Hunters

The weather this past week has been pretty bad as far as dust goes. A dust storm rolled in and just stuck around. Visibility was limited to the COP, with the occasional break in the wall of dirt to show the outline of the ridges nearby. The visibility (or lack thereof) provided a decent amount of concealment for the Taliban to do their dirty work planting improvised explosive devices in the area.

So, doing what our boys do best, along with the ANA and ANP, we set out to ensure the area is secure and safe for the residents living in the area. Indirect warfare is such a difficult idea for me to get my head around. It is such a cowardly way to fight.

This mission we became IED hunters.

I'm sure you guys are getting sick of these landscape shots, but I just love them!

COMBAT OUTPOST MIZAN, Afghanistan -- Soldiers assigned to 3rd Platoon, Fox Company, 2nd Squadron, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment and Afghan National Security Forces walk beside a village during a dismounted patrol near Combat Outpost Mizan, Mizan District, Zabul Province, Aug. 26, 2010. Members of 3rd Platoon, Provincial Reconstruction Team Zabul and Afghan National Security Forces patrolled the area to meet with local elders and ensure security in the area. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Nathanael Callon/Released)

COMBAT OUTPOST MIZAN, Afghanistan -- A member of the Afghan National Police takes a break while his team meets with local villagers during a dismounted patrol near Combat Outpost Mizan, Mizan District, Zabul Province, Aug. 26, 2010. Members of 3rd Platoon, Fox Company, 2nd Squadron, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment, Provincial Reconstruction Team Zabul and Afghan National Security Forces patrolled the area to meet with local elders and ensure security in the area. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Nathanael Callon/Released)

COMBAT OUTPOST MIZAN, Afghanistan -- Afghan children play in the streets as a combined dismounted patrol passes their village near y while his team meets with local villagers during a dismounted patrol near Combat Outpost Mizan, Mizan District, Zabul Province, Aug. 26, 2010. Members of 3rd Platoon, Fox Company, 2nd Squadron, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment, Provincial Reconstruction Team Zabul and Afghan National Security Forces patrolled the area to meet with local elders and ensure security in the area. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Nathanael Callon/Released)

COMBAT OUTPOST MIZAN, Afghanistan -- Soldiers assigned to 3rd Platoon, Fox Company, 2nd Squadron, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment and Afghan National Police take a quick break during a dismounted patrol near Combat Outpost Mizan, Mizan District, Zabul Province, Aug. 26, 2010. Members of 3rd Platoon, Provincial Reconstruction Team Zabul and Afghan National Security Forces patrolled the area to meet with local elders and ensure security in the area. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Nathanael Callon/Released)

COMBAT OUTPOST MIZAN, Afghanistan -- U.S. Army Pfc. Robert Brattin, a medic assigned to 3rd Platoon, Fox Company, 2nd Squadron, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment and native of Jacksonville, Fla., climbs a ravine during a dismounted patrol near Combat Outpost Mizan, Mizan District, Zabul Province, Aug. 26, 2010. Members of 3rd Platoon, Provincial Reconstruction Team Zabul and Afghan National Security Forces patrolled the area to meet with local elders and ensure security in the area. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Nathanael Callon/Released)

COMBAT OUTPOST MIZAN, Afghanistan -- Soldiers and a member of the Afghan National Police share a laugh after a dismounted patrol near Combat Outpost Mizan, Mizan District, Zabul Province, Aug. 26, 2010. Members of 3rd Platoon, Fox Company, 2nd Squadron, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment, Provincial Reconstruction Team Zabul and Afghan National Security Forces patrolled the area to meet with local elders and ensure security in the area. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Nathanael Callon/Released)

I like this last photo a lot. We work with the ANA and ANP every mission. To see our guys and theirs sharing that kind of camaraderie is very encouraging in my eyes.

Hiking

The terrain here at Combat Outpost Mizan is rough. Rough enough that MRAPs are not able to be used because there is a good probability that they would end up rolling down a ridge and being totalled. So these guys walk pretty much everywhere they go with the exception of a couple humvees that occasionally go out (they keep from using vehicles as much as possible because the IED threat in the area is extraordinary).

