Headhunters

This is my new company logo, as drawn by one of the talented mechanics from the motor pool. Scary, eh? We are officially the Headquarters Support Company of the 603rd Aviation Support Battalion (Task Force Workhorse) of the 3rd Combat Aviation Brigade (Task Force Falcon). Quite the mouthful, i know. Every good unit has an identity, usually exemplified through some sort of mascot or slogan. One of the first things I intend to do is emphasize this identity and hopefully make the Soldiers proud to be in our company. Unfortunately, the image of a 'Headhunter' does not really jive with that of a Medic, Mechanic, Cook, or Computer expert. Nor does it fit my personality, but this isn't about me. I like to think of this as my 'mission'--maybe like that of the famous Jim Elliot in trying to reach the ruthless Auca Indians, a tribe of Headhunters in Ecuador. Instead, I'm tasked to unify a disjointed and somewhat disinterested unit towards a common purpose: to support the logistical mission here on Bagram and bring everyone home.


With my spare time last week, I finished a book recommended by my mother and others. The title alone made me skeptical, yet once I started I could not stop. Same Kind of Different as Me is an incredible (true) story about challenging stereotypes and stepping out of our comfort zone to reach others. While I question the theology behind the book and some of the surreal stories, the message moved me to tears. The focus here is how God uses homeless folks in Forth Worth, TX to change the lives of a rich couple. Again, I was able to draw a parallel here: the Headhunters are a diverse group to say the least, with Soldiers from across the country and even a couple from Jamaica attempting to become citizens. Most are married, many already divorced prior to age 25. The Army is likely the only option for some of these Soldiers due to the benefits it provides and the necessity to support their families. To not have a tattoo is an anomaly. Most of the mechanics graduated from the school of hard knocks, though one worked at a Porsche factory in Germany for a few years. I am the one of the few Aviators, an outsider in their eyes. On top of this I come from a stable, two-parent, white, middle-class home with a wonderful and supportive wife and family. This is the exception rather than the norm. I'm praying for new eyes to see things from a Soldier's perspective so I can attempt to empathize with them and use that understanding to make better decisions. Plus, I have no doubt that these Soldiers have a lot to teach a young Captain like myself! So, I'll close with our motto:     No Mission Denied, Consider it Done!

Expectations:

My Change of Command was supposed to be today (Friday) but due to circumstances beyond my control is delayed 7-10 days. A large part of the process is inventorying all unit equipment as the commander is ultimately responsible for everything. Over the course of the last 30 days, I have meticulously checked every widget and weapon to ensure my company has what it needs. Army property is segregated into multiple categories based on price and if it is pilferable (like computers), but the non-negotiable mission essential property is called "Non-expendable." Long story short, the outgoing commander is missing over $800,000 worth of such property, everything from tool sets to HMMWV's. Therefore, the Colonel made the call to delay the big day until we can adjudicate or hopefully find some of the losses. Of course I am disappointed, yet thankful that this will be resolved prior to me being in charge. Quite often I am asked if I am excited. I always answer 'absolutely,' but things like this certainly dampen my enthusiasm. I really did not expect this command, for many reasons, yet welcome the change in duties and  responsibilities as a good way to keep me busy through the rest of this deployment and beyond. In addition, I look forward to the opportunity to interact with and impact Soldiers lives. I still don't feel qualified to command such a company, but know that God will provide the necessary guidance and wisdom in tough situations. For now, I am in a purgatory between staff and command, but am attempting to use this time to refresh and prepare for the road ahead.

Afghan Avalanche

This week we had our first real snow of the year which was surprisingly late in what has been a mild winter here. I would say that 2/3 of the Soldiers in our unit are from Texas or somewhere in the South and really didn't know what to think of the stuff. In my Army career I've lived in Alabama, Hawaii, and now Georgia so maybe my bad memories are suppressed but I do recall having 13 no-school 'snow days' in high school in the months leading up to the first Fargo Flood of 1997. Instead of staying home as intended, my buddies and I set out with our 4x4's to see how many snowbanks we could straddle and at the same time how many stranded cars we could assist. I've always been struck by the innocence of snow as a metaphor, when it first flutters down to the earth and covers the ugliness underneath (at least until it melts and we mess it up with our tire tracks).

Many of you may have heard by now about the Avalanches that have afflicted Afghanistan this week due to melting snow and high winds. If not, see this article first: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/8506033.stm . At least 150 are dead and 1000's were trapped in the Salang Tunnel, one of the tallest mountain passes in the world. Our crews were called upon immediately to airdrip food and aid to the location, mostly through the use of CH-47 Chinooks using slingloaded pallets. The impact here is Bagram became a central hub for the MASCAL (Mass Casualty) as those injured were flown here to receive care. The medics, PA's and doctors from the Aid Station in my future company responded immediately and were up most of the night attending to cold weather injuries, shock, and a few more serious cases. At last count they had seen over 300 patients, almost all local nationals (i.e. Afghans) and expected even more to flow in today and tonight. I am already immensely proud of their efforts in such a dire situation. If anything it makes me wish that I could do more, but I realize my role has now shifted to command & control.

