1st Battalion 22nd Infantry Updates October 2010 Page 2

1st Battalion 22nd Infantry

1st Battalion Newsletter

October 2010

A Company, B Company, C Company

Gator Company Families and Friends,

I would like to give a heartfelt thanks to the many spouses, children, family members, and supporters
back home who have expressed their devotion to our Soldiers in the past month. By your simple acts
of sending letters and packages, sharing a laugh over Facebook, or letting us know how much we are missed
over the phone, our Soldiers here are given the strength and encouragement to succeed every day.
Your Soldiers are determined in their duties and their tenacity and raw toughness is having a direct impact
on the enemy we face here.

In the last month our platoons have endured every hard task asked of them. From clearing entire villages
at the break of day with our partnered Afghan National Security Forces, to ceaselessly controlling the Western Gate
to Kandahar City, the Gators are stepping up their efforts to secure innocent civilians and defeat Taliban insurgents.
Our mission is paying off as we are beginning to see the Afghan government bring development to some
previously Taliban-held areas.

The Gators have been improving their bases to include Dining and MWR tents with individual booths
for SPAWAR computers and phones. We are currently outfitting small shipping containers at each base
for showers and sinks. We are also looking forward to ensuring we are prepared for both wet and cold weather
in the upcoming months.

As we begin to send Soldiers home for Environmental Morale Leave (R&R), my wish is for Soldiers and Families
to safely enjoy the company of their friends and loved ones. Please watch over your Soldier at home
as he watches over you when he is abroad. I am incredibly proud of this company- its Soldiers, Families, and supporters.
Thank you.

IAN C. PITKIN
CPT, IN
Commanding

Family and Friends of Gator Company,

I would like to update you on how the Company is doing since the last newsletter. Though the Soldiers
are working extremely hard, they are keeping up their morale. We are definitely doing all we can do to keep
everyone focused on what needs to be done. We have begun EML so there are Soldiers that are home now
and taking a much needed break. We wish them and their families well. I want you all to know that these
Soldiers impress me with their resilience.

We have been doing some really good work here for the Afghans. I don’t think that anyone really knew what things
were going to be like over here, but I feel that we are definitely helping the Afghan cause here. We are doing our best
to adapt and to watch for the ever changing battle plans of the enemy. We are communicating with the locals
in around our area to help us any way they can. Most importantly, we are trying to get Afghans to understand
that the fight isn’t ours, but it is theirs. I believe they are starting to understand that. It is going to take some time
to get where we need to be, but we are getting there.

Thank you all for your support. Your support and care packages have really put smiles on the Soldiers
of Gator Company. It really means a lot to them knowing that we aren’t forgotten. It inspires us to do
our very best and to get back home to you. I just ask that as this deployment goes on, to keep up that support.
This deployment is challenging not only to us but I know it is challenging to all of the families and friends back in the states. Together we will make it to the finish line.

DAVID STOEN
1SG, USA

Family and friends of First Platoon, Alpha Company,

We are a quarter of the way through our deployment to Afghanistan. The men of first platoon continue to work hard
every day to defend the Western gate to Kandahar City.
Last week, First Platoon participated in two missions to clear local villages of an insurgent presence.
Both missions were very successful and resulted in the capture of several insurgents. Also, several bomb
making materials were found. As a result, our area of operations is much safer due in part to the diligence
and hard work of the men in First Platoon.
I am very proud to be in command of this platoon. Their work ethic, discipline, and esprit de corps reminds me
every day that there is no finer group of men that I would rather serve with in this Army. I feel privileged to serve
alongside them. Your continued support, encouragement, and mail keep these men going and give them
something to look forward to every day.