COMBAT OUTPOST MIZAN, Afghanistan -- Soldiers assigned to 3rd Platoon, Fox Company, 2nd Squadron, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment, take a quick break during a dismounted patrol near Combat Outpost Mizan, Mizan District, Zabul Province, Aug. 16, 2010. The patrol focused on speaking with the local population to assess their needs and surveying the security of the area. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Nathanael Callon/Released)


No vehicles means we do a lot of walking. A LOT. Up a hill, down a hill, up another hill. Rocky terrain makes sprained ankles a reality. I've missed my foot placement numerous times already. Luckily, I'm pretty good at recovering (knock on wood).

COMBAT OUTPOST MIZAN, Afghanistan -- U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Xavier Baker, a communications specialist assigned to Provincial Reconstruction Team Zabul and a native of Waycross, Ga., scans the horizon for insurgent activity during a dismounted patrol near Combat Outpost Mizan, Mizan District, Zabul Province, Aug. 16, 2010. The patrol focused on speaking with the local population to assess their needs and surveying the security of the area. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Nathanael Callon/Released)

COMBAT OUTPOST MIZAN, Afghanistan -- U.S. Army 1st Lt. Troy Peterson, right, platoon commander for 3rd Platoon, Fox Company, 2nd Squadron, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment, assists his radio operator, U.S. Army Pfc. Justin Cobbs, across a ravine during a dismounted patrol near Combat Outpost Mizan, Mizan District, Zabul Province, Aug. 16, 2010. The patrol focused on speaking with the local population to assess their needs and surveying the security of the area. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Nathanael Callon/Released)


We try to get out as early as possible to keep from hiking this area in the heat of the day. By 9a.m., it is already getting pretty hot. Not to mention all the gear you have to carry. Our radio guys, Pfc. Cobbs, carries an extra 110 pounds of gear every mission. I'm sure you can imagine how hiking this area can be.

COMBAT OUTPOST MIZAN, Afghanistan -- A U.S. Soldier assigned to 3rd Platoon, Fox Company, 2nd Squadron, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment, tries to catch his breath during a dismounted patrol near Combat Outpost Mizan, Mizan District, Zabul Province, Aug. 19, 2010. Members of Provincial Reconstruction Team Zabul and 3rd Platoon spoke with the local population to assess their needs and inform them of the upcoming Afghanistan elections. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Nathanael Callon/Released)


The one thing I love about this part of the province is the landscapes. The ridges and the roads and paths snaking across the sand; it makes for a great view.

COMBAT OUTPOST MIZAN, Afghanistan – U.S. and Afghan forces conduct a dismounted patrol near Combat Outpost Mizan, Mizan District, Zabul Province, Aug. 19, 2010. During the patrol, members of Provincial Reconstruction Team Zabul and 3rd Platoon, Fox Company, 2nd Squadron, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment, spoke with the local population to assess their needs and inform them of the upcoming provincial parliamentary elections. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Nathanael Callon/Released)

COMBAT OUTPOST MIZAN, Afghanistan -- U.S. Army Pfc. Sheldon Meats, 3rd Platoon, Fox Company, 2nd Squadron, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment and Midland, Texas native, provides security while his team rests during a dismounted patrol near Combat Outpost Mizan, Mizan District, Zabul Province, Aug. 16, 2010. The patrol focused on speaking with the local population to assess their needs and surveying the security of the area. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Nathanael Callon/Released)


One thing I find interesting, and not a good interesting,that we are here building up the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, and the Taliban has its own working government, complete with district chief, not even five kilometers away. This blows my mind. Needless to say, there is a lot of activity in the area.

COMBAT OUTPOST MIZAN, Afghanistan -- U.S. Soldiers assigned to 3rd Platoon, Fox Company, 2nd Squadron, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment, provide security during a meeting with local elders in a village near Combat Outpost Mizan, Mizan District, Zabul Province, Aug. 19, 2010. Members of Provincial Reconstruction Team Zabul and 3rd Platoon spoke with the local population to assess their needs and inform them of the upcoming provincial parliamentary elections. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Nathanael Callon/Released)

These photos are from my last two patrols with the guys, and girl, from COP Mizan. There are more on my flickr.

