Pictures from my trip!!!!

These are the pictures from last week. I refer to them all in yesterday's blog.

18 FEB – 24 FEB: In Kabul

Ok well the pictures will come tomorrow. I was in Kabul at various bases for a week. Let me just start out by saying that I thank God for everything I have. We flew on a little plane from Bagram down to Kabul international airport; a 7 minute flight. The Afghanistan landscape is very barren. The first day I got there I did some interviews on base and met a neat Russian guy who moved to the states and then joined the Air Force. He is married to a Mexican now! Talk about the atypical American family. Anyway later that day we went off base to a school they were working on to give out clothes that came from NYC. We had a ton of protection as I was fully suited up and there were about 25 of us. The school was the shell of a building but good by their standards. The kids basically made me cry as I thought about my niece Emma. We were there about an hour and it was cool. I will post a ton of pictures tomorrow. I know I have been promising them but it takes a little to prepare them and all. Anyway my first trip off base was very eye opening. Kabul is very dirty and basically nothing more than 3 story buildings here and there. The Russians and Taliban bombed and shot the sh*t out of the town throughout the 1980s and 1990s. Over 2 million civilians have died here in that time period. We got back to base and I really felt relieved having survived and accomplished a trip off base. On Wednesday day we went to the logistics command and central movement agency where I had tea with an afghan general. I also met and interviewed like every Afghan colonel there. I will try to use the footage but it’s going to be hard because we have to rely heavily on translators. They speak Dari which is the Afghan language. At this place there is a ton of Russian metal and old vehicles left over that the Afghans will not throw away. Scrap metal is like gold to them but the army owns it so they cannot sell it. I was on top of this truck shooting some video when this old man popped his head out of a caboose like container that he lives in. he had a long straight white beard with weird white eyes that must be in bad shape. It was like out of National Geographic or something. We got to see the new living quarters for the ANA (Afghan National Army) and they were like what I lived in for basic training to be honest. That night we stayed at the Airport which is also a base. NATO and ISAF run the base so Euros are used and many Europeans are there. I took special note of the Czech female types. Oops did I type that? Speaking of women had I came here before committing to Michelle I may have been able to bring one home!! Just joking but my point is that the men here are allowed up to 4 wives. I told an Afghan general I could not handle the one I have and he told me he has the secret to 2 or more as he has 2!!!! Anyway our stay at KIA was the best as the living conditions were brand new buildings and all. On Thursday we got up and headed to a different compound where I met up with a few friends that I met while in training in NJ. I stayed in these big apartment like buildings across the street from base. I felt like I was in Germany in 1946! It was very James Bond like as far as the Soviet Union falling and all. I will get to more of that in a second. So on Thursday we went to this other Afghan command where I saw a warehouse they built. Then they had a women’s council with our female service members. A female Afghan general showed up and boy was she imposing. It was awesome to see these women voice their opinions and all. Its clear though that they have a long way to go. That story is going to be awesome once I put it together. I will post links to these stories once they are done and on the web like I did for Bo Bice. Friday they had a market and its like the day off in Kabul because that’s the Muslims holy day. I got a nice gun holder for 20 bucks. I plan on selling the other one I got on ebay. Anyway Friday was a chill day and I enjoyed hanging with my one buddy from NJ. I am trying to get back down there to do a story with him as he had some very uplifting intel for me. Nothing you guys need to know about; but you can ask once I get home. Saturday was real neat as we went to where they keep their food and saw how they were building up this one base. Then we went to where they keep the fuels. It was on the outskirts of Kabul and was originally built by the Russians. I saw a bunch of dogs there. One had 3 legs as it bit its other one off because it got infected. We had afghan food for lunch and it was good. Meat, bread, cauliflower, fries, and some sauce that was like watery mayonnaise. I ate the whole meal and was very full. No stomach issues which was an accomplishment for me. Anyway we were in the hills and they have these big tanks only 2 of 8 left from the Russians as we bombed the rest. It was neat and the pictures will show you that. Driving there was nuts as we went through the market. Kids carry kids, animals run around, and its dirty as hell. I have never seen so many crappy Toyota corollas. We drive like a bat out of hell and basically go as fast as we want and push people aside. Its nuts. The adrenaline of a war ravaged area is a mix of knowing you can do just about whatever you want (ok more than in the states lets say) and knowing the next step, breath, picture, or smoke you take may be your last. I am embellishing a little as things have been very quiet and safe but people are still dying every day here. The scariest part was every time we went out they told us about security issues. That certainly puts things in perspective. Sunday was the icing on the cake. We got up and went to this forward operation base (FOB) on the outskirts of Kabul. I did some shooting there and then we went up to the Queens old palace. This place was shot to crap and a shell of what it was but boy was it impressive. I got pictures and video so I will post those tomorrow. It was taken over by the Russians as there was a newspaper stuck k to the wall with the date of March 28 1985 on it!!!! The king’s palace was not far away and in just as bad shape. Here’s a picture of the palace. We drove back to Bagram after this and it was a fast wild ride. I was glad to be back safe and all. Yesterday and today I basically have been getting settled in and all. Thanks to everyone for the packages. If I get one more bottle of hand lotion, or moisturizer I think I will just stay in my room on the weekends and lube my whole body in order to use the stuff. Michelle will like having the availability of all of it once I get back. She uses that stuff more than me. I mean skin does get dry here but not until summer mostly. It’s been getting warmer though. Into the 50s so…. All of the snow has melted. Well that’s about it for today. Shorter post tomorrow with a ton of pictures. Rob

