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October 2008
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We now sit with less than three months remaining on this tour. We have come full circle. As we settled into Camp Shelby last March, home seemed so close, it's memories working to pull the focus from the training and daily pace of regular Army life. And now home has come into focus once again, as we sit less than 90 days from our return. The issues are no longer training, but completion, and the closing of this chapter of our lives. But unlike Camp Shelby, the loss of focus here carries a risk of consequences that affect our physical well-being. As my father would say to me when I was growing up, "The most dangerous part of the journey is the last five miles from home." I have seen a great deal over this past year, and interacted with as many as I could. I have experienced the extremes and the quiet moments, as well as the many places in between. I have lived the lives of soldiers through my lens and through my words, always remembering that little girl's parting voice. There are some "daddy's" that won't come home; for those of us that do, we need to be thankful and embrace all that has been given and all that has been gained. Every soldier is a hero... I wrote it in the beginning, and I write it again now. It matters not where their place was on this tour, only that they served for something that they believed in, something greater than self, and something worth giving over a year of their life to. The efforts of this year won't in themselves change a country, nor will it bring peace or the closing to this war. Afghanistan is a country that is like the many stones of its landscape, each with a history and reason for being, each willing to be used for the construction of something greater, but only able to be moved slowly and with caution. The efforts put forth over this past year, however, will leave a lasting impression, offering hope and evolution through the process of time. Soldiers have become the modern emissaries of change. In my reflections of the year, I found myself looking over photos of the many faces that began back in Portland. We have all changed. There is an innocence of sorts that is lost, as the eyes now peer back not with eagerness, but with introspection. What began as duty, is now winding down with a realization that each of us has become citizens of a world in between. I have watched it pass through my camera, recording a change that is expressed in the many moments of the entire year. The world of our home and the world here are destined to be memories, as we step forward and embrace a new view on all things we only thought we knew. This is the gift of the citizen soldier. Copyright 2007, Scott Kesterson 8 CommentsLeave a comment |
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Mr. Kesterson: I am in awe of your powerful use of language and camera to bring home to us what our military men and women have experienced during their deployment. Words fail me in thanking YOU for all you have done ? and done without ? to give us a peek into daily life and daily struggles.
Please, please let our guys and gals know how much they are appreciated and treasured as you all spend your last 90 days in Afghanistan.
Thanks also to kgw.com (Ch 8) for carrying your terrific blog.
Mr. Kesterson,
I just want to say thank you for your service and time spent as a soldier and jouralist in Afghanistan. I regret not getting to meet you at Camp Shelby but through your writings I think that we, as a people, have gotten to know what our soldiers are doing there. Good luck in your last 90 days and a safe journey home to your loved ones.
From a soldier over here. I met you back on that cold day as we left for greather things. You said that you were going to show the world what we were doing over here. Now its 10 months into our tour and I have yet to see you or really hear the storys from the soldiers over here. You said you were going to post and tell our side of things. I feel its just another media copout. Go for the bigger story the action not the truth..........
Scott,
Your gift for transporting us along in your experiences is appreciated and your diligent role in keeping this forgotten war in our country's focus is so vital to our people and especially those soldiers who are serving beside you daily. May our Lord keep you safe and all those who are doing, what so many of us can only imagine, for our freedom.
Scott, I hope this note finds you safe and in good spirits. I often wonder where you are and appreciate the times we pass one another across this ever changing country. Yes, we have all changed during our time here in Afghanistan. I have seen change in you as well over these past months of war and unrest as you capture this reality as a photo journalist.
We all knew we could not change this country, but held on to the desire of making a difference. I know in my heart I have changed things in the South and believe I will again in the North. You my friend have been all over this country. You have made a difference and that is what counts. Take care, Mark
Thank you, Scott. Your posts and video have meant a lot to me. Our family prints them out, reads them, discusses them and shares them with family and friends. You have kept us informed about what is really going on there with your beautiful, thought provoking, insightful writing.
Heidi tells me soldiers are superstitious about the end of their tours. I am of the philosophy "we've come this far�.. just a little longer now�.. everything will be okay", but this is apparently not the way a soldiers thinks.
Be very careful, Scott. Come home safely to us.
Kerri
Scott,
I remember when you and Arnold and I hung out at Camp Shelby. I cannot believe that your tour is almost over. Thanks for the updates and keep your head really low now.
I found myself with some time this afternoon, so I went back to read your last few posts. As always, I am caught up in your writing. I do think I see a definite improvement over the year, but maybe that is as much my education by you as your continued practice.
This was a good reflective piece. I hope it doesn't wind up on the cutting room floor. =)