SPC Bailey Bullock
166th Engineer Company
2nd Platoon
I know this may sound a little cheesy to many of you, but I believe the new mission many members of the 166th Engineer Company have drawn is one of honor. Once you hear what it is you may think I'm crazy, or that I could really use some R&R, but I truly believe it. This new mission is one of winterization. We have been tasked with assessing and doing the necessary work on many of the smaller bases in our area to ensure that the troops have what they need to make it through the coming winter with as little problems as possible. I know it doesn't sound very grand when I say it, but let me explain from recent personal experience why I think this.
I have just returned to FOB Sharana from a winterization mission. I can't say where, but I can say that it was on an infantry Combat Outpost (COP). The troops on this base have a straightforward mission: seek out and destroy the enemy and help the local populace as much as they can. This second part comes in the form of such things as helping the locals establish and secure polling sites, meeting with local leaders to help firm up their infrastructure via new schools and new construction, and finding and meeting needs where they can. These soldiers are on the front line with the enemy and with the local people. Now put in your mind the idea that most of the soldiers are under the age of 25; many are already veterans of the Iraq war, and here they are again doing their job professionally and efficiently, often times under harsh conditions. These men are “Soldiers' Soldiers”.
As a soldier myself, I believe if you aren’t on the front line doing the fighting, the next most important mission is helping the ones who are. To me it is a matter of Honor. Those on the front line put themselves in that position and therefore deserve the best that we have when we are working in a supporting role for them. So this is where I found myself, along with the other members of my team, a little over two weeks ago.
Officially, each team sent out is given specific tasks that have to be completed, such as insulating pipes or installing heaters, etc. After these tasks are completed we are at the disposal of the unit there; we can then build them anything they want and need as long as we have the materials.
The team I was a part of had this exact experience. We were tasked with insulating pipes, some minor electrical work (such as installing lights and outlets), and building covers for water tanks so the water doesn't freeze when the snow comes. When we arrived we set to completing those things right off the bat, and we successfully completed them in about five days. It was at this point that we began work on the things the unit there needed in addition to those essential tasks. We were able to raise and cover their generators, build large storage sheds for their fuel and other essential equipment and materials, and do things as small as repairing a dining facility door so that it would shut and lock properly. None of these things were major in and of themselves, but they were all things that were needed. We had the knowledge and ability to do the job.
This is what made my team and me feel honored to have the mission. We got to do work that was truly needed by our fellow soldiers and contribute to them successfully completing their mission, even if it was a minor contribution. This is why we are over here: to contribute to this fight in the best way we can. The winterization missions allow us to see that more clearly. I am proud that the 166th Engineer Company has drawn this mission, and I have no doubt that our teams will have an impact on the units that they serve out in the field.
Saturday, June 27, 2009
Pickin' and Grinnin' - 27 June 2009
One thing I've learned, without a doubt, is that soldiers are industrious. If they don't have something and want it, they'll find a way to get it. That rule of thumb certain applies here in Afghanistan. Whether it's getting their hands on needed supplies for a project or finding a way to make music, they'll make it happen. Several weeks ago, Toby Keith came to FOB Sharana to entertain the soldiers here. Shortly after, SGT Bob Persch set out to get his hands on a guitar or two. He was aware of a few soldiers who play, and he wanted to take some time to improve his own abilities. Unfortunately, no one here had a guitar to use. Now they do.
SGT Persch began thumbing through a magazine and locating different retailers, asking for help. He's made a few friends along the way. One of whom, Robin Weber, has made a significant contribution toward filling the request in every way possible. Her business specializes in the sale of fine, acoustic stringed instruments. Offering mainly high end, handmade acoustic guitars, they cater to the discerning musician in search of exceptional tone, craftsmanship, and playability. Not only has Robin graciously offered to help, she has taken it a step further in starting a program geared toward spreading the word. Visit her website to see what her business has to offer or go directly to the link she's provided for more information about the program, Guitars 4 Troops.
Below are just a few of the instruments sent to our soldiers so far...and a few shots of the happiness she's helped bring to them.
