Day 279: Goodbye

Saying goodbye is hard enough, but saying goodbye to fellow soldiers while on deployment can be harder. Today, I had to say goodbye to two great friends that were part of our medical team, Capt Randall (medical administrator) and Master Sgt Davis (my senior medic of the clinic). Their 6 month tour came and went as quickly as one could say "hooah!". It was a pleasure and a riot working with these two soldiers. I wish you both the best, and want to thank you for your leadership and friendship. I only hope these next few months will go by just as fast!

Capt Randall and Master Sgt Davis

Goodbye! Man I'm so jealous.

"The LORD bless you and keep you;the LORD make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the LORD turn his face toward you and give you peace."
Numbers 6:24-26 NIV

Day 274: The Hill

On occasion, a convoy heads into Khowst City to attend a meeting atop Matun Hill which overlooks the city. The meetings are attended by US & Afghan military leaders to discuss any security concerns. While this leader engagement is going on, the rest of the convoy crew hang out and take in the history...





You see, on Matun Hill is an old castle built by the British in the late 1800s when they occupied Afghanistan. Here are some pictures of our sightseeing adventures from the outside of the castle to the tower to a shot of the inner courtyard. One of my good friends Capt (AF) Salazar took a picture with me holding the American Flag.



The coolest part about the castle is the beautiful view of Khowst City. For a few moments, as you take in the view, you briefly forget that you are in a country that is at war. You can see the architectural beauty of the Khowst mosque, lush green fields, traffic, people in the marketplace, the hustle and bustle of everyday life.



After a bit of sightseeing and exploration of the castle grounds, the remainder of the day was spent looking for something to do as the meetings would go on for several hours. On this particular trip we decided to put together a rock throwing competition with our Afghan Police friends. These skinny guys can chuck a rock like nobody's business! After a long day of sightseeing, pictures, and rock throwing...it was finally time to head home. Talk about a rough day. I hope you enjoyed the trip.

Day 273: Lola

Today is my Lola Lourdes' 93rd birthday! "Lola" is a Filipino term of endearment for "grandma" just in case you wondering. Lola Lourdes has been one of the people in my life that I admire most. She has been there for me from the beginning starting with the diapers to the medical degree to the wedding to enjoying her great grandchildren! Never have I known a person who was so selfless, hard-working, loving, kind, honest, and supportive. Lola, thank you for being the best grandma one could ever ask for. Happy Birthday! I love you!

Great "Lola" Lourdes and Maxwell


Great "Lola" Lourdes and Maya Lourdes

"I thank my God upon every remembrance of you"
Philippians 1:3 NKJV

Day 272: Life

Gemma and I just started dating and we were walking from anatomy class along a path lined with rose bushes. The roses were beautiful and in full bloom. I noticed that Gemma was very enthusiastic and appreciative of the beauty and fragrance that the flowers had to offer. But I, on the other hand, was looking forward to...lunch. She asked me if I wanted to take a whiff, and I gave her the genius answer of "not really" which was then followed by what I vaguely remember as one of our first arguments.

I'm sure one can imagine how it went ...."Why don't you want to smell the flowers, aren't they just gorgeous"..."They're alright...I just don't smell flowers"..."But, I like flowers"..."That's great, enjoy the flowers and I'll just stand right here and wait for you to get your fix."..."You may not like the flowers, but I like flowers...don't you get it?"..."Get what?"..."You don't appreciate me"..."What are you talking about?"..."THE FLOWERS"...(me scratching my head, and Gemma giving me the evil eye).

That little argument taught me several things. First, I learned that if your girlfriend is passionate about something such as an object, a hobby, a talent, a project, or an extracurricular activity...then you support her 100%, even if it hurts. Second, I learned that life's simplest pleasures, such as flowers in the beginning of Spring, can easily go unnoticed especially when life is seen as a never-ending checklist of things to do and accomplish.


If there was something that the Afghan soldiers were passionate about, it was flowers in the Spring. These last few weeks were spent digging, planting, watering, and waiting in hopes of a beautiful Springtime rose bloom. Sometimes I wondered if they were more interested in their planting than their daily duties. Well, for some reason as I was walking to the ANA clinic, which is my usual daily routine, I noticed the roses in bloom. And guess what....I stopped and took the time to appreciate them the way Gemma had shown me. In doing so, the roses reminded me that even in a country that is plagued by war and corruption...there is a strength and beauty that still exists in this country which gives it life.

