DAY 124 : 29 MAY 08

Well where do I begin. Yesterday I went and signed up for today’s trip as mentioned. I then went to the pool for most of the afternoon which was really nice. It has been a while since I have gone swimming and it was nice to just wade around in the pool and relax. I then left and went back, got a shower and returned to the Chili’s they have on base here. I went with this Army guy I meet from Mississippi and this fruity sailor tagged along. So there I am having dinner with a 41 year old soldier from Mississippi who is an E 5, quite low ranking for that age but this guy has been deployed 3 times since 2003. He’s got 2 purple hearts and had to learn to walk again after being blown up in Afghanistan. Or at least that’s what he tells me. Then we got this fruity sailor with us who is quite annoying but a nice guy so it’s not that bad. Well let me tell you dinner with a Mississippi soldier and a fruity sailor made for great dialogue. Then we have the Philippino waiter come over and take our order. Almost all of the people who work on base here are from the Philippines. Not sure how that works but none the less there it is. Anyway they do not have the large majority of what Chili’s offers state side because well we are in Qatar. Anyway I get the mushroom Swiss burger and the bottomless chips. The other guys order and overall we have a good dinner. Unfortunately I ate too much and ended up drinking only 1.5 beers later on. Its ok though as I made small profit by buying my buddy the third one. Anyway this Mississippi guy goes to drink with us and boy is he a hoot. He later runs into a soldier he came to Qatar with and persuades him to buy another one for him. All the time he is talking about woman and very foul things. Normally I do not go for this type of conversation but the guy was hilarious and I have not laughed like this in a while so I sat quietly and enjoy the show. The Chinese kid who is from California via China is in the Army and kind of weird. He buys 2 beers for a couple of guys and then freaks out on me as we walk back to our lodging. I was hoping he would do the same tonight as I would like to enjoy more than 3 but whatever. I get the feeling this guy is an informant for the Chinese military but I am probably just being paranoid. Anyway I am going to eat early and then have my 3 quick. So today I wake up at about 4 knowing that the Pens game started at 3 am. Well I tell myself let it go because every time I watch they lose the game. So I sleep til 6:30, wake up and go to the meeting point for our trip today. Sure enough when I get there I see the highlights of our 3 – 2 victory on sports center. As Borat would say this is a great success! Well I go on this trip to the beach. What a day. We drive out 50 minutes to the desert and in these big Toyota SUVs and go crazy. They drive nuts through the sand dunes scaring the crap out of me but boy was it fun. We then get to the Persian Gulf and the water is clear for about 50 feet then becomes a deep blue. I went in but there were a ton of jelly fish so my time in the water was cut short. We played a little Volleyball; I took a nap, and then ate some local food. Its not much different than the local food I had in Afghanistan a few months back. Anyway I also rode a camel. I have pictures of most of this put cannot post them until I get back to Bagram. Anyway this Camel had to be at least 20 years old and on its last leg. It had hardly any hair, few teeth, terrible breath, and yakked like some sort of animal out of Star Wars. I felt I was violating it by riding it as it was such a chore for the thing to get up and then back down. The guy who owned it lived in the desert about 10 kilometers from our beach area. I was only 10 kilometers from the Saudi Arabia border which is where this guy lives. The ride back was much smoother as I slept most of the way. These Qatarians made you feel like they were going to drive you to a local hotel and kidnap you for video and Allah purposes if you get my drift. O well it was a fun day in the desert and a time I will never forget. Tomorrow I was hoping to go on the Doha city tour but there is none so I am going to the real nice mall tomorrow night. I got one more day after that to try to squeeze the city trip in so we shall see. I am going to go eat now but promise to pictures and more thoughts on those pictures once I get back to Bagram.

DAY 123 : 28 MAY 08

Well I am in Qatar and doing great. We flew in yesterday morning on a C 130 and it was not that bad. A buddy of mine let me borrow his PSP so I played that most of the time. While I was waiting for the flight I watched the Pens get waxed again! I am disgusted with their play but will wake up again and watch them at 3am here as we are 7 hours ahead of East Coast here. Yesterday we just go settled in and checked some things out on base. I had my 3 beers last night plus a 4th for which I will not divulge how I got. (We are only allotted 3 a night, lame I know and hard for a PSU grad like myself.) Anyway had a good buzz and really relaxed for the first time in months. It’s really hot here. As cold as Kyrgyzstan was in January when I went through there it is equally as hot here in Qatar. The base is just a bunch of big brown pole buildings but they have a bunch of nice stuff in them. I am going to go sign up for some trips here in a bit. I would like to go to Doha and also a mall. I will probably go to the beach tomorrow. June is almost here and I could not be happier. I talked to Michelle yesterday and she sounded good. I should be able to post more pictures and write in length once I get off base and actually see something. Until then I will be relaxing in civilian clothes and just chilling. The United Arab Emirates is not far from here and their capital is Dubai which I really want to visit some day. I have realized I really enjoy traveling and am glad I took this opportunity to come here. Anyway I got to make this meeting for the trips so I got to go. I promise to post tomorrows if I have time and include some pictures once I start taking them. OK hopefully the Pens will win, hell just score a freaking goal! Bye for now.