Arghandab

Here are some of the photos I took while I was at Forward Operating Base Lane in Arghandab District.

FORWARD OPERATING BASE LANE, Afghanistan -- Arghandab District Police Chief Qadir Khan prepares to light a cigarette during a meeting with U.S. forces near Forward Operating Base Lane, Zabul Province, Aug. 4, 2010. Members of Provincial Reconstruction Team Zabul and Charlie Company, 478th Civil Affairs Battalion met with the police chief to discuss security issues in Arghandab District. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Nathanael Callon)

FORWARD OPERATING BASE LANE, Afghanistan -- U.S. Army Capt. Cory Petro, Provincial Reconstruction Team Zabul district support unit leader, takes notes while listening to Arghandab District Police Chief Qadir Khan during a meeting near Forward Operating Base Lane, Zabul Province, Aug. 4, 2010. Members of Provincial Reconstruction Team Zabul and Charlie Company, 478th Civil Affairs Battalion met with the police chief to discuss security issues in Arghandab District. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Nathanael Callon)

FORWARD OPERATING BASE LANE, Afghanistan -- U.S. Army Cpl. Alberto Bhoge, Charlie Company, 478th Civil Affairs Battalion, laughs after crossing a river during a dismounted patrol near Forward Operating Base Lane, Zabul Province, Aug. 6, 2010. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Nathanael Callon/Released)

FORWARD OPERATING BASE LANE, Afghanistan -- Afghan children watch U.S. Soldiers and Airmen as they pass through their village during a dismounted patrol near Forward Operating Base Lane, Zabul Province, Aug. 6, 2010. U.S. forces assisted the local Afghan National Police in a humanitarian assistance visit to give shoes to children in Arghandab District. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Nathanael Callon/Released)

FORWARD OPERATING BASE LANE, Afghanistan -- U.S. Soldiers and Airmen wait for a road to be swept by a mine detector before continuing during a dismounted patrol near Forward Operating Base Lane, Zabul Province, Aug. 6, 2010. Members of 2nd Squadron, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment, Charlie Company, 478th Civil Affairs Battalion, and Provincial Reconstruction Team Zabul patrolled the local area to ensure the security of residents in Arghandab District. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Nathanael Callon/Released)

FORWARD OPERATING BASE LANE, Afghanistan -- Members of the Afghan National Police pass out shoes to local children as part humanitarian assistance operations near Forward Operating Base Lane, Zabul Province, Aug. 6, 2010. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Nathanael Callon/Released)

There are more photos on my flickr. Just click on a photo to go to my page!

Presence

Last night we went on a "presence patrol." I have also heard the unofficial "show of force patrol" term used as well. The second one is probably not politically correct. Either one you choose is basically a group of U.S. soldiers (or airmen and sailors... maybe the coasties too. Who knows...) walking around town and letting people know we are still here. Here is where the terms differ. The PP (presence patrol) reassures the innocent that we're looking for the bad guys. The SoF patrol is essentially telling the Taliban that we're on the government's side, so quit effing around or we'll kill you. Simple enough.

So we leave the FOB and start walking around town, just making sure there's nothing suspicious going on in the bazaar area and we make our way to the outside of the city. We walk through this little "neighborhood" of trash houses. When I say trash houses, I mean it. These little huts are made of whatever they can manage to get their hands on. There were goats and mangy dogs everywhere. All I could think is how I could never imagine living that way. Very sad.

One of the trash houses.

Just past the shantytown the terrain slopes up a little, so we were able to get a nice little overlook of the area.

QALAT CITY, Afghanistan -- U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Patrick Neilson III, Provincial Reconstruction Team Zabul security forces squad leader, scans the horizon for activity as Cpl. Michael McGee and U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Jimmy Sosa, PRT Zabul members, look on during a presence patrol through Qalat City, Zabul Province, July 23, 2010. PRT Zabul supports and facilitates the legitimacy of the Afghan national and local governments through regional reconstruction, security and stability of the province. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Nathanael Callon/Released)

After a short stop, we continued down the valley, across the highway and to the base of Alexander's Castle (google it! Supposedly Alexander the Great built the fortress. Qalat actually means fortress according to Wikipedia, how fitting.)