25 Feb 2008

I am tired and going to bed. I got all of my laundry done today and am all settled back in form my trip. I should have the pictures from my trip tomorrow and will post them along with my thoughts and summary of my trip. O yeah I have been here a month now!!!! Will post tomorrow.

Feb 25 2008

I am back on Bagram and safe. I will post a very long blog tomorrow with a bunch of good pictures. Rob

Bo Bice piece and our Newscast!!

I will post more of these as time allows.

Day 26: 22 Feb 08

Ok so everyone has been emailing and wondering where the hell I am. Well the simple answer is Kabul. I have been hopping from base to base and seeing the city and its people. Its been a great trip which I will go into great detail about once I get back to Bagram. Look for a long post, if not individual ones on Monday. I am safe, doing great, and having fun. I will also have some pictures to post as well. Thanks for reading. Rob

Day 21: 17 FEB 08

Ok well the weekend went by just like the first 3 weeks: fast! I am heading out tomorrow for the week and am as excited as I am nervous. I ate something tonight that is not agreeing with me which makes the situation worse. I kind of got into it with a co worker the other day, but we ended up having a decent discussion. It seems my personality is clashing with him and others he claims. He made valid points that I agree with but I also think he has his own issues to watch out for as we all do. I am looking forward to this trip from a work stand point as it will allow me to see a ton. I will also be interviewing people who deserve the coverage versus petty BS around base here. I do not think I ever posted my address here but if anyone would like to send me something here is the address. I really do not need anything but the guys at the shop enjoy food like cookies, snacks, etc. My personal favorite are gushers candies.

Rob Joswiak
JLC/ AFN Bldg 415
Bagram AF
APO AE 09354

I posted a picture here of me with an old Polish tank form the 80s left around base. Thought it was kind of neat. That’s about it for now. I am sure once I post this week they will be longer and much more interesting. Thanks and take care. Rob

Day 20: 15 FEB 08

Well today was a good day. A guy turned my ring in on Thursday morning and that made my weekend. I bumped up my internet but have not noticed much of a difference except after midnight once everyone is off of the internet. I called in a favor and am still waiting for the Bo Bice piece to come up on AFN Europe’s website. I will post that link once it’s up. For those who use MySpace I have it as well. New background and pictures there plus more about me. www.myspace.com/psujozz I went to the bazaar today and looked around. I did not buy anything because I did not have any cash on me and also because I just wanted to see what they had. They really haggle down there. It’s like it goes from $80 to $30 in 1 second. Kind of makes you wonder. One guy brings a camel and charges for rides and per picture. I think he is as unique looking as the camel. I will probably go next week and pay for the ride and photo opt. I got my taxes done tonight and submitted and will now play the waiting game. It appears I am heading to Kabul this week so my posts will have to be delayed. I have decided not take my new pc so I will have to type my daily posts on any computer I get too and then post them once I get back. We shall see how that works out. I have off tomorrow and will continue to get more homework done before going in on Sunday and editing some stuff I shot today. I am not too worried about going off base as I have to have faith in God plus to be honest I am a little cooped up right now. A week of roughing it and seeing some new stuff will be a nice change of pace. I am over the all you can eat factor at the chow hall. They say it’s a 28 day rotation but it seems to be the same all of the time. It’s still good food but just very regimented. To date I have made 2 breakfasts! I guess that’s about it. I need to email Bo and thank him again and make sure all his crazy fans see the good video with an anchor and all. Ok well bed time. Feel free to contact me via myspace.