Sincerely,
Brett H. Sanborn
1LT, IN
1st PLT/A/1-22 IN

The men of 2nd platoon A/TF 1-22 ( Task Force Regulars) working as members of the International Security
Assistance Force (ISAF), continue to improve living conditions at check point 7-4, Sub district 7, Kandahar
Afghanistan. Here they have continued to build upon the base established after the initial move into the checkpoint.
Improvements to life support at the CP include the establishment of computers with access to the internet
and a sets of phones for the soldiers to contact home when the time becomes available. Shower and laundry
services continue to be available at the check point with hot food available most days for breakfast and dinner.
Operations at CP 7-4 are focused upon the combined TCP with Soldiers pulling an average of 12-16 hours
of guard each day while providing their partnered ANCOP the opportunity to develop themselves as a
viable military force. Remaining time during the day is devoted to rest, physical fitness, check point improvement,
and correspondence home.

Company HQ Soldiers are constantly tasked out to perform many different duties, and are responsible for
keeping this company flowing smoothly. The TAC consistently spends its days on the road, grinding it out
along the longs stretches of road between checkpoints, KAF, and battalion headquarters doing combat patrols.
They make certain that information, personnel, and equipment is physically being transferred amongst platoons.
The TAC also acts as the company Quick Reaction Force, as a secondary duty, to provide support to
checkpoints that may be in contact with the enemy. Their days are long, but morale stays high, because
without this group our mission would come to a halt.
The TOC has the daily duties of supplying information, providing maintenance, and acting as the brains behind
A CO’s operation. The TOC consists of the Company Intel Support Team (COIST), Maintenance, and operations.
COIST disseminates all intelligence reports to platoons and battalion to keep all parties informed and updated
in our area of operations. Maintenance spends its days behind the scenes, keeping the company afloat by fixing
and sustaining equipment, making improvements to the COP, and keeping the company running in fluidity.
The operations personnel are consistently talking through radios, Blue Force Tracker, and Internet, to all elements
of 1-22. They are our voice and ears of the operation, allowing information to be passed from source to source
24 hours a day.
Operations have been running smoothly here in Afghanistan in A CO/1-22 IN because of the hard work of these men.
They will continually be tasked to do a plethora of work, but are vital to success. The camaraderie holds them
together and laughter keeps them sane.

Loyal Friends and Family of Third Platoon,

Since the last newsletter, Third Platoon has continued to work hard. Foot patrols are done on a regular basis
to build rapport with the local nationals in the surrounding villages or to keep harmful influences away from
the honest members of society. The Taliban are extremely persistent in their intimidation of people who show
support to the Afghan government. Nonetheless, every member of Third Platoon, to the last man, is dedicated
to coming away with a win at the end of this deployment. On a day-by-day basis, it will take small victories
to achieve our endstate of leaving Afghanistan in the capable hands of our partners—the Afghan Soldiers
we work with every day.
Your Loyalty is Unsurpassed and Appreciated,
1LT Jon Paredez,
Third Platoon Leader

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Blackhawk Families,

Your loved ones were called once again to move and fight where they are needed most. In 36 hours
all platoons moved to the Arghanadab River Valley and began an operation to seriously disrupt the Taliban's
operations in Southern Afghanistan. So far the operation has succeeded and we are getting accustomed
to our new surroundings. This time around it will be 3rd PLT who establishes their own base of operations
as 2nd and 1st have previously. Unfortunately right now there is no Army provided communication to home,
but know that 1SG and I are working hard to improve that as we don't enjoy the cell phone bills either.
Finally, know that the mission we are doing is saving American and Afghan lives throughout Southern Afghanistan;
and everyone, to include the President of Afghanistan has expressed their appreciation of your sacrifice as loved ones.

Sincerely,
Blackhawk 6

Hello Blackhawk families!

