sgtdub

06 April 2007, Well, I'm here. It's been a busy day, got back to the connex late and then I decided to zip through your sites first. Sorry about that. Just after 0800 this morning, we had an explosion downtown. It seems a shop keeper thought a fellow in a car looked suspicious and decided to call the Kabul Police. When the police arrived, an officer approached the vehicle. Well, the shop keeper was right and the driver detonated himself and the car right there. 5 people were killed besides the driver and up to 15 were wounded. It's difficult to find any good out of this, but for one, I'm glad the shop keeper noticed this guy and two: that more people are feeling better about calling the police. For too long the police department has struggled with corruption as many lower officers would not receive their pay for several months or have part of it taken out by a higher ranking supervisor. Of course, if you complained, you got fired. The International community has been working on training the police in addition to standing up a military force. Part of that mission has fallen on Task Force Phoenix. I have been considered during both deployments for that mission, but my current assignment always prevails as I help keep our soldiers safe. During the last few months of 2006, the biggest change in the workings of the police forces came into effect. The establishment of banking accounts for each individual officer. That meant that each officer would finally receive his pay on time each month. I believe the next step is getting that pay up, as it is right now, an officer makes $70 a month. Most of the training right now is designed more as paramilitary. The next step should be training them how to assist the citizens here in making life safer and better. To serve and protect. (Did I get off track somewhere?)
This late afternoon one of our towers spotted a suspicious character with a camera. We quickly had him detained and Lt M, SSGT G and myself went to question him. Being familiar with report writing, I was elected to fill out the report afterwards.
And the last bit of news from today, Mrs. Dub said I could tell it or she would. We had an Awards ceremony today for the HHC of the 1-180th. I knew I had been submitted for one but was less than overly optimistic about getting it. Today, I was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal for my service during this deployment. I was really surprised while standing in formation.
Well, be safe and have a great day. Tomorrow we will have pictures.