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Saturday, June 20, 2009
Friday, June 19, 2009
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Commander's Update - from June 18, 2009
Some projects are now finally coming to a close, while others are just beginning. The general theme I give when asked about our progress is that the soldiers are doing amazing things and doing all they can with what they have.
As previously mentioned, the movement and receipt of materials is the greatest challenge, and that’s been the thorn in the side of 1LT Sam Smallwood at COP McClain. He and 3rd Platoon are currently charged with vertical construction of the new Jordanian Combat Outpost. They’ve already completed several guard towers and buildings there, despite the issues they’ve faced. I’ve had on the forefront of my mind a visit to see those soldiers for many weeks but just managed to make it out to see them in the last few days. The reason for the delay is the same as those we face for the transportation of building materials: increased threat, lack of air support available, and competing priorities for transportation assets throughout the theater. It took two weeks to get a flight from our Company Headquarters location, which had to be routed north through Bagram and then down south to FOB Shank. From there, I had to convoy to COP McClain as there are currently no air routes that go to the location. While en route, we received a message that there were two different possible IED (Improved Explosive Device – roadside bomb) locations we would approach before reaching our destination. Both had been cleared before we reached the Combat Outpost, and there were fortunately no other incidents. The soldiers were working, doing their laundry, and eating lunch when I arrived. All are tired but doing very well, given the circumstances. We were able to bring a few back with us to FOB Shank to fly out for their mid-tour leave. I would say they were the happiest of us all, of course.
The return trip to FOB Sharana was a long and exhausting experience as well. SGT Bob Persch, the unit’s acting Warrant Officer, accompanied me on the visit to see 3rd Platoon. I’m not so certain he was glad he had agreed to come along after we’d returned though. We woke at 2:30 a.m. on the 16th in the hopes that we would be able to fly directly from FOB Shank to FOB Sharana. No such luck. The flight scheduled to leave was given priority for the shipment of ammunition, which makes sense, I suppose. We instead flew back to Bagram at around 9:00 a.m. and stood by for a flight scheduled to leave for FOB Sharana late that evening. The departure was pushed back again and again, as is often the case. We donned our gear and stepped out on the flight line at about 1:30 a.m. and approached the ramp of the C-130 transport plane. As we looked up at the Air Force crew and empty cargo deck on the back of the aircraft, we received the finger…indicating we should turn ourselves around and return to the terminal. It turns out that plane was rerouted for Kabul. After many more hours of waiting, we were finally on a small civilian transport plane at around 11:00 a.m. SGT Persch and I weren’t alone though. We were joined by several folks from the 877th Engineer Battalion’s advance party, who had recently arrived to begin setting up logistical support for their main body. Upon return, I caught up on the unit’s events from the previous two days. There had been some sort of equipment failure that caused all communication in and out of FOB Sharana to be severed, both email and phone. I had a lot of catching up to do. Exhausted, I fell into bed at about 6:00 p.m. that evening, almost 40 hours after we began the trek “home.” Did I mention travel throughout Afghanistan is difficult? If I have ever been frustrated by a 15-minute delay in a flight at home, I imagine I’ll have a much differently outlook in the future.
The Brigade Tactical Operations Center expansion is now complete, and we’re very near completing the post’s new storage container yard. The soldiers have started work on the new Morale Welfare and Recreation facility, Entry Control Point, and road leading from that site to the FOB Sharana air field. We’re also knee-deep in Winterization throughout eastern Afghanistan but facing the same challenge in transportation of the supplies we’ll need at each of the locations. It’s largely a game of patience, and our soldiers have become well-versed in displaying it.
Also, we receive boxes daily from different folks for our soldiers. Usually, these are directed to a specific person, but on occasion some are sent to the unit as a whole and contain various types of “goodies” for everyone. Today, we received 25 of 38 boxes from my co-workers at GE, containing books, movies, magazines, music CD’s, snacks, etc. An amazing amount of effort from those friends and from people from all walks of life are received here, and it’s ALL very much appreciated by every single person in the unit. As always, thank you to everyone for your continued support.