Since we last talked the Company has done numerous patrols, handed out Humanitarian Aid and supported
the Afghanistan elections and we have relocated to the Arghanadab River Valley. The Blackhawks have been called
to take the fight to the enemy and we continue to do that every day. We have been OPCON to 1/320 Field Artillery
Battalion and the company has detached 3rd Platoon at this time to HHB, 1/320. At this time the Soldiers need
all personal hygiene items, we have moved basically to nothing other than a compound. It will be a few more days
before we can get an internet connection up so your loved ones can send an email. I will continue to try my hardest
to get some type of morale phone or computer; we just don’t have much to work with right now. All the Soldiers
are doing great and continue to excel every day. We have started sending Soldiers home for R&R leave,
and as a company we will be sending 15 Soldiers home every month for EML, your Soldier will now know
what month they are taking leave but not the exact date until a month out. To all the children at home
your Daddy says Happy Halloween and don’t eat too much candy! Please contact me if there are any issues
you need me to get involved with. As always, it is such an honor to be the First Sergeant of Blackhawk Company;
take care for now, and we will see you in November.

Blackhawk 7

Hello to all Headquarters Families from the heart of the Arghandab River Valley.

The Blackhawk company has been called upon again by the people of Afghanistan; the headquarters platoon
came with the main effort so that we can support the Blackhawks most effectively and succeed in the fight.
While we support our brothers in the other platoons, Headquarters also remains the tip of the spear with
providing air assault resupplies, overhead aerial coverage and providing local nationals with health care,
logistical supplies, and other humanitarian needs. As always we ask for your prayers and your support
with care packages, to include hygiene products, baby wipes, warm clothing (hand/foot warmers) and
of course snacks and food. Thank you again for the love and support you give the men of Headquarters Platoon.

SSG Deric Hernandez

Greetings to 1st platoon families from the Arghandab River Valley,

We realize that your husband or son has not had much communication with you over the last couple of weeks;
know that it is for an honorable and noble cause. We left our home of 2 months, Checkpoint 8-1, to move to
the other side of the Arghandab River in order to relentlessly pursue our enemy. Our Company and higher
headquarters are dedicated to ensuring this enemy has no more safe haven to inflict harm on the Afghan
or American people. As we transition and adjust to our new location, know that we are working tirelessly
to develop our new home and make it as livable as possible for your soldier. Very soon we will have phones
and communication for you to talk to your soldier on a regular basis. We ask for your prayers, and of course
packages. We are especially in need of baby wipes and some warm clothing, as well as the usual snacks
and goodies. Also as you pray, please include special requests for Zachary Bosserdet and Ricky Baker
as they recover from their injuries sustained during combat operations. We thank you again for all your love
and support, and we look forward to returning home safe and sound to be with you once again.

Sincerely,
LT Benjamin Adams

Hello Families,

2nd Platoon has left the life of luxury at COP 9-1 for the more austere environment of Arghandab Valley.
We've traded showers and air conditioning for dust and sun. We've built tents as well as snuggled with the ticks.
For all the hardships this place has to offer, your soldiers are ready and willing. B Co. has the honor of taking
the fight to the enemy's door. We'll endure the hardships of extended camping to bring this War one step closer
to its end. We'd appreciate all the personal hygiene and insect repellent people are willing to send.
We appreciate everything you do for us back home.

2LT Richard Groat

Hello Outlaws,

This newsletter comes to you from the town of Kosro Solfa in the middle of the Argandab River Valley.
On very short notice we were moved here to destroy Taliban in the area. What had been a Taliban stronghold
now belongs to the Outlaws and Blackhawk Company. We have found many caches and IEDs and have
undoubtedly saved the lives of many Afghans and Americans throughout southern Afghanistan.
The men are doing well and morale is high due to the impact we know we are having. Currently communications
with loved ones are difficult if not impossible but we will fix this as soon as possible. We greatly appreciate
your support at this time, and any care packages are greatly appreciated as cold weather gear and sundry items
are in short supply. 3rd PLT has no computer access right now, so this was written by CPT Rudy
based on conversations with 1LT Gonzales and SFC Asberry over the radio.

Blackhawk 36
1LT John G. Gonzales

**********************

Howdy Cobra Families!

As this letter makes it to your households, we already find ourselves in October. The first Cobra Soldiers
have gone back home for Mid-tour leave, and the rest of us continue our missions here in Kandahar City.
Time really does go by fast as long as you are staying busy. I hope all of you are; I know our Soldiers
are staying quite busy.