DAY 120: 25 MAY 08

Well a pretty chill weekend in all. Yesterday I had off and really relaxed. I met a guy I went to Combat skills with in NJ as he is going on rest and relaxation with me. I took him and a few other people around base and showed them the Russian old tanks and jets on the other side of the base. I watched a movie last night and started reading The 5 loves languages to better help me in my relationship with Michelle. I got to sleep late which was not a good idea because I missed the first period of the Pens game early this morning and then was absolutely disgusted with there crappy play. I went to take a shower this morning with 6 minutes left in the game only to see later that Detroit added 2 more! I talked to my dad during intermission but did not call anyone else today. That’s my bad but I will have more time this week. I did one hour of radio and interviewed these survivors’ contestants. They were cool but I tried to study up on them but I do not watch that show and there is been like 10 seasons now so there are so many contestants. Anyway I got a picture with them as posted below. Then I got a nice outfit at the PX for $28 after taking a nap today. I am basically packed up and ready to go from tomorrow. We are suppose to fly out tomorrow so we shall see. I turned my weapon in today and boy is it nice not packing heat! Anyway I guess that’s about it. I got my whole phone number list with me and may take time and just call back to the states one day. We shall see. I am really look forward to going to: QATAR (map is below, as I will be around Doha the capital). I put the link there so you can read about it since no one knows what I am talking about. Ok good night and I will be in touch.

DAY 118: 23 MAY 08

Well another interesting day in Afghanistan. Let me start from the beginning. I went into work and helped write the script for the newscast. I then anchored as seen below and produced a little radio news piece for the weekend shows. After that instead of doing my mid day show I went and got a haircut because I thought I had a lunch with the General. Well I went to the dining facility and was told it was canceled. I later found out it was moved to 2:30 but either way I did not end up meeting this General. To be honest I was not that upset. Most Generals in my experience are nice guys (I have met 1 female General) but only talk to you about petty stuff. I would be tempted to get into hardcore politics but that would not be a good idea so I play the good little airman role. Anyway the interview I had with the 4 star in Kabul was awesome as he treated me nice while I asked pertinent questions concerning this war. I guess if I ever could interview anyone aside from Jesus it would be Hitler. I would ask him why he brought war instead of peace to the world after gaining so much power. Maybe no one is strong enough to have that much power. Maybe God wants us to share life while the Devil led him to destruction. Anyway……… I then went on the air at 2:30 at which point I felt the need to call my Mom. I expected her to be going to work or already at but I guess she has to help Gram and Bob today. Anyway we had a long chat mainly about Robin. My mother is a great person in my eyes. I also have a ton of respect for my father. Unfortunately they both like to use me as their rug beater when it comes to how they feel about each other. I have put my foot down and will not tolerate negative commentary about the opposing person any longer. Robin is definitely the common tie here. Anyway after I hung up with her I finish the first 4 hours of radio which Mom got to hear some of while I put the phone down and talked. At 6:30 I then switched to my sports talk show with an Army buddy of mine. His name is Zizzo so we got Jozwiak and Zizzo. A ton of Zs for one sports show. By 8pm I was mentally exhausted and really not hosting very well so I mentioned on air that I have been on since 2:30 and that I am sorry that I sound so bad. Well its just my luck that the one guy I had issues with at the beginning of the deployment was driving back to work and heard me. He comes storming in (he did bring me food which we agreed upon) and says we need to talk. At this point the soldier I do the show with is pissed because if we said something wrong we want to know now. Not to mention in this line of work you do not interrupt someone while on air. It takes a great deal of concentration and effort to do a good radio show let along 2 in a row. So anyway long story short is that he was out of line and we really did not say anything that bad. I handled the situation with composure and he ended up apologizing. I really have learned a ton about working issues and being reserved and thinking. Dad you would be proud. Anyway it gets better. So then I come back and am ready to watch the season finale of my favorite show The Office (I downloaded them from the moral drive; we have someone downloads them each week and puts them there). I check my email real quick and see my Mom told me to call Robin. So I do not want to miss this opportunity, so I get dressed again and go back to work. It’s only a 3 minute walk but you know what it’s like when you come home. You want to relax. Anyway I finally get a hold of Robin! We have a great chat, although I am not totally thrilled to hear her situation, but I set some ground rules and we shall see. I need to order her contacts as she is almost out and has no insurance. Her teeth are another ball game but I do not feel the need to intervene there yet. I can spring for some contacts and see how she progresses and then reevaluate my effort. As she shows effort so will I, and I told her that. So I hear Emma in the background and almost want to cry. I cannot imagine the weight and burden parents feel. The one guy who I have gotten into it with has a pregnant wife who may deliver before he gets back. Another guy here knows his wife will give birth while he is gone. I think of my niece and almost cry, I cannot imagine if it were my own child! Hell I miss my dog and of course Michelle. Anyway the tolls this takes on family is immeasurable. Back to Robin. So we agree to try to talk again this weekend and then hang up as Emma was crying she needed changed. Wait until I get a hold of that little firecracker! I cannot wait to play with her and take her out when I get home. So the whole time I am on the phone the Marine who initially rubbed me the wrong way is playing guitar hero on the Nintendo Wii in the background. Now here is another issue. All these guys up there like privacy when they are on the phone. Mean while I talk to whomever, whenever, and never say a word. While I am loud sometimes I am also easy to live around, especially under these conditions. So as I am ending my convo with Robin the marine leaves. I then go to try find the doctors number on the internet for Robin’s eye doctor because of course she does not know her prescription. Anyway as I am finally leaving for the night the marine comes out and asks if I am ok. We start talking and find we have similar situations. Then the other guy who busts my buts comes out and all 3 of us chat. Now mind you at 6 feet and 165 ponds I am not the smallest in the group but not the biggest either. The marine is one rank above me , 1 inch taller than me, and at least 10 pounds heavier than me. He other air force guy who is my friend but can be challenging at times is one rank above me as well, 3 inches taller than me, and at least 50 pounds heavier than me. Both are 1 year younger than me. Now both of these guys know I do not play games and call it the way it is. I go into work, work hard, listen to my bosses, and go home. They are both talented but have egos that can clout their judgment. Long story short is that they both know I respect them and try my best to treat them good. I realized tonight, against their hard personality exteriors, that they respect me too. The day ends with me finally watching The Office season finale and laughing my butt off. Great show!

