A New Day

There are some days you wake up and don't want to get out of bed. On every day, however, we should remember that we're blessed because we can.

Two days ago, while everyone at home was either fast asleep or just waking up, five of the 166th Engineer Company's soldiers were hard at work, helping another unit at a remote Combat Outpost in preparing for the winter here in Afghanistan.

Without warning, two enemy 107mm rockets exploded at their feet. The "kill radius" of these weapons is 195 feet, and severe damage can be expected at distances up to 325 feet. Four of our five soldiers were standing within 10 feet of the detonation; one was within 100 feet.

To say 'thank you' for the prayers we've received is not enough, but it's all I can do today. So, thank you. I have no doubt that, without them, we would have lost every soldier present; instead, all injured will make full recoveries. I would characterize the circumstances as miraculous.

I would prefer to hold off on details, but I want to put a stop to rumors that are circulating:

All family members have been notified and have been able to talk to their soldiers.

Those present:

SFC Shane Shanderson, from Inver Groves Heights, Wisconsin, was the Team Leader on the ground, running our construction operations on site. SFC Sanderson received shrapnel wounds to his legs. He's was flown last night to Germany for additional medical care and will then be transported back to the United States for follow on care.

SGT Robert Smith, from Arab, Alabama, received shrapnel to the back of the head. He has been released from the hospital and will rejoin the unit at FOB Sharana in the coming week.

SPC Michael Clackum, from Hamilton, Alabama, received shrapnel to the back which also caused some internal injuries. He required multiple surgeries here, but this is mainly due to the environment and challenges in preventing infection while in Afghanistan. He was flown last night with SFC Sanderson to Germany where he too will receive additional medical care and then return to the United States for follow on care.

SPC Kyle Thomas, from Madison, Alabama, received shrapnel to the lower back. He has been released from the hospital and will rejoin the unit at FOB Sharana in the coming week.

SPC Seth Leonhard, from Bankston, Alabama, was fortunate enough to walk away with no physical injuries. He flew back to FOB Sharana with 1SG Treece and me this morning.

Within minutes of the attack, we were notified and began passing the information along to the 877th Engineer Battalion. What we heard at the outset was relatively accurate, but we couldn't be certain of the situation until our soldiers were transported for medical evaluation.

We were fortunate that the soldiers were sent to FOB Shank, where our 3rd Platoon is currently working for the 168th Engineer Company, 877th Engineer Battalion. MAJ Jones, the company commander, 1LT Smallwood, the 3rd platoon leader, and every available soldier from 3rd Platoon immediately moved to meet the incoming helicopter carrying our soldiers and were there with them for as long as they were able.

1SG Treece and I arrived in Bagram the following morning, where we were immediately taken to see the soldiers. They were all smiles and clearly well aware of how blessed they are to be alive. The jokes never stopped. We spent the day there, making several visits to check on them, and they continued to be in good spirits until we left them to rest for the evening.

I'm at a loss for what more to say other than we have been and continue to be very, very fortunate. As for the rest of the update...


1SG Bobby Treece was awarded the de Fleury Medal this weekend, which ties into the beginnings of the Corps of Engineers and of the nation. It was the first Congressional Medal struck, if not the first medal authorized.

1SG Treece has been serving in the Alabama National Guard for more than 29 years. When first sergeants are exceptional, their units are exceptional. I have heard time and again, from all levels and from the State of Alabama to Camp Atterbury, Indiana, to Afghanistan, how impressive the soldiers in the 166th Engineer Company are. The unit’s abilities and accomplishments are a result of the leadership of 1SG Bobby Treece. He is its heart and soul. Furthermore, he is the best First Sergeant I have ever seen. He is exceptional and well-deserving of the award.

Construction continues at FOB Sharana:




We did have a little fire that needed some Engineer assistance earlier this week, which was provided by the soldiers working here with us from the Arizona Army National Guard's 920th Engineer Company.



Our work at more remote locations throughout Afghanistan continues as well:



Our Winterization efforts are finally coming to a close. Below, some of our soldiers work with the Polish to help prepare one of their locations for the cold temperatures and snow that will quickly be upon us. The International Forces there were so thankful for the work done there that a ceremony was held, where the entire team was awarded the Polish unit's combat patch.






In local news:

Saks 63, Calera 28

The son of one of our very own, SGT Rodney Sturkey, from Saks, Alabama, helped his hometown football team advance in the Class 4A Playoffs with three interceptions against Calera last weekend.