Camp Leatherneck, Afghanistan - Outback, Carrabba's, Bonefish Grill - Saturday, 17 Oct 09

Tonight we had a very special treat for dinner! I thought it was only Outback Steakhouse coming in to provide steaks, but when we got inside we saw that they had Outback, Carrabba's and Bonefish Grill entrees!!!
Sorry for the blurry pic - I was taking the shot across the room at the dining facility where they had their Outback Steakhouse banner displayed.

It was so hard to decide what to have because they had several entrees to choose from! I wish they would each come a different night so I could have enjoyed all of it!!!

I decided on the Ribeye steak from Outback, the Tilapia w/ Thermadore Sauce and Bang Bang Shrimp from Bonefish Grill and the Au Gratin Potatos and herb roll from Carrabba's. I'm not sure which one provided the Key Lime pie for desert, but it was scrumptious!! We also had a Bloomin' Onion for everyone at the table!! WAY too much food, but it was delicious!!!

Camp Leatherneck, Afghanistan - Dust Laden Sunset - Friday, 16 Oct 09

Today was a very still day so the dust never had a chance to be blown away, it simply lingered, creating a 'fog' across the camp.

A solitary soldier makes his way west across the camp.

Even through the dust the colors on display showed their rich tones as dusk approached.

Camp Leatherneck, Afghanistan - "Street" Scenes - Friday, 16 Oct 09

I have absolutely no idea where this guy came from or where he was headed, but couldn't pass on the opportunity to snap the shot.

Not really the best running environment, but there aren't many options. I haven't become acustom to suckin' dust just yet! Bleck!!

Just another view of what a typical commute along the streets is like on any given day at any given time...dusty!!

It's a daily occurence to see groups coming in while others are going out. We're currently in a high transition period that will continue for several weeks.

Camp Leatherneck, Afghanistan - Random Pics - Friday, 16 Oct 09

Even Camp Leatherneck has it's own unique and impressive structures. It's amazing what can be created from Hesco barriers with a little imagination (and WAY too much time on their hands).

Who needs billy goats to stand on top of anything raised from the ground when we have Marines!

Today I got a group of people together for a very small representation of the diversity of people we have working/living at Camp Leatherneck. We have men and women of all ages, ethnic background, etc from the Air Force, Army, Marines, Navy and Civilians working together to acheive one mission! These are only 17 of over 8,ooo!

Camp Leatherneck, Afghanistan - Current Office Digs - Monday, 12 Oct 09

In a row of shelters less than a five minute walk from my sleeping tent is our office. We like it here; it's away from the insanity that runs amuck in some of the other work centers.

Here's the view when you first walk through the door. Four of us line the left side, three on the right. I reside on the far end of the left side nearest to the plywood wall which creates a small storage space at the far end of the tent.

A shot from the opposite end of the space.

A closer shot of my work space.

One more pic from another angle. There you have it; the place I spent plenty of hours each day.

Camp Leatherneck, Afghanistan - "Home Sweet Home" (for a while) - Sunday, 11 Oct 09

There are many tents lined in rows, but none other is like this one because this one is where I live; this is my home (for a while).

The Navy Seabee's have graciously allowed a "foreigner" into their space; which I'm very thankful for because I'd be squeezed in with the Marines otherwise. Seabee's are creative and proud; hence the handle on our door that you see here.

This is my corner of the tent. Not much to write home about (wait, isn't that kind of what I'm doing here). Anyway, now that I've received sheets and a real pillow from friends I'll be able to upgrade from the sleeping bag!!! The simple things can mean SOOO much!! I have no bunkmate so I'm able to spread out a bit and use the top bunk for 'stuff'.

Camp Leatherneck, Afghanistan - You never know...

You never know what's going to be coming at you when you come around the bend in the road!! (Sorry for the blurry pic, I was trying to catch the shot before they passed by).

Of course, these guys can make a 'road' wherever they choose too!

Camp Leatherneck, Afghanistan - Sunset - Wednesday, 7 Oct 09

Even in the most austere environments we're still provided something beautiful on occasion. The colors only lasted a short time, but their continual change made for a very nice ending to the day! The glow of the setting sun silhouettes an MRAP vehicle in the foreground.