Now onto one last thing. I have 2 buddies who have been called up on inactive reserve for the Army. I found the ones blog and will give you the link here at the end. Basically these guys get out of the Army and have now been called back as they are still under their inactive reserve part of the contract. I have this too but the Air Force has too many people so the chance of me being called back if I decide to get out would probably include a domestic attack by China at which point everyone is on the table for duty. So…… I am so glad I joined the Air Force as the Army will screw you when you are in and bend you over when you are out. Sorry for the crewed analogy but wait until you read his blog. He just reported to an Army base to get ready to go to Iraq. He is with about 10 other people just like him. His blog crushes mine in both writing and content as he is smarter than me, more educated, and a real sharp cat. Anyway this guy has a fellowship to UNC Chapel Hill for a masters in journalism and now has to go to Iraq after being out of the Army for 1 year. The guy has a great attitude and I am proud to call he and his wife my friends. Michelle really liked them as they were very much on our level both relationship wise and educationally speaking as well. Anyway I am beat and need to get some sleep. Here is his link:

http://www.chrishigginbotham.com/blog/

PLEASE READ HIS BLOG and comment as you feel needed. My 6 months here isn’t nothing compared to what he is dealing with. Ok good night and Chris if you read this: I am praying and pulling for you man. I want to drink a beer together someday from now and talk about the good old military days that we no longer have to worry about. Maybe you are with the NY Times and me NBC!



PS: I decided to change the background a little to make it look mors crispt. Let me know what you think of the change!

DAY 117: 22 MAY 08

Well it’s been a good but busy week. I basically go in and work on the script with co workers and then anchor the newscasts that I have been posting. All of this has to be done by 10:30 am as that’s when I do the mid day show. I got like 4 or 5 calls today which are the most since I have been here. Tomorrow I got invited to a lunch with a 3 star general who is ultimately my commander?! Anyway that means I will have to do the afternoon show and then the sports show. 6 straight hours in the radio booth can be challenging but hey it beats at least 90% of what others do here for 6 hours straight or more. My spirits have been up quite a bit lately. I am working to get my old internship boss over here. He lives and works in Cali and is really in for a trip but I know he is up for it. If I was a fish out of water when in Cali in 2003, I will get to see the reverse with him coming here. He basically wants to do a documentary showing the stuff us service members do to help the people of Afghanistan. One of the guys who is stationed with me in Germany leaves this weekend. He and his wife are close friends when we are all back in Germany. Michelle is watching their dog when they go home for leave this summer. They watch Ali from time to time as well. He is a maintainer not a broadcaster thought. I think he would like me to mention that. I will look forward to rejoining him as he’s a great worker and without guys like him our signal would not go out. Well I guess that’s about it for now. Enjoy the newscast as this week I posted everyday but next week will probably be a miss as I will be in Qatar. Look for one big long past late next week with pictures and what not. Thanks everyone for everything you do for me no matter how little or silent. Last but not least LETS GO PENS!!!!!!

DAY 116: 21 MAY 08

Internet was down yesterday but here is the newscast.

DAY 115: 20 MAY 08

Well today was the typical anchor and then do the radio show. I did my laundry finally today after almost 2 weeks which is the only sad note of the day. I talked with a contact who has to know about those who pass here as part of her job encompasses that so she said there will be a fallen comrade ceremony sometime soon. 2 dead and 2 ‘not doing so good’. Not exactly what you want to hear when you go to do laundry but I still walk in this world and can only thank God for that. Anyway yesterday I got to meet and greet the Minnesota Vikings Cheerleaders on the radio show around 1 PM and then shot some video at their show last night. You can see the pictures below and the video of them during the newscast that I anchor. I have to say it was a fun day but I have truly come to appreciate the intangibles that my Michelle has. Yeah hot chicks with killer bodies are nice but there is so much more to life. Michelle is beautiful to me in more ways than physical. I know one of my friends from college has yet to realize this type of beauty…. Anyway I guess that’s about it. I leave for Qatar on Monday I think and am very much looking forward to that. Should be a good time. O I almost forgot to mention I am in talks with my old internship supervisor from California to come out and shoot a documentary. I have to call him tonight to work out the details. Once things are confirmed I will let yinz know all about it. Have a great day and enjoy the pics and newscast below.

DAY 114: 19 MAY 08

Super busy day as I anchored, did a mid day show, interviewed 5 Minnesota Vikings Cheerleaders, produced some other stuff, and then went and shot the cheerleaders show tonight. I am beat and feel bad because I did not call Michelle although I really was busy. O well I will be off work early tomorrow and post a good one with pictures and all. Enjoy the newscast below.

DAY 113: 18 MAY 08

Well another decent week. I guess I have not posted in the last few days because work has been somewhat the same here on base. I shot and produced a story yesterday morning on a GWOT trot. Basically a run in the name of the global war on terrorism. Kind poetic right? Anyway this past week the whole office got into a verbal debate on pops and water in the fridge and who should get them or what not. The one guy stuck up for me even though I was not really involved in the situation. Overall things are in pretty good shape. I have to be honest in saying I am getting the itch to go off base for one more trip before I leave. I am anchoring the newscast this week as the main anchor will be gone and then I leave for Qatar next Monday. That should be a good time that I am looking forward too. I called and talked to a bunch of folks yesterday but number 1 on that list was unreachable: Robin. Anyway things seem to be good I guess. Gram keeps getting sick and then better, sick and then better. O well she is a strong woman as I expect to see her when I get home. Speaking of which it looks like it may be this fall: They are working to get me some upgrade training at Ft. Meade for my job. It’s a 3 week course so I would take leave in conjunction with it, totaling a month in the states. The website says the next class date is not until January but I think there may be one this fall. Once I know I will let everyone else know although I suspect I will not hear anything for at least another month. Well I am looking forward to watching the Pens tonight as I hope they wrap the conference finals up at home. I also have to watch the Charlie Wilson’s War movie that my Mom sent me. I have heard from several people that its good and about Afghanistan so I suppose it’s time to watch it. Well I am going to go get dinner. Be sure to check out our daily newscasts as I will post them each day. Have a great remaining weekend.