Oh, and somehow the heat in my humble B-hut went out last night and when I awoke it was 44 degrees F! Thank God for that electric blanket which was an unexpected wedding gift. I do my best not to complain as there are always Soldiers and others at smaller outposts without even heat or a regular shower to use. Please keep the affected Afghans, along with the Haitians among others in your prayers for protection and recovery.

Family Readiness Group

It has been a long time since I have added any posts to the blog, although I thought now was the perfect time in light of how Mark's upcoming responsibilities will translate into a new role for myself. The Army is a funny thing...Honestly, there is no organization which demands SO much from the spouses, while at the same time taking away the "employee" over 50% of the time. That also presents the irony of what the military refers to us family members as...Dependents. For as long as I can remember, I have been a "dependent" since I am the daughter of a career Air Force father. Yet, especially in light of today's Army, it is just about the worst possible way to describe us. I would venture to say that an Army wife has to be just about the most independent person in the country. We have to do everything ourselves -- take care of the house, the cars, the bills, the pets, and, most of all, the KIDS (for those who have them). In fact, most spouses do not have the ability to get into immediate contact with their "other half" when an emergency arises. Mark and I are particularly blessed to be in very close contact every day through Skype and email, but there are many soldiers who rarely have quick access to the internet. So, these wives are often forced to make tough decisions on their own.

However, there is one important group that the Army has integrated into the fabric of its organization -- the Family Readiness Group (FRG). Its purpose is to distribute information regarding about what's going on "down range." (I have to throw this in...The Army loves the term "down range," which means those who are deployed. I think it's a terrible term -- it sounds like people are led right in front of a firing range.) Also, it is a means of social networking and support so that the spouses can band together to get through such difficult, extended times apart. Other functions include: fund raising, meal-making and general over-all care for those who are sick/post-surgery/post-baby delivery, and monthly events/meetings. But, the reality is there are sadly some poor misconceptions about FRGs...Some people would be more likely to say it should mean "For Rumors & Gossip" while others might say it enables full-grown adults to act like five-year olds who can't handle basic everyday tasks of living. Regardless of the good or bad sides of the FRG....I have now inherited leadership of the 603rd HSC FRG -- the company that Mark will command. With that role comes responsibility for 150+ spouses who are left behind. I have two wonderful people who will be helping me in the leadership role, but it is still a daunting and eye-opening task. In fact, I have already had situations come up that involve a need for full time care or over-sight of some families for one reason or another. However, I am quickly coming to terms with the fact that I cannot "fix" everything, especially when I am still active duty myself in the Navy, with a whole other realm of duties and responsibilities. I would greatly appreciate your prayers as I embark on this role...that I would show wisdom and compassion towards those who come to me with problems, and that our FRG could find creative ways to meet the needs of these spouses or at least ease the pain of separation a little.

Recently I attended a function with the brigade commander's wife, who said how deeply intertwined the wife's role is in the career of her Army husband. I am quickly learning just how true this is. We are given huge tasks and responsibilities, which are nothing more than "volunteer" roles (for which a beloved Navy term might be more suitable..."Volun-told".) However, I realize that my actions and leadership in the FRG are a direct reflection upon Mark and his character, so I take this role gladly, yet seriously. Of course, I love Mark and want nothing more than to help him in his new role as a commander. There is no doubt in my mind that God can use this as a means of bringing glory to Himself, and I pray that I can be a reflection of God's love and compassion towards everyone He may bring my way.

two quick links

This article is about a fellow West Point graduate whom I knew vaguely through Bible studies at school. Long story short he was completely blinded by an IED blast and has defied all odds in continuing his Army career. The subtext of this story should be about the power of an amazing wife as undoubtedly she was the one behind the scenes caring for him, driving him everywhere, and even reading his MBA textbooks. Amazing:

Soldier, Infantryman, Airborne, Ranger, combat diver, mountain climber, skier, triathlete, surfer, husband and father are just a few words to describe Capt. Scotty Smiley. Now, add company commander to his decorated resume and incredible distinction. At 1 p.m. Monday, Smiley became the first blind officer who has been bestowed the responsibility of leading a company as he assumed command of the Warrior Transition Unit at West Point.

A recent Time story further solidifies my respect and admiration for the current Secretary of Defense. Through Jocelyn I was able to briefly meet Dr. Gates at Texas A&M and even get his coveted coin! When I think about it, he is the man responsible for my extension in Iraq and now again an extra 2 weeks in Afghanistan, yet I trust that Secretary Gates made the best decision possible with the information available. In terms of leadership characters like his predecessor, Donald Rumsfeld, and other more charismatic military and political figures usually get the brunt of the attention yet it is guys like him that get the job done behind the scenes.

Just past the flight deck is a conference room outfitted with plugs and portals and a lacquered table at which the relaxed Secretary sat in jeans, loafers and a pressed button-down, on the way back home from Afghanistan and Iraq. We'd been talking about the stress of congressional hearings, the burden of sending young men and women to war, and just as our conversation was drawing to a close, he said, "I always used to tell people that Texas A&M football caused me more stress than any job I've ever had. And they always thought I was exaggerating." I expressed disbelief, but he stood by the statement.
"I asked my wife one time, Why is that? And she said, 'Because you have no control.' " He paused. "Here, I have a little control," he said, tapping the plane's conference table.