Another angle of the same MRAP with the multi-colored sunset in the distance.

The night sky shown in a kaleidoscope of colors beyond the "skyline" of Camp Leatherneck.

Camp Leatherneck, Afghanistan - Berm Work - Monday, 5 Oct 09

One of many outposts which provide an extended view of the desert beyond.

While looking at this picture it almost looks like a huge gorge you'd see somewhere in the southwestern US. It's actually a cut in one of our berms where we're preparing to install a drainage pipe.

It wasn't just a small pipe being installed either.

Working in any environment here is never a clean task. This poor equipment operator was covered in dust by the time we were finished.

As the sun fell closer to the horizon the final touches we made on the reconstruction of the berm.

Camp Leatherneck, Afghanistan - Old Hesco Barrier Wall - Sunday, 4 Oct 09

While looking over our expansion area earlier today we came across this old Hesco barrier wall that has deteriorated over time. When I first saw them in the distance I wonder what kind of ancient stone wall was running along the terrain. As we got closer I could see it wasn't as historically significant as I first thought. Compacted soils still stands as the elements continue to cause it to erode day by day.

Shadows cast on the desert base from the remnants of the Hesco barrier wall.

Several different degrees of errosion can be seen from a distance while looking at the wall as it stretches along the ridgeline.

One last shot of a different stretch of wall from a different angle.

Camp Leatherneck, Afghanistan - A Little Desert Volleyball With The Brits - Saturday, 3 Oct 09

Apparently there has been a long standing engagement between our very small Air Force group (including our three civilian counterparts) and some of the Brits at Camp Bastion for Saturday afternoon volleyball games. Well, far be it from me and the other new arrivals to let something like this get lost! Not a very serious game, but still a good afternoon away from work.

The photos don't show it very well, but this was a pretty breezy day with plenty of dust involved. We're hopeful next week will bring a more pleasant day.

We had to learn a few new rules too. Using your foot or head is acceptable play in these games. Net serves are also legal. It all adds to the fun of the game.

Oh yeah, the courts are about 4'-5' shorter than we're used to. Again, keeps the game interesting. :)

I'm sure this was the look of "aw, come on, how could that have gone out on the serve"!?!

Camp Leatherneck, Afghanistan - My New Home

I've arrived at Camp Leatherneck, Afghanistan - my new home for the next six months! Hopefully I'll continue to have access to this blog so I can add to it as I the days progress toward my return. The camp entrance sign as seen when coming from the British side of the camp - Camp Bastion.

It's no wonder why EVERYTHING is covered in dust/dirt after seeing dust devils like this roll across the desert!

Here comes another one heading right toward me as I travel from Camp Bastion to Camp Leatherneck.

One of the many "jingle trucks" that make deliveries to the base. Interesting choice of design.

Sleeping With Your Friends...Manas AB, Kyrzygstan - Wednesday, 23 Sep 09

This is what it's like to sleep with 120 of your closest friends!! This was one of several billeting facilities housing transient personnel at Manas. Not much personal space here!

Sunset Across The Bush River - Monday, 14 Sep 09

As I sat with friend relaxing on their patio the sun began to fall toward the horizon providing another glorious sunset!! Beyond the dock the relection of the sun shines bright off the water's surface.

An old bell at the edge of the yard provided an opportunity to catch the reflection of the sun only while hiding the sun itself as its intensity silhouetted the dock and bell.

The colors were so unique in this shot! How a vibrantly pink sun casts a sharp orange reflection is beyond me, but I loved how it looked!!

"We'll Miss You While You're Gone" Party - Friday, 11 Sep 09

Before deploying some good friends and co-workers got together for a wonderful evening out at Hobo's Restaurant. After being away at training for almost a month it was great to see them all again and enjoy our night together. Thank you to all that were able to attend, it was GREAT!!
Hail, hail, the gangs all here!!! Smiles all around for the camera!! We wined and dined for hours sharing laughter and good times!

My friend Gretchen (the owner of Hobo's restaurant) and I took a spin around the dance floor (space between the dinner tables) as part of our evening's fun.

Guy and Sheryll probably up to no good based on those mischevious grins! :-)

A few of the rowdy boys together for a quick photo op!