PS: I sent a question into the Pittsburgh Post Gazette and they posted it to their website. Here is the link and posting.

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/08137/882209-238.stm

Q: I work for the American Forces Network (AFN) and am currently deployed to Afghanistan. My question is about the Pentagon Channel. On its Web site it gives the coordinates and directions for cable companies to add it to their lineup for free. I think many Pittsburghers would enjoy its programming. Armstrong Cable has had it since its inception but the bigger conglomerates have not added it. Is there any reason Verizon, Comcast, etc. will not add a great channel that will not cost anyone any extra money? Thanks for any information you can find out about this.
-- Rob, Fombell

RobOwen (PG): I think it's probably a matter of bandwidth allocation and whether a cable system wants to expend bandwidth on the Pentagon Channel while subscribers clamor for more HD channels.

As to your specifics, FiOS TV does carry Pentagon Channel on Channel 104.
A Comcast spokesman said, "We strive to deliver our customers the most diverse array of programming. We're always evaluating new programming options and making adjustments to best meet the interests of our customers."

DAY 110: 15 MAY 08

Well believe it or not 4 years ago today I graduated from the Pennsylvania State University! Wow did that 4 years fly by and if you had told me that 2 years from that day I would be in Germany and 4 years from that day I would be in Afghanistan I would have told you to go pound salt up your rear end. But today I have decided its along over due for a positive post. I will mention one thing though. I went to the medic today and was diagnosed with a freaking aphthous ulcer! It’s basically an oral ulcer caused by you guessed it: stress! I really need to start relaxing and I plan on doing that on my rest and relaxation in Qatar at the end of the month.

Anyway now for the good stuff. I have got to be honest in saying that if I had to pick one year in my life that was my best I would pick 1991! Now I bet you are asking why and how could you pick the year that you were 8 and 9 years old? Well let’s look at it. That was the last full year we were on Connie Drive, a year that we visited my Grandpap Davies at Conneaut Lake many weekends, also spent many weekends in Butler with my Aunt and cousins, the Pens won their first cup, the Pirates were actually good, I had no worries in the world, I cannot recall any family uproars or dissension in the ranks, I would visit my gram in Carrick often, my favorite wrestlers (Hulk Hogan and the Ultimate Warrior) were in their prime and just overall a great year. The reason I bring this up is because I have to be honest in saying I have been feeling the 8 or 9 year old bug again! The Pens are pushing their way to the Finals for the first time since 1992. The Ultimate Warrior is making a comeback in Europe as is John Daly who is playing some good golf right now. Also this deployment is building up to allow me to have happiness I have not felt since I was a kid in that time period. I was thinking about this the other day and I said to myself: You have not felt as happy as you will when it’s time to leave here, in as long as you can remember. You do the same thing in your life right now. Flat out ask yourself when was the last time you were so happy you could not keep from smiling and did not have a worry in the world? I am glad to report I have virtually no bills now and regardless of that stupid ulcer I really believe for the first time since 1991 I do not have a worry in the world. Now of course I am in Afghanistan and my security can be an issue, I worry about Robin and Michelle along with everyone else in my family. But mentally speaking once, and Lord willing when, I complete this trip I think I can honestly say that I will be as happy as I have ever been. I think part of that also comes from the fact that I have seen how bad some of the people in this country have it so I know how good I have it. Rob before the trip had issues with his Dad and the whole situation. Now I rarely even think about it. Rob before was worried about money and making it in this world fast, now I just want to be safe and able to enjoy each day. Rob before was struggling spiritually and really questioning God, but now I am as faithful as ever although I still, like many, have so many questions about humanity in general. The point is that this trip has made me realize that happiness should not be dictated by what’s going on around you. Yeah I love to see the Ultimate Warrior wrestle and the Pens win the cup. But in the end I have to make the best of each day and be happy with myself. After this trip for me happiness will be my Wife and dog making smile while at home, my family and friends around me as much as possible,and a few beers on the weekend befor echurch on Sunday.(basically the life of a typcial and historical Pittsburgher) Life really is what you make of it, and as Americans we truly do have the FREEDOM to make it WHATEVER we want!

My favorite wrestler (The Ultimate Warrior) of all time is returning and in Europe of all places and yet again I am in freaking Afghanistan for it. Michelle would love to go to Spain too. O well I am definitely looking to see him maybe next year at Wrestle Mania 25!




This is the newscast that includes my Vietnam story. I hope you guys like it.

DAY 109: 14 MAY 08

Zelienople soldier kills himself in Afghanistan

Well that’s what grabbed my attention today in the Stars and Stripes. So sad, so, so, sad! My Dad sent me an email about it as well. I mean you got these young guys carrying loaded weapons and all they need is for some disgruntled soldier who out ranks them heavily to say something to set them off. It’s so sad because every single person down here looks forward to getting home. However in the Army you are here for 15 months and then also hear about getting orders to come back here or go to Iraq in 2010! No wonder the poor souls have no hope. If you are wondering why I am backing Obama this is very much apart of it. Our military is strained and many of the affects will not be seen for years to come. I think the people of Afghanistan genuinely want our help but we cannot keep the fighting up on both ends anymore. The financial impact to our own country is already apparent.