We have almost completed the final moves for the realignment of forces in Kandahar city. While the whole
Company does not work together right now, we are all still working towards the same goal: securing the people
of Kandahar City. In doing this, we focus a good amount of our efforts into working with our Partnered Afghan
Security Forces. This involves a wide variety of tasks, from bridging the language barrier, to rehearsing battle
drills together, to hanging out together, and for most, eating together. This last one is probably the most
gratifying, with the most risk. The food usually tastes good, and it is a nice change from the Army food all the time.
Unfortunately, you don’t always feel so great after eating it. I say it is worth the risk; if your Soldier hasn’t tried
the food yet, you should encourage them to do so.

On a more serious note, Cobra Soldiers are doing great work in the city. It can be very frustrating moving around
so much, working for new people and with new people. Not having a constant place to hang your hat can have its toll.
However, Cobra Soldiers are taking all of these moves very well. They keep their morale up, and continue to
get after the mission. This is a great trait for all of our Soldiers, and it makes me proud to be their Commander.
You too should be proud for the job they are doing, and the way they all carry themselves.

Before you read the rest of the articles the Platoons have written for this month, I want to thank you all again
for the love and support you provide for everyone in the Company. I see a whole lot of packages come in
for Soldiers providing them with whatever they need, and I know they appreciate it too. Having your thoughts,
prayers, and patience with us and our tempo here makes the deployment easier for us, allowing us to concentrate
on the missions while we are here. Thank you for all you do.
Have a great rest of the month, enjoy Halloween, and enjoy the newsletter.

Isaac J. Hedtke
Cobra Commander

Hello Cobra Families and Friends,

I really appreciate all the love and support you have given to your Soldier. I can personally say that because
I have seen the many packages and letters that continue to arrive for them. Time is really going by fast and your
Soldiers have been very busy these past few months in keeping up with the many challenges. They have always
given 100 percent in all we have asked of them to do. Considering the living conditions at first, they stayed
motivated and understood that things would eventually get better, which it has. They understand that
force protection will always be a priority even while they are out patrolling or back at their combat outpost.

Cobra Soldiers by now should have an idea when they would like to take their R&R. Some Cobras are currently
on R&R and a well deserved vacation. We will continue to cycle everyone through their R&R requested month.
Right now, your Soldier should be able to communicate to you through e-mail or phone call. There shouldn’t be
any reason why a Soldier hasn’t communicated to their loved ones. I understand what your Soldier is going through
with the current operations and may get tired at times and just want to relax. If you haven’t received an e-mail
or phone call, please let me know.

In the company this past month we have had a lot of changes. The Mortar and Engineer Platoons are no longer
attached to Cobra. Cobra Company is now attached to 1ST Special Troops Battalion, and we currently
have a platoon from D Company 1-66 AR (Fort Carson, CO), a platoon from L Troop 4/2 SCR
(Vilseck, Germany), and a platoon from 202nd MP Company (Fort Bliss, TX) which are attached
to Cobra Company. Headquarters Platoon is still hanging tough with Cobra. Our original Cobra platoons
continue to do an outstanding job. 1st Platoon is with 1-22 IN and will be back with the Cobras very soon.
2nd Platoon is attached to 504 MP Battalion and 3rd Platoon is attached to HHC 1-22 IN.

I’m honored to serve as First Sergeant for a great group of Soldiers in Cobra Company. I will see that
we take care of each other and get through this deployment together. If you need to contact me for any
assistance for your loved one please do so .

1SG John Lambert
Cobra 7

Hello again family and friends of Team Cobra.
Another month has come and gone here in Afghanistan, and we are all doing very well in our new home.
For those of you who missed the previous articles, the FRG updates, or have not talked to your loved ones
in a while the company headquarters has moved from our lap of luxury at COP Hotel California to our new home
in Northern Kandahar City, COP 9-1. The move went as smoothly as possible considering it was a military run
operation, and for those of you who have PCS’ed multiple times while your husbands have been in the service
you know somehow not everything makes it to the final destination in one piece.

