloved Pastor Monnier (who did a great job officiating our wedding). As much as it was precious to see the pastor hold little Maya in her little white dress and to hear the soft whispers of "oooohs" and "aaaahs", the most meaningful part was our public declaration as parents to our church family that we intend to raise Maya in a way that glorifies Christ.

During Maya's dedication Gemma and I sang the song, "I Have a Maker" as a reminder to Maya that she is indeed a gift from God who cares for her, and has a most precious purpose for her life. Here are the words...

I have a maker, he formed my heart,
And before even time began, my life was in His hands!

I have a Father, He calls me His own,
And he'll never leave me, no matter where I go

He knows my name, he knows my every thought
he sees each tear that falls, and hears me when I call


"But Jesus said, 'Let the children alone, and do not hinder them from coming to Me; for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.' "
Matthew 19:14 NASB

Day 68: Familiar Places & Faces - Stockton

We decided to make a somewhat unscheduled visit to my home town of Stockton, CA so that Maya can meet some of my extended family. I would like to take a few moments to thank my wife who gave up her hair appointment to make this visit a reality...you're the best honey! It's about a 7 hour drive from Dana Point so we split the distance, and made a pit stop in Bakersfield before making our way further north to our final destination. We had a wonderful time reconnecting with my side of the family, and I especially enjoyed witnessing Maya meet many of her cousins, aunts, uncles, grandparents, and even great grandmother for the first time!


A family picture with cousins Gabriel, Carina, and Anisa. Max especially enjoyed the book they gave him entitled, "I'm a Big Brother".

After mandatory "picture time" came mandatory "party time" with Gabriel leading out in a body-contorting game of "Simon Says". I remember the days when I could do that!

Max enjoying a good book with grandpa (aka "lolo") Mercado, Shomi the cat, blue bear, and a tall glass of tasty soy milk. It doesn't get any better than this.

It's all about the Benjamins isn't it Max! Thanks great lola!!

Maya Lourdes meets Lola Lourdes

If there was anyone in my life that I truly admire it would be Lola Lourdes. She along with my late Lolo Max (does the name sound familiar?) came from a farming community in the province of Ilocos Sur, Phillippines. After successfully growing and selling their tobacco crop and eventually the remainder of their land, they made their way to America for a better life. They eventually settled in Stockton, and despite having no knowledge of the English language still managed to work - Lola at a Del Monte cannery and Lolo at local farm - well into their 70s! During that time they both managed to learn just enough English to take their citizenship exams and become US citizens. After retiring, they took on the task of helping care for my brother and I through the tumultuous years of toddler-hood and beyond. Most importantly, through their example I began to discover just how caring, resilient, hard-working, generous, and humble my grandparents were. It was their example that has taken me to where I am today.

So NO!..Lourdes, did NOT come from Madonna's daughter (apparently that's what makes the name somewhat popular) ...but, it did come from one of the most remarkable women in my life today.

Day 65: Familiar Places & Faces - OC

Fort Riley is already a distant memory...at least I am trying to make it one! It has been a wonderfully relaxing 4 days with nothing but fun with family, meeting with old friends, visiting favorite eating spots, and well...diaper duty. To be able to finally hold Maya in a place that is not an airport or a hospital has been especially delightful. Here are some pictures of my trip so far.

Here is our happy family reunion just after getting home from the airport. Notice that I flew home in my combat uniform in an attempt to be bumped up to first class...attempt failed!

First stop...Ruby's! One of our favorite "burger & fries" joints. This place is known for the greatest veggie burgers made to order and includes bottomless garlic fries which goes well with a bottle of Listerine.

Our next evening was graced with the presence of our nephew and Max's best friend, Josiah. George and Barbie had a scheduled date night so we took the kids out to my favorite restaurant, the Cheesecake Factory. Yummo! We were also joined by one of my closest friends Janssen and Jen Sacro which made rounding up the "troops" a little easier.


Here we are in Dana Point with Janssen and Jen enjoying our Cheesecake Factory-made cheesecakes to-go after putting all the kids to bed.


Yesterday, we took a family outing to a familiar place, Naval Hospital Camp Pendleton, which was where I received my Family Medicine training and where Maxwell was born. Our primary purpose was not a social one, but rather to get Maya plugged into the the military health care system. At the same time, reconnecting with familiar faces is always fun so we roamed the halls of the Family Medicine clinic. It was great to visit with some of my mentors including Dr. Mark Flynn (on the left) and Dr. John Holman (on the right, and Max's delivery doc).

"I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, always offering prayer with joy in my every prayer for you all." Philippians 1:3,4 NASB