Anyway I got this real neat story done on Vietnam. I tie two service members together who have a common tie: Vietnam. One is an Air Force Lieutenant Colonel, about 40, and is a Vietnam refugee who fled the country in 1975 with his family. The other is a 59 year old Amry Major who was called up out of active retired reserve! He was really cool and I show how they both have come full circle from the throws of Vietnam to helping out in Afghanistan. Its 2:10 long which is by far my longest piece but probably my best as well. Look for me to post that video tomorrow once it airs on our newscast. Also I am anchoring all next week as my supervisor (our news director) is going on R & R. Things should be interesting as 2 E 5s and 2 E 4s will be running the news department. This Marine who is slightly younger than me but out ranks me is really getting on my nerves. He is no doubt a solid, talented, and sharp broadcast journalist but boy can he be condescending, arrogant, and flat out sarcastic beyond any reasonable measure. I am sincerely doing my best to just do my job and go home. Next week will be a real test for all of us though.

And finally how about them Penguins?! I feel like its 1991 again only its Crosby and Malkin not Lemieux and Jagr. O yeah I am 25 now and my life could not be any more different than it was when I was 8 or 9. None the less its great to see them winning. Sad story about the Polish American cop killed by 3 Muslims in Philly with a fully automatic Chinese made machine gun the other day. They honored him at the beginning of the Flyers game as he was a huge fan. So sad…. Philly is just so not what our forefathers wanted it to be. Anyway we are 1 game away from the Stanley Cup finals and what looks to be a killer matchup against the Detroit Red Wings. Should be a great series but first we need to finish Philly off. Ok well I am going to go eat. I will try to make phone calls this weekend. I will leave you with a funny story.

As you may know I am doing the mid day radio show now (10:30 to 2:30). Well we get emails and information for announcements called readers. Some are monthly, some are daily, and some are one time deals. Well we got one in about a power outage on base this week. Its only 10 hours long but I decided to have some fun with it. I call this guy up and record it so I can edited it later before playing it on air. I say yeah is this the power company on base? He says yes it is. I say yeah I heard that the power is going out for 10 days starting on Friday! He goes real shocked: 10 days! I said yeah. He goes no, 10 hours! He then asks where I heard that and I told him AFN at which point he said we cannot read. It gets better though. So then I say well am I going to be able to use the latrines? Now I really have him back peddling. He goes o man well where do you live? So I tell him I live in one of the areas that I know will be out of power. So then he starts going you know that’s a great question, and that did not come up, and let me get my map. At this point I am laughing to myself so hard I break character and tell him it’s me from AFN calling just to have a little fun and get the word out about the power outage. He laughs and gives me the information. I ended up editing it and putting it on air. Boy was it funny to hear me ask this guy about toilet usage due to the power outage. I was rolling and so was everyone else in the office, but in the end I got the information out which is my job. OK well have a good one I am going to eat.

DAY 108: 13 MAY 08

Well I have to be honest in saying that the reason I have not posted in the last few days is part my fault and part work. I have been getting up to watch the Pens play and then going into work early, coming home around 3PM after my show and then sleeping. I then go back to work later at night and edit stuff as no one is around. We got a couple of Marines here and one is condescending and I just prefer to not deal with him very much. At this point though I am not as fervent as I was when I arrived. I am solely focused on doing a good job and leaving when the time comes.

I hope everyone had a good weekend as it was Mother’s Day on Sunday. I did not call my Grama Joswiak and do need to do that. I also did not get a hold of my sister who is a mother as well. Robin if you read this I really want to talk to you on the phone. I want you to know that you need to move back with Gram and keep working. I am willing to help you if you leave that Ahole. We can work on getting a car for you one way or another and it will be nice as you can help Gram as she gets older. Your life will not turn around instantly but time flies and the sooner you right the ship the sooner things will get better. I will try to call num nutz cell phone this weekend. Also check out the following link that says your job and field is in demand. If you can get some certification you could have your own business doing in the home care that you do:

http://www.eldercare.gov/eldercare/Public/resources/fact_sheets/home_care.asp

Meanwhile in NJ my love celebrated her 24th birthday on Saturday. Unfortunately a coworker of hers broke her ankle at the gathering while having some fun on the trampoline! Accidents happen so I am not sure what more can be said. Things seem to be good in NJ which makes me feel good. Overall if Robin could just get back on track I think I would have nothing to worry about. Always stuff to pray about but nothing to worry about. But if you want a feel good story on life and how precious it is, look no farther than Beaver County PA.
18 year old, Freedom High School senior John Challis is dying of lung and liver cancer. He recently got into the lineup for his high school baseball team and hit a single. The kid weighs maybe 100 pounds. Anyway Mario and the gang had him at the Pens game the other night where he met Rooney, Roethlisberger and a bunch of other celebs in Mario’s box. He has got national attention after being highlighted in the Beaver County Times and Pittsburgh Post Gazette. Check out the story here:

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/08125/878966-85.stm

I give the kid so much credit for making such a positive impact on this world in such a short lifespan. I do have to say that I was proud or maybe not at how bad his accent was. They had video of him and his family on the PG’s website from the game the other night. It’s sad because you can tell he is weak and it’s a chore for him to talk but boy does he have the western pa dialect. Luckily I am familiar with the local tongue and had no issues understanding him. I still say certain words like Yinz guys but between being gone for a while now, and my formal voice and diction training in Maryland, I am not as bad as I use to be. I think my Uncle Josh takes that cake as he works in Oakland (correct Pittsburghese pronunciation: Oklend) and has been a Pittsburgher since 1970.