Our current mission set is to improve our living conditions, facilitate operations, and conduct force protection
within Sub-District Nine of Kandahar City. Sub-district nine is geographically located in the northern most section
of Kandahar City just north of the booming city center. For those who doubt the validity of us calling this a city
the busy city streets, bazaars, and economic center have a New York like feel, and sometime attitude.
Although you would be hard pressed to find a “dirty water” hot dog on the streets here. There is nothing
that commonly you could buy at Wal-Mart back in the states that you would not be able to find at a local bazaar here,
although the Afghan market quality may be even better.

Within our current Headquarters platoon mission set SGT Scott “Bob the Builder” Borawski who is busy
dealing with local national contractors to build a new section to our combat outpost for our ANCOP partners
to live in. We also just recently were able to run power to a small shower house we have to provide the Soldiers
with a “warm” shower and a place to wash their clothes. SGT Fontanez, SGT Halcrombe, and SGT Menchaca
are busy as SOGs (Sergeant of the Guard) insuring that the soldiers pulling guard duty within the towers are doing
their job, and are getting the ability to get short break during their guard shifts. 1SG Lambert is busy as usual
with paper work; however, he has taken a personal vendetta against any type of bug, critter, or “creepy crawly”
within Afghanistan. We think he may have a future job as an exterminator.

In closing, all of your brothers, sons, and husbands are doing well here in Afghanistan. While we all miss
our Families, please note that our presence here is increasing the security of Afghanistan and improving
the lives of Afghan Citizens. Although creating a democracy from scratch is not an easy task, the Soldiers
of Team Cobra will continue to make giant steps forward to accomplish their mission and return home safely.
Thank you for all of your continued support through thoughts, prayers, and care packages.

2LT Kyle J. Hackbarth
Cobra 95

As you all probably know the soldiers of 1st Platoon have hit the ground running in Afghanistan.
We’ve been very busy and very active all over Kandahar City these first few months. Our first home was
at Police Sub Station 3 or PSS3. While at PSS3 we ran patrols into the villages of Sub District 3 and a check point.
Living conditions there were very nice except Spawar (Internet and phones) hadn’t been installed yet.
However at the end of August we moved in preparation for an operation. Half of our platoon was set at
Access Control Station 2 or ACS2 and held down the fort while the other half participated in Operation
Southern Comfort which was a major clearing operation in an area called Malajat, south of downtown Kandahar City.
There we occupied a school compound in the town of Kukaro Gushkhaneh. During the operation 1st Platoon
was responsible for clearing Kukaro, Sheik Mhedi, Gari and the surrounding areas. While in these villages
we formed friendships with the local villagers and the village leaders. The people of these areas were very happy
to see us and very cooperative. Their villages had been traditional hiding areas for the Taliban and the people
were constantly harassed and threatened by the Taliban. Since we cleared the area there has been no more
Taliban presence and the threats stopped. For the rest of September we continued to patrol the area and help
the villages as much as we could. The beginning of October saw us move again to district 8 for a short stay
on our way to district 9 where we will be establishing a new ACS where we will live and operate out of.
Even though we have been busy and have been constantly moving we still get our mail and packages,
and the guys appreciate them a lot. Thank you for your continued support.

Even though 1st Platoon has been on the move we’ve been in good spirits. We all like joking around and have seen
a lot of funny things so far in Afghanistan. Here are some of the funniest stories so far; thank you for all of your thoughts
and prayers as we continue to accomplish our missions, while still having a little fun.

Hello everybody back home,
It's been a month since our last message back home so it's that time again to let you know how we've been
and what's going on. We left off last month with our arrival at Checkpoint 8-1 and that's where we will continue
our story. We operated in two sections while out at checkpoint 8-1 with 1st Squad and Bravo Gun Team
from the Weapons squad in one section and 2nd Squad and Alpha Gun Team from Weapons Squad
in the other section. One section would go out on patrols for the day and the other would conduct force protection
operations. We would rotate everyday from patrols to force protection. We conducted numerous patrols
mainly dismounted and snap Traffic Checkpoints to interdict the enemy’s movement in District 8 of Kandahar city.
We also at the same time built up the Checkpoint by improving the existing fighting positions that were there
and building up the MWR area inside the living area. We built some tables for the SPAWARE computers
that were there and also a couple of shelves for a pantry area.

