Changes for Command & Me

Dear readers (that's how Afghan newspaper editorials always begin--it's very polite, isn't it?),
It looks like I can actually post a few photos now, so I'll cross my fingers and give it a shot. I still recommend having your pet or toddler read it out loud to you, as it may make more sense that way.


Yesterday my regional command held their transfer of authority ceremony, officially ending Task Force Devil--which is a shame, as answering to Devil was easy for me--and launching Task Force Spartan. It was a hectic day, as my section had to cover it all as well as escort local media, and we had arranged a press conference post-ceremony. But all went well, and Spartan it now is...I'm sure the local men will warm right up to that name on Thursdays.

(Look at my media section in action!) This brought about a change for me too, as the new guy is in place and I've talked the leadership into letting me establish a position elsewhere. So sometime very soon, I'll be on the move. I wouldn't want to say where, as it's always embarassing when a crush of fans and media show up to greet my aircraft...
"Don't any of you know how a man can hurt inside?!"
"Um, Frank...they're not here to see you. Weird Al Yankovic is on the plane."

One nice feature of March in this odd valley of the east has been daily intermittent thunderstorms, including one the other night that was the most intense lightning display I'd ever seen. Often they just darken parts of the big sky with giant gray cloud banks, unleashing torrents on another area while just providing a nice strobelight atmosphere for us in Khost. Tonight was a trip though, since the full moon was in perfect display in center sky while storms raged off to either side. I was the only non-smoker watching though...there was no time for a stogie, as I had to catch the closing minutes of "dinner" at the chow hall. Mmmm, mmmm, mystery meat stuffed with cheese-like substance into another mystery meat, deep fried! Dear Lord, what I would give for an MRE some nights.

I'm trying especially hard not to calendar-watch during this month, as drinking up St. Paddy's Month and catching numerous Allman Brothers shows at the Beacon pretty much fills it for me in an average year. So to all ye bastards taking part in those noble pursuits, I wish ye the very best of debauchery! I'd like to join you, but they haven't yet expanded the emergency leave category to include: desperate need to socialize during annual cultural & musical events. I'm working in it, though.

As for the big day approaching, it may actually be the day I change locations...I'll keep you posted. One thing's for sure, I'll be seeing 40 shades of brown, and if peat bogs smell anything like the sewage pond that wafts up the base daily for stinking up the whole afternoon, I've got that covered too. Erinistan go Bragh!