Finally many of you have been saying that you are having issues commenting on the blog comment area. I love reading the comments when Mom and Dad are not dominating the forum (just joking guys you know I love you). I am not sure what the deal is but from what I understand you have to sign up with bloggr.com in order to post a comment. You can always email me if you prefer as some have. I think we all know about the dirty laundry policy implemented by my Dad so if its personal or whatever feel free to email me at: psujozz@yahoo.com Well another wacky sleep night as the Pens play at 4am here and there is nothing more enjoyable than seeing them win especially at Philadelphia’s cost. I cannot stand Ed Rendell. He is the east side of the State’s governor. I bet his fat a$$ is at the game in Philly tonight but nowhere to be seen when we make the finals. He is a real shmuck. He does not care about us so I do not care about him. Anyway I will try to post more often from now on although I fully expect to be sleeping weird until the Cup is raised in Pittsburgh sometime early next month!
PS: HILLARY CLINTON PLEASE GIVE UP NOW SO OBAMA CAN MOVE ONTO TAKE OUT MCCAIN AND GET THIS COUNTRY GOING IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION. But no doubt that this behavior is typical of a person I once called her!

DAY 104: 9 MAY 08

Well I had a good day at work and also a great sports show. I am up too late as the Pens game starts in like 4 hours. You can bet your last dollar I will be up and watching it though. I have off tomorrow so I can sleep all day if I like. Anyway today I saw that Afghan man at the chow hall and talk with his supervisor. He was smiling and seemed in a better mood today. I have decided I am going to give him my running shoes. They are getting beat up because of all the walking, especially on gravel I do. I am either going to order a new pair off of the internet or get some when I go to Qatar at the end of the month. Either way this man will get my shoes and maybe give them to his son. His smile today was as satisfying to me as piercing was his frown. Anyway that’s about it for today. LETS GO PENS! FLYER SCUM!

DAY 103: 8 MAY 08

Today started off great (sadistic sarcasm); fallen comrade ceremony including 3 coffins with American flags draped on them. As they roll by I salute and try not to get wrapped up in whole thought process. I then got a good omelet this morning and had a productive day at work. However the last two days have been interesting at work. Work in and of itself has been normal. I am on the air from 10:30 to 2:30 doing a radio music show. Before and after I have to produce and work on radio and TV stories and get ready for the show when not doing that. Pretty run of the mill stuff for me. Where the excitement comes in is that some of the guys are worried about my mentality, mindset, or heart when it comes to going off base. I told them I think it’s illogical to WANT to go off base; that would mean that one WANTS to put themselves in harm’s way. Now while I do not WANT to; I will and have. In the end the top guy as it relates to us came in and laid the law down. Everyone knows I am the most vocal about my fears but still willing to go do the job and get the story which is my job. I am just much more open about it. I feel good after 2 days of back and forth. My superiors know where I am coming from and know my willingness to complete the mission and my coworkers were explained my thought process. During the same conversation they told me I need to relax more and not be so loud at work. I agree with this and am trying to learn that in my life. Far too many times I rush the moment and miss out on it. I think if I take one thing away from this trip, that’s what it will be! Overall I think the guys are ok with me but ultimately, as I told the one supervisor, I come in, do my work, and only worry about my work whereas others are worried all about me. Anyway it’s just another life trial to live through and learn from. I got a bunch of mail today and was kind of pissed as it was 2 months behind. They bundled it up and sent it so some stuff was already overdue. Anyway Grama Joswiak sent me a picture of me, Sarah, and Ryan (my cousins) from December 1985! Boy was I little and do I feel old now. She also included one of me and Robin circa 1989 (Judging by the sweater I had on and how Robin and I looked). I am going to try to get a hold of Robin this weekend one way or another. Well my cousin Zach and buddy Josh from high school are getting married (to lovely women not each other!) and again I am away. I sent them both a wedding gift and got a great email back from Josh. I hope they have great weddings and even better marriages. Robin if you read this you better go to Zach’s wedding! Speaking of feeling old get this; I feel like my 87 year old uncle Al at night as I have to use lamisil to fight athlete’s foot (you wear combat boots everyday and see what it is like) and ear drops as I got wax stuck to my left ear drum. At night I think about seeing my Uncle Al putting on all this stuff and at 25 I am joining him! Actually they are both just temporary uses as being near jets is not good for ones ears so I got to get rid of the wax and I cannot help the foot situation as it is common in the military. This weekend is a big one. It’s my love Michelle’s 24th birthday, Mother’s Day, and my best friend Kurt, at the young age of 28, is finally moving out of his parents house! I think Michelle is settling into her 20s quite nice now and will have a great weekend with her Mother and Grandmas. I like the fact that she is 2 years younger than me as we can still wait for her to join the club that is celebrated this weekend. I wish I were home to celebrate all of that and help Kurt move but yet again my choice, some call it a sacrifice, keeps me away. I would like to help Kurt as he helped me move out of Carrick in 2005 but what can I do. Well I guess that’s about it for now. I got the sports show tomorrow and then the weekend. I am going to try to get out on base this weekend and shoot some video and produce some much needed stuff that we need for our newscast. I may anchor again next week so we shall see. Everyone have a great day and as always thank you for all of the prayers and thoughts.

DAY 102: 7 MAY 08

Been and up and down week. Played too much Madden 08 on playstation tonight. Will post tomorrow as I want to be composed for tomorrow's session. I will leave you guys with this: God sent me here to test, train, and remind me of my faith in him!

