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sgtdub

Friday, April 06, 2007

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.

11 comments:

Sandee said...

Congratulations on receiving the Meritorious Service Medal. What an honor.

Loved the information on the police force. We aren't getting any or this in our newspapers, just the anti-American kind of stuff, but I don't need to tell you that. It's a shame.

Have a great Easter weekend, stay safe and God bless.

Ron Simpson said...

congrats on the medal, my friend. I would shake your hand, but......As for training cops, I guess it takes a good cop to instill the values a good cop must have. It must seem an uphill battle to break with the ingrained years of the status quo. keep up the good work.

MrsDub said...

It sounds as if you've had all the excitement you can stand for one day. I'm sorry to hear about the loss of life, but I'm encouraged to hear of the improvement the police are making. I can't even imagine surviving on $70 a month. Congratulations on your medal! I went out at lunch and purchased a display frame (actually bought 3), so you'll need to get a few more medals (Bronze Star) hint hint if anyone up top is listening. I think it's a real shame that you didn't get it during your last deployment. Well, it's snowing here! Can you believe that? Only in Oklahoma! We're under a freeze alert and the temp on Tuesday is supposed to be 80!! I don't think we're having "Global Warming", I think we're having "Global Confusion"! P.S. Check out my blog to see your "Happy Easter" picture

Empress Bee (of the high sea) said...

oh dub, i cried when i read this i am just so proud of you! what a lovely honor and you certainly deserve it. i am quite sure mrs. dub will get a fitting display...she seems like a peach even if she isn't a georgia girl. soooo happy for y'all....

smiles, bee

Desert Songbird said...

Wow. You packed a lot into this post.

First of all, despite the loss of life, I'm glad you pointed out the "up" side to this tragedy. It is indeed an improvement that the locals are getting better about spotting trouble and the reporting it to the proper authorities. Your sacrifice and work have not been in vain it appears.

Congrats on your MSM - you so richly deserve it. I salute you!

Sarge Charlie said...

way to go sarge, now just stay safe.

Anonymous said...

Congratulations!!! What an honor!!

Keep your helmet on now and thanks for sharing the good,bad and ugly...

Heather in Beautiful BC said...

Congratulations - how nice to be surprised like that!!!

I loved Mrs Dub's comment about 'Global Confusion' - haha - the weather has been crazy everywhere.

Take care :)

Mrs Xoke said...

How exciting! Congratulations! Can we see a picture of it? Please? Stay safe!

Wade Huntsinger said...

Well that is just fine as wine. You deserve what you recieve as I am sure there will be more to come. I am proud to be your friend. although you disturbed me when you turned coffee. What's wrong with you man, I guess Coke it will be!

Amazing Gracie said...

I wholeheartedly agree with everyone else! Congratulations to you! I've seen the neat post Sarge has up in your honor...
Very interesting info on the police situation. You'd be a great guest on Glenn Beck's show as a returning hero with that classy sense of humor that goes along with it.