QALAT CITY, Afghanistan -- U.S. Army Sgt. James Wilson, Provincial Reconstruction Team Zabul security forces team leader, walks down a hill during a presence patrol along the outskirts of Qalat City, Zabul Province, July 23, 2010. PRT Zabul supports and facilitates the legitimacy of the Afghan national and local governments through regional reconstruction, security and stability of the province. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Nathanael Callon/Released)

I kind of like how this one came out. Very eery!

It was getting dark by the time we made it to the base of the castle. After taking a few minutes to catch our breath and hydrate, we started our way back down and back into the city. This part of the story felt like it came right out of a movie.

Hmm, how should I explain this part...

By the time we entered the bazaar, the sun was long gone. The streets were dark and there were people everywhere. The only light came from inside some of the shops and the occasional flashlights that blinked on and off to get traffic to stop. It was very disorienting. Adrenaline was quickly starting to pump through my veins. I could feel my heart in my fingers. The combination of dark and the general unknown of what could be lying in the area made my senses prick up.

Then a voice from behind me hollered "Keep an eye on those rooftops."

I looked to my left and right. There was fighting-aged men lining the balconies on both sides of the street.

As we continued I would notice movement in upstairs rooms where the silhouettes would change position and the dim light would suddenly be covered up. What could be in those buildings? Could someone be running to grab a weapon and spray us from the darkness? Where would I go? What cover is available? A million questions were simultaneously running through my mind (thanks to combat training). Of course, you always hope for the best and expect the worst.

QALAT CITY, Afghanistan -- U.S. Air Force 1st Lt. Georganne Hassell, Provincial Reconstruction Team Zabul information operations officer, walks down a street during a presence patrol in Qalat City, Zabul Province, July 23, 2010. PRT Zabul supports and facilitates the legitimacy of the Afghan national and local governments through regional reconstruction, security and stability of the province. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Nathanael Callon/Released)

I think that photo kind of characterizes the blur of the moment.

We finally made it through the bazaar area and maneuvered our way through the side streets.

QALAT CITY, Afghanistan -- Members of Provincial Reconstruction Team Zabul adjust their night vision optics during a presence patrol in Qalat City, Zabul Province, July 23, 2010. PRT Zabul supports and facilitates the legitimacy of the Afghan national and local governments through regional reconstruction, security and stability of the province. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Nathanael Callon/Released)

We stopped and searched a few people just to make sure they weren't carrying anything illegal. Our mission was relatively uneventful, but I guess that is a good thing, right? Besides the whole bazaar scene, everything seemed very natural. I have been on a few foot patrols since I've been here, so that was nothing new. Just the low-light condition was a very new experience.

Anyways, that's about all I've got for today. The photos weren't great, very grainy because of the low light and nothing that really struck me as a great photo. But that happens sometimes!

Walking

Today was yet another adventurous day. The mission: to go meet with elders in a village off Highway 1. The obstacles: steep hills, a stream, canal, more hills, sizzling sunshine (that is how AccuWeather.com described today, a mere 109F). The distance we travelled was probably about three miles, but it felt much farther than that. The cool thing about this little hike was the scenery.

QALAT CITY, Afghanistan -- U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Patrick Neilson III, Provincial Reconstruction Team Zabul squad leader, waits to move out during a dismounted patrol to meet with villagers in Zabul Province, July 19, 2010. PRT Zabul supports and facilitates the legitimacy of the Afghan national and local governments through regional reconstruction, security and stability of the province. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Nathanael Callon/Released)

I'll show a little bit of the terrain we covered.

The canal (nobody fell in. I was surprised!)

QALAT CITY, Afghanistan -- U.S. Army Sgt. Robert Crosier, Provincial Reconstruction Team Zabul team leader, crosses a canal as Spc. Timothy Davis, PRT Zabul rifleman, helps him across during a dismounted patrol to meet with villagers in Zabul Province, July 19, 2010. PRT Zabul supports and facilitates the legitimacy of the Afghan national and local governments through regional reconstruction, security and stability of the province. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Nathanael Callon/Released)

Walking.

