Thanks to some gentle persuasion from friends, I've been peer-pressured to update this blog. I apologize for being less than prolific!
Today's absolutely gorgeous. Deep into an Afghanistan winter, it's clear, sunny and about 80 out today and the day after KICKING THE HELL OUT OF ARMY!
What the Woops here lacked in enthusiasm prior to the game, they have more than made up for in apathy both before and after. The game aired at midnight in Jalalabad, only the crazy and fool-hearty stayed up to watch the whole thing -- me and the Chaplain (USNA '86). Now it's on to the Texas Bowl and a tough game against Missouri.
Chris attended the annual party at Seau's in San Diego and it was good to see pictures of friends! Greg watched with USNA classmates in San Diego.
Life continues to be good here, working the counter-IED analysis along with measuring Afghan population attitudes and perceptions.
It's been tough missing family and friends, to enjoy the good times and being there to lend support in the trying ones. It's painful to listen to soldiers' stories -- missing their young wives, girlfriends, and young kids.
I was glad to hear that we'll be surging 30,000+ soldiers and dismayed at even the hint of a timeline for withdrawal. OUr biggest challenge is building the Afghan population's trust in it's government and building an Afghan army and police force that is well-trained and capable of defending the population against Al Qaida and the Taliban. Crippling the drug trade and stopping the resultant flow of money is an enabler as well.
Thanks for reading! Be well.
--
Bob Rubin
BobRubin@san.rr.com
Bob Rubin, ORSA
CSE JTF Paladin
FOB Fenty, Jalalabad
APO, AE 09310
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