www.myspace.com/psujozz

Day 19: 14 FEB 08

Super tired and need to sleep. FOUND MY RING and got faster internet. I also will have a better version of the Bo Bice story with anchor and lead. I will also post another cool picture of me tomorrow. I need to email these Bo Bice fans. Anyway look for a great post tomorrow. I am out. Hope its a good v day for ya!!!

Day 18: 13 FEB 08

Well today was definitely an up and down day. More up then down but unfortunately I lost my Penn State class ring. Let me reword that. I temporarily misplaced it. I have done this before. Like the time my chain that holds a Jesus nail, dog tags, and ring stayed at the local swimming pool for a week. Only after looking everywhere in the house did we call and find that they had found it when cleaning the pool. In today’s case I either left it in the bathroom or at work somewhere because I wash my hands and use hand sanitizer a lot. I posted a flyer in our areas so we shall see. I think I have a replacement agreement with Jostens and personal insurance beyond that. It would just be so much easier to get it back here in the next few days. They have a market on Fridays with local nationals selling things from Afghanistan. If I found it there I would pay for it at a reasonable price for the story and let’s say a finder’s fee. If that’s happens I think that will break my swimming pool record when it comes to losing things. I finished up a story on MRAPS today. I will produce it tomorrow and put a link to it in a few days. I also got a picture with a gift left here for us. I will make sure I am allowed to post it so you can see what I mean. Once I get faster internet, which I decided will happen tomorrow, I will try to upload my TV pieces directly to this blog. So after realizing I lost the ring I posted the flyers and then went to my inaugural Polish night. I have mentioned in the past the Polish camp is like right where I live. Well tonight 4 men, 1 woman and I had a language and culture exchange. 2 of the men spoke a little English while the female who is an officer spoke pretty good English. She provided material this week for me to use, but in the coming weeks I will be providing the materials. It was a real nice break from the normal stuff here. That language is a tough I will tell you. It makes English, French, Spanish, and even German for that matter seem easy. It is very similar to Russian. I will look forward to going there each Wednesday night. They even gave me some candy from Poland which I tried a piece of. I ate it and smiled but truly did not enjoy it. O well it’s the gesture that matters not the taste. After getting back here I checked my email to realize that apparently the whole Bo Bice world is now reading this blog. I appreciate this and just want to thank Bo and all of his fans. I mean people need to realize Bo was here 1 day while the rest of my blog will probably not include anything about him unless he starts emailing me or something. I plan on going to one of his concerts the next time I have a chance in the states. I will also buy his new CD. I did not mention I am a huge Lynyrd Skynyrd fan even though he played Sweet Home Alabama. I have been to like 6 Skynyrd Concerts. I try to remain humble and seamless when doing these pieces as it is important for him to spend time with the troops and not me. I know military broadcasters can get carried away, but that’s just not my style. I found a link that works and will post it at the end. I hope regardless of the topic people can enjoy this blog. Once I start getting off of base the stories and posts will get better. Anyway I need to get my taxes done this weekend along with some homework for my master’s class. I also need to find out about this money President Bush is supposed to be sending us. That will be a nice bonus if I get it. Everyone have a great Valentine’s Day tomorrow. Hug and kiss yours because it’s going to be another 5 + months before I get that chance. Anyway enjoy the Bo Bice piece here:

http://www.dvidshub.net/?script=video/video_show.php&id=35038

Day 17: 12 FEB 08

I edited the Bo Bice piece today and will post the link once it’s on the web. I can’t get over the amount of random people hits I got from the Bo Bice post. I guess as I interview more famous people that come through I will get more hits. Anyway the pictures are of me interviewing him, standing by an F-15, and the group shot by the F-15. He was the nicest guy and I really put a ton of effort and work in the piece. I hope everyone like it. I missed dinner tonight because I had a nice conversation at work with a guy about race. He was watching American history X and it sparked a great conversation. I then went and played basketball where I pushed a guy from my shop who outweighs me by at least 80 pounds. He got me back later though in an unintentional way. Our team took 2 of 3 and I played alright. Well enjoy the pictures and look for the story to be posted by Friday.

Day 16: 11 FEB 08

Well today was busy as heck. I did not write yesterday because I fell asleep. I met a French major last night at Dinner and he wants to meet again. I think that’s fine as I may have a chance to score a few French brews! Anyway today I did a shoot in the morning that I have to finish Wednesday and then I interviewed and did a story on American Idol runner up Bo Bice. It was pretty cool. I also got to go out onto the flight line and get a picture with an F 15. I will post that tomorrow. I got a card in the mail from the Cornells which was very nice. Other than that it was just a normal work day. I have yet to go off of base but it looks like I have a trip planned for the first full week of March. I will post a ton more once I get the faster internet at the end of the month. I will try to post tomorrow.

Pictures!!!

Just thought I would post some more pictures. 1 is of the moutains around us, another of the huts we live in, the hallway of my hut, my room, and my bed. Enjoy

Day 14: 9 FEB 08

Well two days in a row I did not post and so far that’s the worse I have been. To be honest I am still getting my sleep pattern on. Today is Saturday and I have off which means I will be getting my homework done and just relaxing in my room. I think I am close to getting use to this place. It’s really cold so my hut is cold as well. I guess you just learn to deal with it. I did another shoot on base on Friday and it was cool. Met a reservist out of Pennsylvania who was a part of the story I covered. I found out last night my old supervisor and good friend may be going back into the Army because they need him. This guy served almost 6 years active duty and got out about a year and a half ago. He is on inactive reserve which means he’s still on the books but has no real duty left. Once he hits his 8 years total he does not own the military anything. Its kind of hard to explain. But anyway the Army must have noticed he was getting to his 8 year mark of total service and said ‘hey lets have you come help us. I really am beginning to have a bad, bad dislike for the Army. I have to call him today to get the full story but boy is that BS. Other than that I am good. I know Valentine’s Day is upon us and much like Michelle’s birthday, Emma’s Birthday, my Dad’s birthday, and my cousin’s wedding I will be missing them by being here. I have to say that missing weddings, and in my case that makes the third cousin now (Aimee, Chris, and now Zach), is really starting to bother me. I guess I just got to keep plugging away and then make a good sound decision when it comes to reenlisting and taking an assignment back in the states. Well I got to get to my homework so I am out. I will post more tomorrow and just know that my trip off base got canceled the other day because of all of the snow in the area. It looks as if I will be going out this week. I will be sure to let everyone know. Ok have a good day.

Day 11: 6 FEB 08

It seems I cannot find enough time in the day. Today I had a good day at work and was told I will be doing a short trip off base tomorrow. Please no one tell my Dad and if you are reading Dad just know I will be fine. I am a Combat Correspondent… Its my job. Anyway not much to report from work but I do have 1 story and 1 conversation to report. The other day we got a story about a kid who was hit by a car near Kabul. If you think you had it bad as a kid check this out. This 10 year old afghan boy was hit by a car on January 30th while he was filling in potholes to earn money to buy food for himself and his 4 younger siblings. Both of his parents are deceased and he has a grandfather that looks out for him and his siblings. Anyway he was flow to Bagram here where his lower left leg was amputated; he had a broken hip, and was on life support. I am happy to report he is off of life support and doing better. Now look at 10 years old what hand this kid has been dealt in life. Hard to imagine and really makes me think about things…. At dinner I talked to an Indian guy whose English was phenomenal. He is a Muslim but loves Americans and acknowledges Christ as an awesome profit. He is also a Sheick (spelling is wrong) which means he can trace his linage back very far. It was refreshing to talk to him knowing that the old saying there is good in all people is so very true. Anyway sorry for being short again but I need to sleep. I still have to read as my masters class has started and I have to be up early again tomorrow. My internet connection stinks too bad to upload that video I wanted to show you. I will try next month once I get the faster and of course more expensive internet or try to provide a link before then. Either way look for tomorrow’s to be very interesting as I am stepping outside of the gate!