QALAT CITY, Afghanistan -- Members of Provincial Reconstruction Team Zabul walk along a road during a dismounted patrol to meet with villagers and deliver pesticides to help their crops in Zabul Province, July 19, 2010. PRT Zabul supports and facilitates the legitimacy of the Afghan national and local governments through regional reconstruction, security and stability of the province. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Nathanael Callon/Released)

More walking and hills (our village is still nowhere to be found)

QALAT CITY, Afghanistan -- Members of Provincial Reconstruction Team Zabul walk along a road during a dismounted patrol to meet with villagers and deliver pesticides to help their crops in Zabul Province, July 19, 2010. PRT Zabul supports and facilitates the legitimacy of the Afghan national and local governments through regional reconstruction, security and stability of the province. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Nathanael Callon/Released)

Finally, we made it. After a little bit of confusion (there is always a fair amount of it, I'm beginning to notice), we were able to get some of the elders together for a meeting.

QALAT CITY, Afghanistan -- Members of Provincial Reconstruction Team Zabul meet with villagers during a shura in Zabul Province, July 19, 2010. Shuras allow the government to hear the concerns of their people and decide a course of action to resolve those issues. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Nathanael Callon/Released)

Now this is where it starts to get interesting. The trek to get to the village pretty much wiped half of our team's water supply out. I packed my CamelBak, a Gatorade and another half liter water bottle, and I had already emptied my CamelBak and the Gatorade! And the shura hadn't even started.

Master Sgt. Frank, the leader of the shura today, spoke with the elders about various things. Mainly the need for a well near the village and proper usage of pesticides that we had backpacked in for their crops.

The meeting went on. And on. And on.

Calls came over the radio about troops whose water supplies were "black", or empty. It was ridiculously hot out. Even if we left right now, it was still a long walk out the same way we came.

A donkey that passed by.

QALAT CITY, Afghanistan -- U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Jesse Frank, Provincial Reconstruction Team Zabul military police specialist, speaks with two village elders during a shura in Zabul Province, July 19, 2010. Shuras allow the government to hear the concerns of their people and decide a course of action to resolve those issues. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Nathanael Callon/Released)

The meeting kept going.

We did our best to keep cool by sitting on the backside of walls and buildings to keep out of the sun. I was starting to feel the effects of it. I gave some of my water to a guy who had run out about an hour before. We needed to get out of there.

QALAT CITY, Afghanistan -- U.S. Army Cpl. Daniel Lehman, Provincial Reconstruction Team Zabul rifleman, provides security during a shura in a village in Zabul Province, July 19, 2010. PRT Zabul supports and facilitates the legitimacy of the Afghan national and local governments through regional reconstruction, security and stability of the province. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Nathanael Callon/Released)

We finally made our way back to where we were parked. Here's to more walking:

QALAT CITY, Afghanistan -- Members of Provincial Reconstruction Team Zabul walk through a farm during a dismounted patrol in Zabul Province, July 19, 2010. The team met with village elders during a shura and were returning to their vehicles. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Nathanael Callon/Released)

It was definitely the most exhausting day I have had here. I spent the rest of the day alternating bottles of water and Gatorade to rehydrate myself and get some salt back in me. A couple of the guys actually went to the medics and got IVs. It was that bad. Hopefully we never get stuck out in the middle of the day like that again.

Oh yeah, and my face is a pretty pinkish-red color thanks to the sun!

The City

Yesterday (Sunday, I believe... I lose track of the days), we went into Qalat City to check on some projects that the engineers oversee. We had three stops for the day: Bibi Khala Girls' School (I posted photos of it earlier in the blog), Zabul Provincial Hospital and a bridge that leads into town.

The Afghan National Police came along with us to help pull security on the way. The ANP is a very odd group of people. They drive around in their Ford Rangers with machine guns mounted on the rear and honk their horns and flash their lights all the time. Today they were on the ground with us though (although, their buddies drove by a couple times regardless).

It was a hot day. I think it ended up being around 112F, which is a little too warm to be going out in the middle of the day in my opinion. But there we were, 25 or so of us marching down the streets of Qalat City trying to get from point A to B.