DAY 99: 4 MAY 08

Well I definitely got a response from my Dad. He said he will not post like that again but wanted to make a point about airing dirty laundry. Point taken! Today was nice as we all got together as a unit down day and ate homemade food one of the guys made and had some cake as some birthdays passed and one guy is leaving now. This weekend has been very relaxing for me and I feel a little sense of rejuvenation. I am looking forward to going to Qatar at the end of the month and relaxing there. I talked to my Mom and Dad today for almost 2.5 hours combined! While I do know they took my points they still have commentary concerning the other. None the less I believe we are moving in the right direction. Apparently my sister may get internet soon so maybe we can talk online as I have not talked to her in over 2 months which makes me sad. Today a co worker who reads my blog periodically said I have a very philosophical mind and I replied that my bio chemistry is a unique and active one. (What do you expect as a byproduct of two extremely outgoing and unique people like my parents?) But beyond that I am always thinking and can never just relax. Well at least I am trying but the funniest thing happened today. I talked briefly to both of my parents about getting out or staying in once my time in Germany was done. I also talk too much about that with Michelle as she says I say something about it every time we talk. Anyway I was coming out of work and 1 rainbow was spread over our base like a blessing and sign from God that every will be fine. Another one was trying but it was not truly and fully a double rainbow. At any rate I have not posted any pictures in a while and figured I would of the rainbow as I ran back and grabbed my picture to snap one or two. The third picture is of the Polish Camp sign which I have referenced in past posts. I have not been meeting with them as my point of contact is back in Poland now and I think they are rotating out. Anyway I look forward to watching the Pens tonight so that hopefully they win and move on to face Philly for an all PA eastern conference finals. I guess that’s it for today. Thanks again to all who read, pray, and care.

PS: I do not think I will be buying that XP8 any time soon as Michelle says we need to wait!

DAY 98: 3 MAY 08

Well I was glad to see a positive response on the last post from both my parents and some others although I got a few emails saying that my parents need to grow up and realize my being deployed is stressful enough and petty arguing needs to be put aside. None the less I am glad there is some awareness to my request of being civil and moving forward. Anyway I stayed up last night and really sacked in today. It feels good to get a good night’s sleep as they do not come as often here in Afghanistan. You know I was in the shower today thinking about all of these soldiers who work 12 hours days, 7 days a week, for 12 to 15 months straight. I do not care who you are but that will wear you down if not break you. They wonder why suicide is an issue well there is a starting point. Any idiot who thinks these wars are not taking their toll needs his or her head examined. I would tell that to anyone and have when challenged. It’s not about me being right or whatever but about the fact that this premise, that mainly the soldiers, can handle this ridiculous battle rhythm is a ludicrous and ultimately destructive notion. I am truly blessed to have my job and lifestyle while deployed here. We have a guy who is the same exact job code as me in the Army and he is attached to the 101st Airborne division. He absolutely hates it and said they tried making him do gate guard duty because they do not know what to do with a guy who has a special MOS like broadcasting. Typical dumbass Army. But on the other hand I will say that the Army works very hard and does things I could never do. I go on trips with them for one day and am like ok I am done with that now, yet they do it day in and day out. No thank you. My hat goes off to them in that regard but it still comes down to work smart not hard.

Let’s just say as far as what you have heard on the news things are beefed up around here. I probably will not have to go off base again but am not taking that to the bank yet. The airman we lost last week was my rank and 24! Again I think about him as he was on a mission that I went on before. They are called PRTs or Provincial Reconstruction Teams. Basically they go out and talk to the elders of a village, area, or valley and help them rebuild, recover, and move forward. Ultimately we are doing good here and if we were not in the civil war of Iraq, then we could allocate more resources and money here and truly have this country on the fast track to success. Anyway I am in a good mood today as I have off and tomorrow is a BBQ day. I need to go put together a video for Linda’s students as it must be done today because I have been putting it off. I will try to call some people tomorrow and as always appreciate your time, POSITIVE COMMENTS, and most important prayers.

Before I go today there are a few things in the news and one personal story I want to share. 1. I would say that this guy from Austria committed the worse act in the history of his country but thanks to Hitler being an Austrian I cannot say that. This nut builds a dungeon like living area in his basement for which he keeps his 18 year old daughter captive in for 24 years and fathers 7 children with her all the while telling his wife upstairs that the girl ran away to join a cult. 3 of his kids/ grandkids never saw daylight in their almost 20 years of life. 1 of the babies died shortly after birth so he burned it in the house furnace. What is it about Austrians and burning people in furnaces?

http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5hVDZOHp0_8ZB_37OxVmoVnCEIsiAD90D6IP80

I am sorry but this man needs to be put to death so that the Jury of God can judge him because this is as bad if not worse than what Jeffrey Dahmer did. I would say worse because these people, his own family, suffered for years and years whereas Dahmer’s victims suffered for only a short time and where not his family. Anyway I had to comment on this one. Now onto the dumbass of the month award.

A kid from TX (same state as that guy who lives on PA Ave.) tried cashing a stolen check from his girlfriends Mom for $360,000,000 dollars. Yes 360 billion folks. I guess he figured he could help pay Iraq’s rent for the next year but none the less when the police picked him up he had some weed and a gun on him and said he wanted to start a record company with the money. A great example of America’s best and the wonderful influence of these ‘Urban influence’ magazines and culture. Absolutely hilarious and unreal.

http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5hVDZOHp0_8ZB_37OxVmoVnCEIsiAD90D6IP80

And finally right here in lovely Afghanistan we got a press release in about a local Afghan guy who takes the cake. So apparently coalition forces recently raided this guy’s house (mud hut) as he was a suspect in supplying the Taliban in the area where he lives. The night they did it he was not home so the next day he comes home and finds out what happens. Instead of knowing they are looking for him and being on the down low about it he decides he has been violated (I am not sure that he hasn’t either as I am not sure innocent until proven guilty applies down here). Anyway he decides to go to the closest base to complain to us at which point they figure out he was the one we were looking for in the first place, so they arrest him. I know my Dad will not like this story, but to complain to any foreign troops here is like asking to China to quit building up their military; forget about it. What he should have done is complained to the local Afghan police or military as that is why we are trying to help them handle their own business.

