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October 2008
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[Called in June 15, 2006 via satellite phone] For the third night in a row, our Forward Operating Base (FOB) here in southeastern Afghanistan was attacked. This firefight was the most intense of the three, and as before was initiated by anti-government forces which we are calling Taliban. RPG rockets, mortars, machine gun and small arms fire were directed at our FOB for more than an hour. The Afghan National Army (ANA) soldiers, with support from the USNG ETT returned fire. This third attack follows from several meetings with local village elders who claim to have no local knowledge of the Taliban. From the origins of the attacks tonight, local villagers are supporting/or are in the know of these operations. If there is one thing that has become very evident in these small, remote areas of Afghanistan, the Koran has become a tool of war used against the US forces who try to respect its religious and cultural value. Lying and swearing on the Koran is part of the daily life here. This FOB is remote and difficult to re-supply. Add to that a down-sided military presence in the area, air assets that are overtaxed, and a U.S. war strategy that looks to continually siphon resources to Iraq, the ETTs here face at times a perilous challenges as they must rely on themselves and the limited resources of the ANA to win the fight. The U.S. superiority and technological advantage is reduced to a few incredible men of the National Guard. In the words of Capt. Lonsdale: 'Living the dream.' I am proud to…. [NOTE from Editor: Finally two sentences garbled over satellite phone call from] 4 CommentsLeave a comment |
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As a close personal friend of SSGT Blake, I was glad to hear that Scott Kesterson was with him and would be reporting on his time spent with SSGT Unit. Leaning second hand about the danger he is in was unnerving. Find comfort with being in the presence on SSGT Blake. His abilities as a soldier are bested only by his greatness as a person. Please be safe and, if you get a chance, tell SSGT Blake that I/we are with him in heart.
John Freeman
Mr. Kesterson, I cant thank you enough for the insight you bring to me as I wait and wonder and worry about each and every soldier involved in Afghanistan (and elsewhere). Your glimpses of the reality are reassuring, yet frightening, and I find myself with more hope than I did on the day I said goodbye to a very special soldier, who is there with you now in Afg. Thank you, Scott. I appreciate your work, words, and bravery, and thank God for every soldier who has been strong and brave for me! Thank you. So MUCH!
Leslie
Hearing that a reporter would be imbedded one of the (FOB)'s documenting the training/mentoring of the ANA, I was skeptical of this person's motivation. Thank you, Scott Kesterson, for telling us like it really is and giving us a glimpse of what life there is really like. I am a friend of SSGT Blake. I am sure I don't have to tell you that you will be with one of best the Army has to offer. Thank you for what you do and where you are. Be safe and if you get a chance please tell SSGT Blake and Capt. Lonsdale that all of us back home are with them and are waiting for their safe return.
Robert C.
HELLO SOLDIERS! MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU EACH AND EVERY DAY. I WOULD LIKE TO TAKE THIS TIME TO SAY THANK YOU FOR ALL YOU DO FOR OUR FREEDOM, AND FOR KEEPING OUR COUNTRY AS SAFE AS YOU CAN. IF ANY OF YOU SEE OR KNOW SFC JOHN MORRILL, AND YOU SEE HIM AROUND, TELL HIM HIS FAMILY LOVES HIM AND AWAITS HIS SAFE RETURN...
GOD BLESS EACH AND EVERYONE OF YOU.
LISA