Me, TSgt Putman (one of my medics), Basir (interpreter), and Colonel Shah Zadgull (my counterpart) enjoying a beautiful day

Today, I literally took the time to stop and smell the roses, and I even decided to have our daily mentoring discussions outside as the flowers were so beautiful. Honestly, this was one of the most peaceful, life-is-good moments of my deployment. Thanks Gemma for the life lesson:)

"I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." John 10:10 NIV

Day 270: Soles4Souls

Shoe days are always extra special at our local national free clinic as it takes several weeks to accumulate enough donated footwear to give out to the kids. These kids walk several miles, often carrying a younger sibling, while wearing beaten up sandals or remaining barefoot. Well today we made their day as we featured footwear donated by the organization Soles4Souls which included some very cool pairs of shoes from brand names such as Adidas and Timberland. We had a blast fitting these Afghan children with shoes especially when watching their eyes light up as they stared in amazement at shoes equipped with velcro straps, colorful designs, and sometimes even little blinking lights.

Check out my new kicks!

Velcro is in!


Ready for a Race!


Stylin' Hot Pink!

I wanted to especially thank Soles4Souls for their contribution to the mission of the Camp Clark Community Clinic. Their donation of footwear, along with so many others from family and friends, has greatly impacted the quality of life of children here in Khowst Province, Afghanistan. As you can see from the pictures above, the shoes have been greatly appreciated!

Thank you, from the Camp Clark Community Clinic team

"I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited; I was in prison and you came to Me."
Matthew 25:36 NKJV

Day 263: Hope

Another week has come which means another opportunity to open our doors to the local population with the expectation of providing some semblance of hope. Most weeks are fairly routine...coughs, colds, aches, pains, heartburn, and the occasional scrape or cut. Our number one prescription is Liquid Tylenol and a package of Flintstones Vitamins. Otherwise, the kids would rather skip the health care part and jump into the toys, soccer balls, and school supplies!


But, today was different. I had the privilege of meeting 2 very special patients. The first was a 10 year old Afghan girl with Cerebral Palsy. Her father came up to me and asked me to help her talk and take away her seizures. I was heartbroken. I sat with him and took the time to explain the chronic nature of her condition. He looked at me and through an interpreter understood my explanation, I think he knew his daughter's condition was without a cure but in his heart he knew he at least had to ask. The unconditional love this father had for his ailing daughter was amazing, and the result was self-evident as you saw this young lady smile right at him.

Senior Airman Torres, Enamullah, and I

The second patient was a 4 year old named Enamullah. He was brought in by his father who is a soldier in the Afghan National Army. He described to me what sounded like shortness of breath with exertion and intermittent episodes of passing out. I proceeded to discover a very significant heart murmur. The boy's father then pulled out a crumpled piece of paper with the letters, "VSD" written on it. I quickly realized that this boy probably has a Ventricular Septal Defect which is a hole in the wall that separates the major chambers of the heart. That hole causes oxygen-depleted blood to mix with oxygen-rich blood in the heart therefore leading to a declination of overall oxygen delivery to the body. This kind of condition requires sub specialty evaluation (Peds Cardiology) and surgical care (Peds Cardiothoracic Surgery). Again, my heart broken. My only answer to this boy and his father was, "I'll see what I can do". Getting care for this boy will be nothing short of a miracle.


Here in Afghanistan, hope is one of the few things that these people have left to hold on to. Considering the horrible history that this country has endured, I'm surprised that hope even exists. Can you imagine owning nothing, living in a war zone, and walking miles upon miles barefoot in hopes of receiving a toy, school supplies, or a bag of Flintstone vitamins. I see this every week, and not one week goes by that I don't see a smile on these kids faces...now that's hope seen on a level that is nothing short of inspiring.

I ask that you please continue to pray for these people and especially pray for little Enamullah as my hope is that there is help out there for him.

"For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men...looking for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus, who gave Himself for us to redeem us from every lawless deed, and to purify for Himself a people for His own possession."
Titus 2:11,13-14 NASB

Day 262: Easter

Easter Sunday, often celebrated with Chocolate bunnies, Easter eggs, the hunting of Easter eggs, and the cool baskets that they all come in. Well here in Afghanistan, Easter Sunday is not just another day, but a day of celebration and yet another reason to break out the Sparkling Grape Juice, festive decorations, and center pieces all themed with chocolatey Easter treats!

A Festive Easter Luncheon Awaits!

