Hello All,

Been on the ground for about a month and a half and we are cautiously getting into a steady battle rythym at Able Main, our home away from home. Everyday presents a new challenge that tests us, but thus far we have perservered and been better for it. Relentless optimism in conjunction with hard work has proven to be an equation for success. We live amongst the people and we maintain the opinion that this is their country, and that we are visitors attempting to improve security to enable their progress. This is a two way street and I am often frustrated with the Afghan's satisfaction with the status quo, but I remind myself that they have never been provided the opportunity for anything better. The concept of a better life is something they cautiously approach most likely due to years of disappointment that has come at the hands of the many world powers who have irresponsibly exerted their will within Afghan borders.

I'd like to think we are taking a revolutionary approach that holds the Afghans accountable to their own security situation. This is a tall order for coalition forces who often have to take a step back in order to train, arm and advise Afghan leaders. This occurs at all levels. At my level, the tactical level, I work daily with Afghan commanders discussing tactics while simultaneously training Afghan soldiers on basic soldier skills. We try to incorporate these soldiers into our daily patrols to further their ability to protect themselves in the future. On the non-kinetic side we conduct weekly meetings with local governors and sub governors, appointed by the Karzai administration, on how to implement projects that not only provide a better standard of living but are also sustainable. The latter being the key to success as sustainability will be the cornerstone for our inevitable withdrawl. The old adage you can give a man a fish and he'll be fed for a day or you can teach him to fish and he'll feed himself for a lifetime... applies well in describing the concept of how we approach implementing projects. I know this seems relatively simple, but I assure you it is easier said then done when you see children starving and you want nothing but the instant gratification that comes from providing people with their basic needs. Handouts are a bandaid and really provide no long term sustainable benefit.

On the strategic level (and I am not really qualified to talk overall strategy but I will anyway) our field grade officers (major to general officer) work to coach and mentor high level Afghan government officials to make sense of a fledgling democracy that is riddled with corruption. This is a daunting unenviable task that requires an incredibly well rounded knowledge of how to apply good governance in a place that has had nothing of the sort. The ramifications of decisions made at the strategic level can frustrate those of us at the tip of the spear, but when you step back, take a deep breath and remain objective it is apparent that the country has come a long way. Critics continue to disagree... but they wouldn't be critics then would they. There is no room for critics here. Most of what the American people hear is a product of these problem identifiers. It's all to easy to to be a problem identifier. At the strategic level, these men put themselves out, bearing the responsibility of a problem solver, and the inevitable criticism that comes with it. Again, easy to be problem identifier hard to be a problem solver.

Afghanistan is a great mission, we can do a lot for the people here. This will require a greater commitment, in numbers, from coalition forces. A committment that I believe is just over the horizon. The Afghan people deserve it and so do the countless men who have died in pursuit of a better life for these people. Those who believe this is not our fight are unwilling to recognize we are living in a global society. A global society that will continue to influence the security situation on American soil. There are men in these mountains that would like nothing better then to focus on attacking our way of life. I was a skeptic but now am a believer. I have seen their ability to coordinate operations, manage assets and manipulate others into exerting hate on those who are not like minded. They are well funded and have the ability to take the fight to us in the United States... trust me on this. It's too easy to turn a blind eye. Seeing it unfurl before me makes me wonder why we have not seen another attack. I'd like to think it's because we are taking the fight to them. A more likely answer is that they are patiently awaiting the right moment. Patience is something these people know something about. Patience like you have never seen before. They can and will out wait us. By nature American's are impatient people... we want results and we want them yesterday. Their culture is completely the opposite they will wait because they have nothing to lose.

Luckily we have the American soldier who is both willing and capable. I am privledged to work with, lead and learn from them daily. I promise they are making you proud everyday. It has been the most uplifting experience of my life (mind you I have only been here alittle over a month) watching soldiers work to exhaustion for someone they don't know, can't relate too and will never be able to carry a conversation with. It's truly a humbling experience to lead these guys.

Things will remain tough here as is evidenced by the individuals who have already laid down their lives. It's hard losing soldiers but we will carry on their honor by stepping forward and continuing to do the right thing. I ask that you pray for the families of these fallen soldiers. They will be missed and never forgotten. I hope all is well.

Best,

Steve