Time for 2010

U.S. Army Capt. Max Hanlin, Commander, Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 17th Infantry Regiment assists in the delivery of humanitarian supplies in Rajankala, Kandahar province, Afghanistan, Nov. 27. The U.S. Army operates from combat outposts to add flexibility to operations in their sectors. (Joint Combat Camera Afghanistan)

I think it would be safe to say that we, as a nation, have a lot of hope for 2010. Personally, I have the same hopes as I have had in previous years: health, happiness, perspective, benevolence, etc. This year, I'll add a request for the safe return of my husband and for all of the others who are overseas.

I think about the families who have gotten that dreaded knock on the door; the one that changes their lives forever. I have taught myself not to think about the possibility of that knock...at least not if I can help it. I've concluded that dwelling on the scary what-ifs don't change a situation over which I already have no control. Instead I choose to think about happy memories of the past and future. They can shed light on any dark day.

Happy New Year; here's to 2010!

Capt. Max Hanlin, commander of C Company, 1st Battalion, 17th Infantry Regiment speaks with the town elders of Rajankala, Afghanistan, Dec. 2. The meeting was to discuss ways to improve infrastructure in Rajankala. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Francisco V. Govea II/Reviewed)

photo and caption found at yahoo flickr

City Living

I was so sheltered from this sort of thing, living all of last year on a military base:

As I strolled my son to the park yesterday morning, we came upon a "situation" on the sidewalk.

A few local vagabonds were enjoying their early morning malt liquor when a police officer approached them. Too far down the block to turn around, we came closer to the scene. I noticed the men tried to scurry away before the officer reached them, but to no avail...the bus stop crowd prevented their escape path capability.

As I weaved the stroller through the busy sidewalk, I looked at the huddle the officer had made with those in question. As I passed, I overheard the officer scold them, "I've been through this with you guys before; open containers on the streets are illegal and it's really not right to be drinking so early, especially in front of the sisters. I don't like that behavior at all." He pointed to the nuns who were waiting for the bus.

We certainly are not in Quantico anymore, folks!

Here's to you, soldiers of the 1-17 in Afghanistan

Here's to you, soldiers of the 1-17 in Afghanistan

By David Ignatius
The Washington Post
Thursday, December 24, 2009

BASE FRONTENAC, AFGHANISTAN It's a week before Christmas Eve, and the chow hall of this forward operating base north of Kandahar is decorated with twinkling blue and white lights for the holidays. There are posters of Santa and a snowman on the walls, and in the center of the room there's a big sign that exhorts the soldiers: "Enjoy Meal." Christmas will be "a day to take your boots off" for the 800 members of the Army's 1st Battalion, 17th Infantry Regiment based here, says their commander, Lt. Col. Jonathan Neumann. It also will be a day to remember the 21 comrades who have been killed since the battalion arrived in August, and the 41 who have been seriously wounded.

The 1-17 has the grim distinction of having lost more soldiers in action than any other battalion in the Army since Sept. 11, 2001. The men's names are recorded on a concrete slab in the center of the compound, bearing the legend "Fallen But Not Forgotten."

"After a catastrophic incident, you come together and take care of your brothers," says Neumann. "Then you resolve to get back to the mission at hand." Christmas will be a moment to relax -- a day of sports, award ceremonies and a special meal. But because of combat rotation, the battalion will have to celebrate it over a series of days.

I traveled here with Adm. Mike Mullen, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, who was making a holiday visit to the war zone. Amid the twinkling lights of the mess hall, he addressed the soldiers of the 1-17, their automatic rifles stowed under the meal tables.

"I know you've been in a very tough fight, and I'm aware of those you've lost," Mullen told the troops, assuring them: "We have the right strategy." He met afterward with a small group from units that had been especially hard hit.

This holiday season is a good time to remember these faraway soldiers. The debate over Afghanistan has provoked strong feelings, pro and con. But the country seems united in its appreciation for a military that has been suffering the stresses of war, without complaint, for the past eight years.

Soldiers are usually stoics. But the members of this battalion seem highly motivated. The sergeant of a platoon that lost nine men in two weeks asked to reenlist after a memorial service for his buddies. On the day Mullen visited here, the admiral reenlisted 10 soldiers.

The base lies in a dusty plain surrounded by jagged peaks. Nearby is the Arghandab River, which feeds a lush area of orchards and mud-walled agricultural plots that the soldiers call "the green zone." That's where the Taliban fighters hide and where the battalion has fought some of its toughest battles.

When the battalion arrived on Aug. 7, about 150 Taliban fighters were well entrenched. Neumann says his soldiers had to "fight our way to the people." By early November, the situation had begun to change. The Taliban's cadres had been killed or had scattered, their supply caches had been destroyed -- and the local population began providing intelligence.

That's the model the Obama administration hopes will be replicated in other population centers as the United States sends in 30,000 more soldiers. One thing that's painfully clear when you visit this base is that success won't come cheap. The new strategy will mean more battles, more targets for roadside bombs, and more dead and wounded American soldiers.

