This is from my buddy who's stationed there. This is what colors my view of reports about american involvement there, currently. I just thought I'd share. Take this for what it is - just an account from a normal guy stationed there. I don't know if everybody else has access to letters like this, and I figured it may be helpful or interesting for someone. Nothing earth-shattering, but posted on the off chance that someone enjoys it.
Disclosures:
- This is one of my best friends, and not regular army but sp. forces.
- Only alteration was a corrected spelling of "helicopter," and pulled the linked article (was an abc.com survey, with mostly pro-american poll results from 1,031 afghanis).
- He's just writing to me, casually, not trying to argue any grand point, so please keep that in mind when/if you begin to dissect anything.
Quote:
These are the kinds of things that are really happening here and also in Iraq that aren't being reported back home until now. For some examples around here:
I just loaded two CH-47 "Chinook" helicopters with 100 kilogram (220 lbs.) bags of flour along with blankets and other items we take for granted back at home. These are going to villages around a certain SF firebase for the local people for the winter. We don't have to do this - we came to kill AQ and TB forces, but I'm glad we do. First, because it's the right thing to do as humans. Second, it defeats our enemies quicker by taking away the civilian refuge that an insurgency/guerrilla war needs to survive.
The local people who work at this compound make a little bit more than average wage (if you paid them more than this there would be resentment back home towards them because their friends don't have such steady and well paid employment) and get to have three full meals each day. Having food everyday here for them is a privaledge. I'm sure that alone makes friends.
My unit alone gives medical aid to more than 500 locals every month. We also build them schools, wells, and give their animals veternarian treatment.
These are just a few things that I can think of off the top of my head. It is a big difference to them I'm sure than when the Russians were here or when the TB were in charge. You will hear stories of what the Russians did to the women when they went to a village and then you will see many guys in their twenties that look just like russians and this is in the south where the locals shouldn't look even close to this.
So all in all I think that maybe this country has a chance for change and I'm glad that after years of war that these people may finally see the light at the end of the tunnel. Hopefully we will put an end to this haven and training ground for bad people while giving some down and out people a step up. I just hope they will see the help we are trying to give them and they will put forth their own effort and help themselves.