Try this link to see me:
http://www.afneurope.net/Home/ArticleDisplayDD/tabid/649/Default.aspx?aid=1540

Day 10: 5 FEB 08

Another day another dollar. Tuesday nights seem to be my basketball night except tonight my right shoulder is really killing me. I think I strained it when I was in training in NJ and tonight has made it worse. Anyway we got like 4 more inches of snow so that makes like 6 to 8 in the last 2 days. Things are kind of slow work wise but I am still getting into a good flow and am getting settled in. I was told today I am being put in for best new broadcaster from my home unit. I doubt I will win but am humbled by the honor. I do love this job. Its funny because you think more about death when you go to a combat zone. But for me its like there is nothing at this point in my life I would rather being doing. Now once this is over I will be ready to go back to Germany and then the USA in a few years. The being away from the east coast where my old life is starting to wear on me. I know it wears on Michelle as she has no issues voicing her concerns there but I also know we enjoy the traveling. I did a superbowl piece and also got my picture in the snow today. I will try to post those tomorrow. I was kind of talking with a Polish guy in the shower area and forgot that I need to get in touch with the Polish lieutenant to setup that language exchange. More to come on that. If you have emailed me I will try to respond this weekend. I basically go to bed at midnight, get up at 8 and then to work til like 5 or 6 or 7. Plus I work on Sunday so…… Well goodnight for now. Tomorrow’s post should be more visually stimulating.

Day 9: 4 FEB 08 (SUPER BOWL!!!)

Man o man what a last 2 days. I did not go to bed until 8:30 local time today after watching what was probably the best Super Bowl in my life time next to maybe when the Giants survived the Bills Scott Norwood’s FG try in 1992 or so. We went out and shot the NFL cheerleaders and Players visiting with the troops. I also got some people’s predictions. I will post a link to the story tomorrow. I also did the radio show yesterday and talked with the players and cheerleaders. You can see the pictures I posted.

The big building is where I work and the small wooden building is where I live. The other picture is our sign and another picture of our newsroom. I need to clarify that my room is 10x10 not 6X6. Throw a bed, metal closet, and little desk and it certainly seems very small (and cold right now). We got 3 or 4 inches of snow in the last day. Its not so bad though. I will post more pictures of my room and what not as time goes on. I am pretty upbeat as work is starting to get into a flow and my master class starts. If you keep busy time goes fast. I got a box from Germany as my coworker in Germany is here with me and his wife sent me a couple things I needed. Its free from Germany to here which will be clutch when I got to mail stuff back. Michelle also mailed me a nice package of things I needed. She wrote a wonderful card to me and I now have it on my wall. Aside from my gear it’s the only personalization on the stupid wooden walls. Well I only got 5 hours of sleep after staying up all night to watch the GIANTS WIN!!!!!!! I am going to get a shower and go to sleep now. I should be able to post more again tomorrow.

Day 7: 2 FEB 08

Well I had off today and it was basically a catch up day. I will be at work all day tomorrow with the Superbowl coming. I got an email from a Polish lieutenant I ran into and we may do a language exchange 1 night a week here. I forgot to mention the Polish camp is like right where I live. I will try to post a picture of that soon. I should have taken some today but was dealing with paperwork at work. Boy can the Air force cause a ton of issues if you do not keep your paperwork straight. We are suppose to get 3 to 6 inches of snow tonight so we shall see. I guess I am getting use to it here. I mean compared to those who are from here I live like a king even in my little room. I guess even on a bad day in my life is nothing to even complain about. I will write more as the week progresses and things pick up. My online masters class start on Monday so that will definitely take more of my time.

Day 6: 1 FEB 08

Weird Day. Had my first shoot and discovered the Playstation 2 in our office. I will post tomorrow as I have off.