Well that’s it for today. I look forward to the Pens game tomorrow night and seeing Jagr get bounced from the playoffs back in the Burgh. Also THE vehicle that I want is on Ebay and I am so tempted to bid on it. The last Saleen Explorer ever produced. Check it out:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ih=013&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWA%3AIT&viewitem=&item=230248245515&rd=1

DAY 96: 1 MAY 08

Well May is here and with it brings violence. We lost an Airman the same rank as me this week. It was confirmed at today’s promotion ceremony as we had three people promoted in my office. There is also a ton of sh*t going down in Kabul and even word of issues here. I am trying like hell not to go off base anymore. I got the sports show tomorrow and look forward to that each week. We are cooking out this weekend as well so that should be some fun. I am going to bed late tonight so I will not see the Pens 4th game but I hope it’s another sweep. If not I should get to watch them this weekend and it would be nice to see Jagr lose in Pittsburgh as it may be his final game since he may retire. I talked to my Mom today and was glad to hear that she is fine. I was also mad to see her fire comments at my Dad and he fire back. You know they both tell me they do not love each other anymore. I think I now believe that. But what I also believe is that what they have is called a love vacuum. When you did love someone for so long, and were married to them when the relationship finally ends the love may be gone but a vacuum is created that requires attention in some fashion. For these too it’s done by in direct communication through myself, my sister, my grandparents, or even a message board comment area. I want to make a deal with both of you for the whole world to see. I will openly and lovingly accept both Darryl and Shelly as whatever they become to you two as time progresses. I will show only love and as much as possible forget the past and my very strong feelings concerning the situation. In return I ask that you two act like adults and move on, so some communication can be possible in case of emergencies, issues concerning Robin and Emma, and social functions that require both of you like some weddings coming up. It pisses me off that I am in Afghanistan and there is no collaboration or communication at basic levels to achieve very important tasks like helping Robin, taking care of Emma, and making sure I am informed. This nonsense has to stop so that we can all move on and enjoy life together! I am being straight up when I say this trip and excursion has changed me. Part of that change means loving my parents and those who they love no matter my personal views. But as I adhere to certain requests and ideas so too must those around me. Life is too short and money, possessions, property, and whatever else of this world have little value in the grand scheme of things. God, Family, country, friends, and our memories are what truly hold value. I need to shower and shave now as it is approaching 1 am here. Best part about hitting the showers this late is nobody in your way, tons of hot water, and peace and quiet! Mom and Dad I expect to see apologies on the comment areas and maybe even some sort of plan as to how we all can move forward in a positive manner. And one last thing Dad: you told me to think before I talk and even more before I type. So I have one question: Where in the Bible does Jesus directly curse people and have bad events come into their lives for ‘transgressions’? Dad I do not believe you thought before you typed instead let emotions dictate your response to Moms petty and futile jab. I know two things for sure 1. Jesus is all about love and letting us mess things up for ourselves(free will) not cursing us. 2. NO ONE is guaranteed tomorrow so I am careful in my judgment of events both good and bad for only God knows what tomorrow will bring. On that note here is a question for everyone to ponder. If as a typical Christian believes heaven is where Christ is building us a mansion for us and that it is a perfect world without sin and all of the common worries of this world then why should I feel sorry for that Airman who died this week? May be it is he who is feeling bad for me being stuck on earth still as he rejoices in heaven. I guess it’s all perspective since we do not know what’s on the other side for sure, so we are automatically sad when one dies; Normal, but for me I have thought more about death on this trip than at any other time in my life as my odds are greater here. Anyway I thank all of you for your support and love and if I die tomorrow then you may be sad but I probably won’t be! Now I will pray before bed for protection as I do very often and hope to live another wonderful day in paradise as compared to the other 90% of the people on the earth(like the local Afghans here for example) as my wonderful Dad always told me growing up. Good Night.

PS: Ok I am officially in rambling mode but this story I have got to tell. Today I was at dinner alone as I needed to break away from all of the folks I work with for just a little alone time. As I was eating I saw a local Afghan worker and a KBR employee who speaks the local language, get into an argument. I could tell the older guy who was dressed in traditional clothing was very upset while the KBR guy who was dressed in jeans and a shirt yelled at him and then told him to be quiet so we all could not hear. They were in the little lobby area where you dump your garbage before exiting the chow hall. The guys job is to empty trash bags and put new ones in. As the KBR worker tried to quiet him down I made eye contact with him. I could only stare into his eyes for a second or two because I saw such pain. I could cry right now. This poor man who probably has 4 kids, no education, and lives somewhere local empties trash for a living, my trash! He has seen war his whole life and empties garbage to support his family; maybe his best job ever. Mean while he has got to take crap from this worker who was probably wrong but is a supervisor. I wanted to go say something but they went outside and then I forgot. Plus in all seriousness it’s hard to communicate to them and the guy who would translate for me would not tell the local Afghan guy that I think he is wrong! I just wonder what this world is coming too? China’s military spending sky rocketed recently, gas prices are through the roof, mortgages are in the toilet, the economy is teetering on the brink, none of the presidential candidates will truly put us on the right track, and every day people live as poor as they do like around here. Yeah life can be good for me and you but for the average citizen on earth how good is it? Mom and Dad I love you and want you to know that. With Emma already around I am not sure I will have kids given this experience. Maybe adopting some is the best remedy or at least my contribution to the situation. I need to sleep now but boy am I sad right now not for me but for our world!