As I observed these various traditional Easter symbols I realized that none of them had to do with the true celebration of Easter, which is the celebration of the resurrection of Jesus and his victory over death. As we contemplate the meaning of Easter, may we find something to truly celebrate...not chocolate eggs, bunnies, Easter egg hunts, or baskets, but a risen Lord! And may we be reminded of a rebirth and a new life that comes as result of His resurrection. Now that's something to get excited about.

"Therefore we have been buried with Him through baptism into death, so that as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we too might walk in newness of life. For if we have become united with Him in the likeness of His death, certainly we shall also be in the likeness of His resurrection"
Romans 6:4,5 NASB

Day 260: Salerno

There is a term that we use on the FOB (Forward Operating Base), "fobbit". This is a label for those troops who never leave the base...ever. They are FOB-bound due to the nature of their duties or they are just plain scared of going outside the wire. Well, for the last 4 months I have been labeled a "fobbit" as I have kept myself on the FOB as the only medical provider on the entire post outside of the medics. Well, the time has come where I have just about gone stir crazy and it was time for a change of scenery, so I bid my medics farewell and took a day trip to FOB Salerno. It was a time to clear my head, but I also had a mission in mind - to meet with the medical folks at the Combat Support Hospital (CSH) as I have been working with them during Medevacs and other urgent consultations. It was time to match a face with the voices that I have been working with over the phone. So here goes the journey...

Monster Truck Action - The Cougar Ambulance!

Radio Check!

Here I am strapped in and ready to roll! Gotta check out the cool headphones...communication inside the vehicle is very important. If only we had a TV and DVD player!


Upon arrival, which was a 45 minute drive through the dangerous city of Khowst, I made my way to the CSH where I met the CSH Commander Col O'Connel and her medical staff. A very nice group of medical professionals which included administrators, surgeons, an internist, and a lab officer. I even had a chance to check out the orthopaedic surgeon in action in the OR!

I call this photograph - "Rod in Leg"


My Surgical Safety Nets

After a tour of the CSH, I decided to offer them a sneak peak at the Cougar Ambulance as they have never seen let alone sit inside such an impressive piece of medical equipment. Without any hesitation they were out there, cameras in hand, ready for a photo op! We all had a great time. It was nice to

Col O'Connel (top right) and the CSH Crew

Apart from my visit to the CSH, the rest of the day was spent in a state of therapeutic relaxation. There's just something about a change in scenery that puts the mind at ease...aaaah!

"For He Himself is our peace, who made both groups into one and broke down the barrier of the dividing wall"
Ephesians 2:14 NASB

Day 258: Boom!

On base, nothing will ruin your day more than a Field Artillery (FA) firing mission. I had blogged about the first FA mission several weeks ago which involved long range target practice into an open field. Well today's mission was the same thing only FARTHER which translates into LOUDER! I mean much LOUDER!! We were aiming for an open field over 15 km away in order to test the accuracy of some new equipment which had arrived.

Meet BASHER and his brother BAM!

Every time a shot was fired you could hear people being startled, the buildings rumble, and troops ducking for cover thinking it was incoming as opposed to outgoing. Anyone who had initiated their daily afternoon siesta was very rudely awakened! This was all borderline entertaining:)

Well, to pass the time I decided to help out with medical coverage for this mission as injuries are very common during FA missions. Anything from cuts and scrapes from handling the complex weaponry to blast injuries/burns due to the potent explosives...luckily no injuries to report although I wonder if anyone is going to eventually show up with a busted eardrum. The coolest part was being able to pull the laniard (check out the pic above), which was the trigger mechanism for the gun and the reason for an overabundance of hate & discontent throughout the base. For me, being a part of the FA mission removed any element of surprise which therefore minimized any gasping, yelling, or crying spells in the fetal position on my part. Well, after 50 rib-rattling rounds and multiple prolonged episodes of tinnitus, the fire mission was ended and life has since been back to normal. For now...

Day 255: Homemade

Nothing exciting really happened today until I opened a care package from Gemma. Homemade chocolate peanut butter chip cookies and snickerdoodles!! Not to to mention the fact that they were still moist and chewy as ever. Thanks honey, you are the best:) I never thought sharing would be so difficult!

The Air Force and I partaking in Gemma's Oh-So-Good Cookies!

Day 254: Oath

OATH

a solemn appeal to a deity, or to some revered person or thing,
to witness one's determination to speak the truth, to keep a promise.

