I found myself on another mission recently. This time my helicopter brought me to a COP (combat outpost) in the Paktika Province. As usual, the Army promised out in the middle of nowhere and they delivered. Here is a picture of the billeting and shower/toilet areas. At night, there is limited lighting so one must make sure they get the right structure!
The COB is built into an area full of ridges and draws, and quite spread out. This is done to improve defense abilities, but seems only a healthy goat could appreciate the design. This trail of tears was steap but the only way to reach the chow hall (this is a picture of the half-way point). I guess it is easy to say that you worked off your meals just getting to the table! Note the bunkers incorporated into the path......a lot of rockets and mortors come through and no one has far to run for shelter.
Creative futility? Or build it and they will come? I ventured up the stairs only to have a spectacular view of the trail head leading down a cavernous drop off. I'd hate to come across this at night, not knowing better!
Beautiful sunsets know no geographical or political boundaries.
The chow hall carried the Stars and Stripes and I picked this edition up at breakfast while I was on my mission. During the time I was in Patika Province, twice our flight out was cancelled as air space could not be safely secured for our helo to come in for us. After a 4 day mission turned into a week, we were able to hitch a ride on a C130 that was carrying cargo. Since the C-130 can fly at a higher elevation than a helo we only had to make it past take off.............give thanks and prayers to pilots that fly, soldiers that fight and especially for the families of those we leave at home.
Lest We Forget
No comments:
Post a Comment