PFC Arvizu who was instrumental in the building of these areas because of his experience in working with wood
said "I was glad that my previous experiences in life could have a positive influence on our mission."
PFC Arvizu also wanted to say to his wife "that I love you and will see you soon and that I want some leopard
seat covers for the MATV." Another note for the time of our staying at Checkpoint 8-1 is that it was Ramadan.
The last couple of days of Ramadan are called Eid and it is a very important time for the people of the Muslim Faith.
They love firing fireworks during this time and shooting any weapons that they have up in the air at night time.
The ANCOP did it a couple of times on the roof of our building and we were wondering if we were being attacked
it was quite funny afterwards. Cobra 26 went over to the ANCOP side of the Checkpoint and told their commander
to let us know when they would be firing weapons so that the guys inside the building would know and not think
that we were being attacked.

On the 12th we were relieved by Bravo Company 2nd PLT and went back to Hotel California to refit and rest
a little bit. While there we got a chance to use the MWR and call home or use the internet and some of the guys
watched a little bit of college football. Sgt Johnson said "I'm happy that I got to see a college football game
and it was the Ohio State Buckeyes." The next day we moved out to PSS3.Once arriving at PSS3 the 2nd Squad
Alpha Gun Team section was tasked with force protection for six days and the 1st Squad Bravo Gun Team section
was tasked with patrols. We have conducted a quite a few patrols dismounted and mounted around PSS3
and to a couple of Polling sites for the Afghanistan National Elections that are coming up on the 18th of September.

This is a very important day for the Afghan people being able to vote for their leaders. On our patrols
we also had a attachment for a couple of days in LT Lee who is a public affairs officer. We visited the villages
of Ejarab, Erazi and Luy Bala Karz asking the populace how things were going and what we could do to help them out,
mainly in regards to infrastructure being built up and raising the general living conditions of these areas.
Also we are seeking out the enemy at the same time and looking for them. Once off of patrols we worked to
improve the fighting positions that are in place. Along with this, we have worked on small improvements
inside of our building.

So as you can tell, we have been quite busy patrolling the sectors that we have been in and improving
the positions that we are at. At the beginning of next month we are scheduled to move to another checkpoint
north of Kandahar; the Soldiers are excited about this because there it is supposed to be more built up
with capabilities of using the phones and the internet. We will keep you updated next month with our move
and what's been going on. Thank you for keeping us in your thoughts and prayers.

The weather in Kandahar City has finally started to cool down as the month of September comes to an end.
It has been another busy yet productive month for the Soldiers in 2nd Platoon Charlie Company. At the beginning
of the month we were located on the west side of Kandahar City at Check Point 8-1. From there we did multiple
patrols into the neighboring villages where we built relationships with the people and increased security.
While at Check Point 8-1 we also had the privilege of experiencing Eid, a three day Muslim holiday held
at the end of Ramadan where people feast, shoot fireworks, and buy new clothes.

We also had the honor of promoting two of our fine young Soldiers at the beginning of September.
PFC Nicolas Noga from Sanford, Florida was promoted from PVT and PFC Jacob Combs from Atlanta,
Illinois was promoted from PVT. Their ceremony was held with their fellow Soldiers from 2nd Platoon
Charlie Company before leaving Check Point 8-1.

From Check Point 8-1 we moved to southern Kandahar City to occupy Police Sub Station 3.
Our first mission from our new home was to serve as a quick reaction force to assist the Afghan National
Security Forces during the Parliamentary Elections. Election Day happened without incident at the polling sites
we were responsible for. With the elections passed, we got back to building relationships with the locals.
In District 3 there are many small villages surrounded by farm fields, each with its own level of security
and governance. We spent the remainder of September meeting the people and leaders of these villages,
identified problems, and started working with the Provincial Reconstruction Teams to get projects started
to help the people.