For the last several weeks the Afghan National Army has held training for new recruits here in Khowst on our base. I've had the distinct opportunity to assist in the mission readiness of these young soldiers in regards to first aid training and health maintenance. As a participant in their training, I was invited to witness an oath ceremony that the recruits participate in as a symbol of their dedication to the Afghan National Army and their allies.

The entire ceremony was in the Afghan dialect of Pashtu and was attended by several local dignitaries and high-ranking military officials. The ceremony started out with a prayer from the Koran that was sung by a soldier. After quick introductions of notable people in attendance, the oath ceremony was underway.


In front of the formation was a long table (see above) with a variety of Afghan Army weaponry (machine guns, grenade launchers, rockets). Each platoon (30-40 soldiers) marched up to the table, laid hands on a weapon (see below) and then recited, actually more like shouted, an oath of allegiance, in the presence of Allah, to the Afghan National Army. Not quite the "raise your right hand and repeat after me" approach to a military oath, but unique and frankly, pretty cool!

"Suffer hardship with me as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No soldier in active service entangles himself in the affairs of everyday life, so that he may please the one who enlisted him as a soldier."

II Timothy 2:3,4 NASB

Day 251: Cookies

Who doesn't love cookies? Better yet, who doesn't love GIRL SCOUT cookies? Tagalongs, Thin Mints, Carmel Delights, Dosidos...Mmmmmmmm delicious. Today, the Afghan kids received a special treat along with their usual goodies of school supplies, multivitamins, and clothing. We received a large donation of Girl Scout cookies for our base and decided to use a portion of that donation for the kids that frequent our free clinic. Oh man, you should see their faces with crumbs all over their lips & cheeks with pieces of Girl Scout cookie goodness all lodged in between their teeth. The only thing missing was a large glass of milk!

Enjoying a Box of Girl Scout Cookie Goodness

It's organizations like the Girl Scouts that teach our children to look beyond themselves and consider the value that comes in helping those less fortunate. Being a leader in this unique military-humanitarian mission, I've been able to solicit help, in the form of supply donations from Girl Scout troops, elementary school classrooms, churches, clubs, and other non-profit organizations. The donation boxes almost always come with personal cards written by children of all ages, and it warms my heart to see the colorful and creative words that these young kids can come up with to relay the simple message, "We support you" and "We want to help". Let's continue to teach our children about a world that has people in need and show them that there are ways that we can do something about it.

"Therefore whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven." Matthew 18:4 NKJV

Day 249: Halfway!

Based on our best guess, the Navy folks that I deployed with have deemed today to be "HALFWAY DAY" as we are halfway through our deployment. In honor of this day, we decided to fly the First Navy Jack on our flagpole today. Since September 11, 2002, by direction of the Secretary of the Navy, the Navy Jack has been flown on the front or bow of Navy ships as a symbol of steadfastness and protest against terrorism and the insurgents that embrace it. The First Navy Jack will be flown until the Global War on Terrorism is over. More on the Navy Jack as per Wikipedia...


The jack of the United States is a maritime flag representing the United States nationality flown on the jackstaff at the bow (front) of it's vessels when anchored.

Since September 11, 2002, the Navy has flown the First Navy Jack, a flag bearing 13 red and white stripes, a rattlesnake and the motto "DONT TREAD ON ME", coming from the first jacks supposedly used by the Navy during the Revolutionary War. It is flown from the jackstaff from 08:00 to sunset while Navy ships are at anchor. It is required to be the same size as the union of the ensign (US Flag) being flown from the stern of the ship. The jack is hoisted smartly and lowered ceremoniously in the same manner as the ensign.

The rattlesnake had long been a symbol of resistance to the British in Colonial America. The rattlesnake (specifically, the Timber Rattlesnake) is especially significant and symbolic to the American Revolution. The rattle has thirteen layers, signifying the original Thirteen Colonies. And, the snake does not strike until provoked, a quality echoed by the phrase "Don't tread on me."

Well enough about flags...I'm just glad that I've survived the past 5 months in Afghanistan unscathed and mentally intact. Man, am I thankful to God for life and the adventures that He places in it! God has truly revealed to me a higher purpose, and He has reminded me, through Isaiah 43:2, the promise that He will see me through raging waters, through scorching flames, and even through the desert sands of Afghanistan!

"When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they will not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched, nor will the flame burn you" Isaiah 43:2 NASB