As previously mentioned, the movement and receipt of materials is the greatest challenge, and that’s been the thorn in the side of 1LT Sam Smallwood at COP McClain. He and 3rd Platoon are currently charged with vertical construction of the new Jordanian Combat Outpost. They’ve already completed several guard towers and buildings there, despite the issues they’ve faced. I’ve had on the forefront of my mind a visit to see those soldiers for many weeks but just managed to make it out to see them in the last few days. The reason for the delay is the same as those we face for the transportation of building materials: increased threat, lack of air support available, and competing priorities for transportation assets throughout the theater. It took two weeks to get a flight from our Company Headquarters location, which had to be routed north through Bagram and then down south to FOB Shank. From there, I had to convoy to COP McClain as there are currently no air routes that go to the location. While en route, we received a message that there were two different possible IED (Improved Explosive Device – roadside bomb) locations we would approach before reaching our destination. Both had been cleared before we reached the Combat Outpost, and there were fortunately no other incidents. The soldiers were working, doing their laundry, and eating lunch when I arrived. All are tired but doing very well, given the circumstances. We were able to bring a few back with us to FOB Shank to fly out for their mid-tour leave. I would say they were the happiest of us all, of course.
The return trip to FOB Sharana was a long and exhausting experience as well. SGT Bob Persch, the unit’s acting Warrant Officer, accompanied me on the visit to see 3rd Platoon. I’m not so certain he was glad he had agreed to come along after we’d returned though. We woke at 2:30 a.m. on the 16th in the hopes that we would be able to fly directly from FOB Shank to FOB Sharana. No such luck. The flight scheduled to leave was given priority for the shipment of ammunition, which makes sense, I suppose. We instead flew back to Bagram at around 9:00 a.m. and stood by for a flight scheduled to leave for FOB Sharana late that evening. The departure was pushed back again and again, as is often the case. We donned our gear and stepped out on the flight line at about 1:30 a.m. and approached the ramp of the C-130 transport plane. As we looked up at the Air Force crew and empty cargo deck on the back of the aircraft, we received the finger…indicating we should turn ourselves around and return to the terminal. It turns out that plane was rerouted for Kabul. After many more hours of waiting, we were finally on a small civilian transport plane at around 11:00 a.m. SGT Persch and I weren’t alone though. We were joined by several folks from the 877th Engineer Battalion’s advance party, who had recently arrived to begin setting up logistical support for their main body. Upon return, I caught up on the unit’s events from the previous two days. There had been some sort of equipment failure that caused all communication in and out of FOB Sharana to be severed, both email and phone. I had a lot of catching up to do. Exhausted, I fell into bed at about 6:00 p.m. that evening, almost 40 hours after we began the trek “home.” Did I mention travel throughout Afghanistan is difficult? If I have ever been frustrated by a 15-minute delay in a flight at home, I imagine I’ll have a much differently outlook in the future.
The Brigade Tactical Operations Center expansion is now complete, and we’re very near completing the post’s new storage container yard. The soldiers have started work on the new Morale Welfare and Recreation facility, Entry Control Point, and road leading from that site to the FOB Sharana air field. We’re also knee-deep in Winterization throughout eastern Afghanistan but facing the same challenge in transportation of the supplies we’ll need at each of the locations. It’s largely a game of patience, and our soldiers have become well-versed in displaying it.
Also, we receive boxes daily from different folks for our soldiers. Usually, these are directed to a specific person, but on occasion some are sent to the unit as a whole and contain various types of “goodies” for everyone. Today, we received 25 of 38 boxes from my co-workers at GE, containing books, movies, magazines, music CD’s, snacks, etc. An amazing amount of effort from those friends and from people from all walks of life are received here, and it’s ALL very much appreciated by every single person in the unit. As always, thank you to everyone for your continued support.
Photos - FOB Shank and COP McClain Visit, 18 June 2009
One of Our Modes of Transportation
Forward Operating Base (FOB) Shank
Combat Outpost (COP) McClain
Photos - FOB Sharana Job Sites, 18 June 2009
Morale Welfare and Recreation (MWR) Facility
Entry Control Point
Container Storage Yard
Nearing Completion
Nearing Completion
Brigade Tactical Operations Center Expansion
Nearing Completion
Nearing Completion
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