Today we had another rocket/mortar attack and other various projects

This morning started with a call from our unit in Kabul for accountability of everyone. We thought it was an exercise, but sadly it was implemented because of a suicide car bomber that killed 5 US personnel, 1 Canadian and 12 civilians in Kabul this morning. We don't have any info on them and couldn't share it if we did. For more info, http://news.google.com has the story.

Of course, most of today's projects here in Kandahar were random events, as is usual during deployments. Once people hear that you helped someone, then word spreads, now you're the guy. No one wants to use the system and it seems everyone knows someone with exactly what you need. Sometimes trading/bartering takes place, so you can get the job done. It can be fun!!! Sometimes feels like a M.A.S.H. episode and we're all looking for Radar (at least I think he was the supply person). :)

As soon as I started typing this, the mortar/rocket sirens went off and I heard, I think, two explosions...nowhere near us. The all clear sounded some minutes later.

Here's the team loading Hummers on the back of a flatbed for transport to another base.

On our way back from loading, we noticed some of the Afghan soldiers washing up and doing laundry in the river.

Then we bounced back to the village to see about the second shower house. Our Master Sergeant that was on the bulldozer yesterday was now using a crane to pickup the shower unit and put it in place. He complains a little about doing it, but I can tell he loves playing with the big machinery and getting filthy.

When we moved the old shower unit, there was a black soupy moldy mess underneath. We're going to let it dry and cover it over with soil.

After the shower unit was moved, we took a walk through the dining facility they have. The bucket you see on the floor is full of cooked chicken. I don't know their plan for it, but I'm guessing it will be dinner. No telling how long it has been sitting out. They don't get sick, so they must push it right to the limit or they have a healthy immune system.

As we drove through one Afghan Nat'l Army gate, I saw this old tank from I'm guessing pre-WWI. Maybe someone can identify it for me in the comments. In case you're wondering, it's a chair in front of the tank.

Speaking of tanks, the Russians left hundreds here. Take a look.

Here are two shops we drove by. We occasionally stop and buy candy or souvenirs.

Other than that, we spent the day discussing why we can't bring our up-armored vehicles through one of the Afghan Nat'l Army gates. We walked away with an agreement, but I don't know how much faith I have that it will be upheld. We'll see in the coming days and weeks.

Today we fixed ovens and showers

I'm glad we (most military) learned that providing the Afghans what you think they need may not be what they truly do need. We ask them what they need, where they need it, and when they need it...for the most part. We do our best to meet these needs...otherwise the item or unit may not get utilized.

Today our tangible accomplishment doesn't look like much, but to the Afghans that will be using them they do mean a lot.

Here is the work on the new hospital oven area. It has just started, but we expect it to be done in 3 days. It will be enclosed when finished. The worker is mixing cement for the oven bricks. If you scroll down a few blogs ago, you'll see the current hospital kitchen.

This is our guy leveling the area with a bulldozer (I think he's having fun...he loves to get dirty), so walls can be put up.

The shower rooms they have are not really up to standards. They do function, but just barely. Here's what they looked like before. Luckily for you, you can't see in very well.

Here's what it looks like now. It has lights, hot & cold water, and even A/C. It get's upwards of 130F here in the summer, so they can definitely use the A/C. I have to say, this shower unit is cleaner and nicer than mine. I'm okay with that...they work hard and deserve it.

Here is a picture of our shelters. When the alarm goes off for incoming rockets or mortars, this is available for shelter.

Here's the inside of a fairly nice tent to give you an idea what it would be like to live in for 6 months to a year. The tube running along the top is the inflatable vent for air conditioning and heating. They stay pretty cool when the A/C works right. If the A/C stops, they become an oven.

Second Day...We provided water/electricity to Afghans

Today was a good day. We provided electricity and water to the camp for the interpreters. I haven't seen people that happy in a long time. We fixed the generators, ran new water pipes, and turned it on today.

Another problem that compounded the situation is...some of the Afghan National Guard allegedly cut the wires to the generators because they didn't like the interpreters. Now we have to build a fence around the camp and generators to keep saboteurs out.

Here's a guy who's happy about the fix. They kept coming up and thanking us. It felt great to see them get these basic needs met.

This is their camp.

You can tell this shower hasn't been used in a long time.

And neither have these sinks.

Here's our team filling the generator tank with fuel, so they'll have water and electricity for the next week.

These guys were really taking ownership and pride in their generators. Here they're repairing the door and sealing it up, so saboteurs can't damage the generators.

Here is where I live. As I'm typing this, the rocket/mortar incoming alarm went off. It was for the main base, which is a few miles from us. Don't know if anything hit, but we heard the all clear.

This is my room...not bad. It's roomy, but just a little dusty.

Here's what our community bathroom sinks look like. Have to use bottled water to brush your teeth, since the water is not safe to drink.

Here's one of the community showers. Not bad, just wish they had a soap tray. My wife said I should wear a workman's belt in the shower...I could put my soap and shampoo in the pockets. That's ridiculous. Can you imagine stepping out of the shower with a tool belt on...the stares you'd get:)

I can't complain, because I could be living in these tents like I did in Kyrgyzstan.