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 168: NYFD

A few days ago we held a special flag raising ceremony for the Afghan National Army Fire Station here on our post. Their old flag was a tattered piece of cloth, so ripped and faded that no one even knew what was printed on it. In an effort to replace their old flag, one of my fellow Naval officers, LT Zeller e-mailed a request to the New York City Fire Department (NYFD) Commissioner for a flag that can be flown for the fire station here in Khowst.

Presenting of the NYFD Flag to the ANA Fire Department

The Chief of the Fire Department and his staff with their new flag

The flag now flies every day as symbol of bravery, and an iconic reminder of why the United States is fighting in Afghanistan. The Chief of the Fire Department commented (through an interpreter), "I am committed to peace in the Khowst Province of Afghanistan, and my team will never forget the sacrifices made by fellow firemen in New York on 9/11." What a testament to the mission that we have been called to complete here in Afghanistan.

"For He Himself is our peace, who has made both one, and has broken down the middle wall of separation." Ephesians 2:14 NKJV