We reached Bibi Khala and the guys set up security, along with a couple of ANPs here and there to yell at traffic.

QALAT CITY, Afghanistan -- An Afghan National Police officer diverts traffic during a combined dismounted patrol with Provincial Reconstruction Team Zabul in Qalat City, Zabul Province, July 18, 2010. PRT Zabul supports and facilitates the legitimacy of the Afghan national and local governments through regional reconstruction, security and stability of the province. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Nathanael Callon/Released)

QALAT CITY, Afghanistan -- U.S. Army Sgt. Phillip Toward, Provincial Reconstruction Team Zabul gunner, secures a side street during a combined dismounted patrol with the Afghan National Police in Qalat City, Zabul Province, July 18, 2010. PRT Zabul supports and facilitates the legitimacy of the Afghan national and local governments through regional reconstruction, security and stability of the province. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Nathanael Callon/Released)

QALAT CITY, Afghanistan -- An Afghan National Police officer talks to a group of people during a combined dismounted patrol with Provincial Reconstruction Team Zabul in Qalat City, Zabul Province, July 18, 2010. PRT Zabul supports and facilitates the legitimacy of the Afghan national and local governments through regional reconstruction, security and stability of the province. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Nathanael Callon/Released)

QALAT CITY, Afghanistan -- U.S. Army Spcs. Neal Perry and Jule Renner, Provincial Reconstruction Team Zabul security forces members, watch as an Afghan National Police vehicle passes them during a combined dismounted patrol with the ANP in Qalat City, Zabul Province, July 18, 2010. PRT Zabul supports and facilitates the legitimacy of the Afghan national and local governments through regional reconstruction, security and stability of the province. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Nathanael Callon/Released)

We had waited there for about an hour while the engineers looked at the school. The security forces were getting pretty impatient. The main road the the school sits on has no speed limit (like pretty much all of Afghanistan). This makes for some tense situations, since you don't know if that van in the distance is going to stop in time, or if they plan on using it as a weapon. Last time we came to the school, a little girl got ran over by a car while we were standing there. People here are so reckless here.

The engineers finally came out of the school and we made our way to the hospital.

QALAT CITY, Afghanistan -- U.S. Army Spc. Carl Hoppe, Provincial Reconstruction Team Zabul rifleman, walks along a road during a combined dismounted patrol with the Afghan National Police in Qalat City, Zabul Province, July 18, 2010. PRT Zabul supports and facilitates the legitimacy of the Afghan national and local governments through regional reconstruction, security and stability of the province. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Nathanael Callon/Released)


The hospital was packed with people. I really didn't want to be there. We passed the gate to the FOB on the way and I really wanted to go in. Thanks to my great willpower (and the ridicule I would rather not take from the Army), I pressed on. It was lunch time. All I could really think about was what they were having in the dining facility. Probably something fried... It is always something fried.

There was a little entertainment in the hospital compound though. The guys found this huge pot plant in the corner, so they each took turns getting photos with it for fun. It helped everyone take their mind off of how much misery we were in with all our gear and the sun beating down on us.

QALAT CITY, Afghanistan -- A young Afghan boy waits to be seen by medical personnel at the Zabul Provincial Hospital in Qalat City, Zabul Province, July 18, 2010. Provincial Reconstruction Team Zabul supports and facilitates the legitimacy of the Afghan national and local governments through regional reconstruction, security and stability of the province. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Nathanael Callon/Released)

After another lengthy stop, we headed to the bridge.

QALAT CITY, Afghanistan -- U.S. Army Spc. Trevor Soltis, Provincial Reconstruction Team Zabul rifleman, provides security while engineers review a bridge project in Qalat City, Zabul Province, July 18, 2010. PRT Zabul currently facilitates 28 projects that improve the quality of life for residents in the province. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Nathanael Callon/Released)

I don't think I uploaded any other photos from the bridge. It's okay though. The bridge is actually pretty cool. They hired a bunch of Afghan men to work on it, which pays better than what the Taliban would pay them for a day's wage. This program is called FIRUP, which seems like a great program to me. Anyways, Another lengthy stop here, then finally we made the trek home....

Oh, and it was Mexican food day at the dining facility. I know you were all wondering!