Even with the tough operation schedule and little rest, Soldiers are keeping morale high.
Every letter and every package received from loved ones is a highlight in a Soldiers day.
We continue to remember and miss our loved ones and thank you for your continued support.

A little more than two months into our Afghanistan deployment and “we” (Third Platoon Charlie Company
1-22 INF) are finally settled in here at the Afghan National Civil Order Police Headquarters “ANCOP”
and beginning to call this our “temporary“ home. We currently are conducting operations as the Battalion’s
mobile reserve. For us, this means being extremely flexible and reliable while maintaining the ability to quickly react
in times where any extra assistance may be needed. We share, work and live together with our new counterparts:
The Afghan National Civil Order Police’s best, “the ANCOP,” and we also work a lot together with the
Explosive Ordinance Disposal (EOD) team throughout the Battalion’s, and even sometimes the Brigade’s areas
of operations throughout Kandahar City.

Alongside 3 Charlie here at the ANCOP Brigade Headquarters, we share our living space with HHC 1-22
along with the Battalion’s Tactical Operations Center and all their staff. It has been, for the most part,
a fast paced two months, but at least it keeps us busy and for many makes time to go by faster.
Here recently we have housed a few Canadian Special Forces Teams. Working and training with those guys
has really given our platoon a great opportunity to advance in training, and we have taken advantage of this
as much as possible. These guys are experts in tactics and are eager and willing to share their knowledge
and experiences. Working side by side with Allied/ Coalition Forces is a great experience and tool for us all.
Also, 3rd Platoon gets to learn a lot more about the Afghan culture as well. Several of our Soldiers have actually
been invited and often dined with the ANCOP higher officials, enabling them to learn about their food
and even a lot more about their culture.

The Afghan Police are also eager to train. They have requested on several occasions for blocks of instruction
to give them opportunities to train and learn from our platoon, and we have willingly done so. A lot of them
are ecstatic about the training and many learn quickly, using what we have taught them on their daily missions.
In which, ultimately, builds morale amongst our Soldiers by making a bold statement and presenting a justifiable
reason for us being here in Afghanistan. Now that we have become some-what comfortable here in Kandahar,
Third Platoon Charlie will continue to conduct business as usual. We are fully prepared for whatever challenges
or missions that will get tossed in our path. Let it be known that our platoon morale is extremely high,
we are working and functioning well together as a Platoon and are making the best out of this deployment.
Our ultimate goal will always be to protect and keep one another safe so we can happily return to our families
back in the US that are ever so much awaiting our festive arrival.

When our complete platoon finally arrived at the ANCOP and getting all settled in a lot of our guys were talking
and questioning how complicated it was going to be to communicate with family and friends. Many had high hopes
of us having Spaware and possibly even getting their own personal Internet service local in our tents.
Then finally, it was decided that it was probably going to be a challenge and many complaints were being brought about.
We had one Sergeant that seemed really bummed about the inability for him not being able to add to his
downloadable movie/ game collection. He had lots of complaints of this when this became the hot topic
for at least an hour. Many Soldiers had some of the same complaints and others didn’t really care about
downloading and were just more interested in family communication. Then, Sgt Deihl said something funny
in which he was clowned on for many days to follow. Being completely serious, he said “If I were back home
I would be able to get all sorts of new movies and games because my Dad has high speed wireless Internet service!”
Everyone was like “really!, no way!, not high speed wireless?; at this day and age? Not in 2010!”

So no, this may not seem funny to the readers but for Third Platoon Charlie Company, we all thought this
to be hilarious! So hopefully when Sgt Deihl goes home on mid-tour leave soon he can come back with
many new movies and games to share with us all, seeing how he is living in a new, more technologically
advanced land back in Texas.
“We love you Sgt Deihl!”

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