The White House debate over Afghanistan took place as the battalion was suffering its worst casualties. The policy-wrangling directly affected these troops, but it became "white noise," says their commander. "We knew there was a debate in Washington, but there's always a debate." The 17th Infantry has a history of tough fights. Its nickname, the "Buffaloes," dates back to the Korean War, where it fought in the battle of Pork Chop Hill, a bloody push to win territory that arguably had little strategic value. But even that conflict was easier to measure than the one the Buffaloes are fighting now. "Here, it's one small incident at a time," says Neumann.

There's a scraggly Christmas tree atop one of the prefabricated trailers where the soldiers of the 1-17 bunk when they're not out on missions. It's not a place any of us would want to spend the holidays, but in conversations with soldiers here, I didn't hear any complaints.

In this season of peace, here's a holiday toast to people everywhere who don't have that blessing today.

davidignatius@washpost.com

Holiday Spirit

When I lived on a military base, one of the first things that struck me was the front door and front yard decorating. Being a city gal for most of my life, I was used to your typical wreaths and Christmas tree lights. But, the larger-than-life inflatable Santa and snowmen were quite a sight for my city eyes to behold.

I'd stroll my baby around the neighborhood, always amazed when I'd spot some new decoration that I hadn't noticed on my previous lap.

Many houses and trees were outlined with colorful lights. Some front doors were "wrapped" as presents. Reindeer stood prominently on several front lawns, sometimes even joined by a sled full of presents. Snowflakes and stars hung from lots of windows. There was even an occasional Christmas flag hanging next to the American flag which mostly every house had mounted. Most of these decorations were put up while I was still digesting my Thanksgiving feast!

At first, I thought it was all a bit much. It kind of looked like a Christmas themed Las Vegas. But, then as December progressed, the warmth behind it grew on me. My good friend (whose husband is a Marine Lt. Colonel) explained to me once that many military families put a lot of emphasis on the holidays because the families endure so much separation during the year. Some families aren't even together during the holidays because of deployment schedules.

I know a little something about that.

Furthermore, we were in the suburbs so this kind of thing wasn't too out of the ordinary. So, instead of getting giggly over blinking North Pole signs, I became appreciative of the message.

Happy Holidays!

New Shoes!

U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Nick Furfari and Sgt. Arthur Troche, both with Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 17th Infantry Regiment, 5th Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, distribute shoes to children in Dilak-e Pa’in, Afghanistan, Nov. 12, 2009.

Photo:1-17Infantry/Afghanistan,posted by LightFighter Shook

When You Just Can't Deal....

After managing to arrive at the Post Office at rush hour each day for a week, I decided I needed an alternative plan of attack. I suppose I could have joined the masses, who looked nothing short of miserable, and wait for the hour it would have taken to get up to the desk and mail everything off. However, I thought about my 17 month old son, who doesn't always appreciate sitting still in the stroller unproductively. Then, as I stood amidst the coughs and sneezes of the crowd, I thought about the swine flu. It wasn't a tough call: Mail Boxes Etc., here I come! I got there and seven minutes later, as I walked out, I was trying to figure out how come I hadn't thought of that sooner. Sometimes, you have to take the easy road before the practical road...especially if it gets you to the same place!

Apparently when it rains in this city, everyone decides to hit the store for provisions. I only needed diapers, cat litter and paper towels. Three annoyingly cumbersome items for someone with a stroller and only two hands. Did I mention there were no available shopping carts? As I barreled down the aisles getting what I needed, I was thankful nobody could read my mind to know what I was really thinking. We managed, though, like we always do. My baby held the diapers, the paper towels sat on the visor of the stroller and I carried the litter box while steering the stroller. It might have been a sight to behold, but the mission was accomplished. When the check-out man asked if I needed help, I let out a casual,"No thanks, I've got it."

I'll save the nail in my car tire story for another day.....

Childhood Fun

I thought this was a cute story to share:

During a recent phone conversation, Max told me that he and some other soldiers in his company taught the children in the village of Rajan Kala how to "high five." In doing so, they also taught the "up high, down low, too slow," part of the game. Now, Max said, whenever he's out and about in the village, he sees children all over "high fiving" each other. They come running up to the soldiers to play too and can't get enough of the game.

I smile just picturing it.

Shannon's Delicious Gingerbread Men

She sent dozens overseas to Charlie Company today!
She also makes the most adorable dog sweaters! Visit her site: www.moosecouture.com

Last month I got a phone call from a good friend of mine from high school. She explained that she and her husband wanted to send a care package to Max and was wondering what kinds of things he'd enjoy. She said that they were going to send out a mass email to their friends who might also like to contribute to the care package. When I received a copy of that email, I was so touched by their thoughtfulness. Not only do they have a new baby, but they are both very busy people (and he is a firefighter in SF). I know their care package will brighten Max's day. Friendships are really special.

A few days later, I got a call from my friend in Quantico. She and I speak regularly but that day she was calling to get Max's address. I figured she was extremely organized and getting her holiday card list ready way in advance. I thought it was sweet of her to think to send Max a card; her children always made him smile. We were getting ready to hang up when she asked, "How many people are in Max's company?" I answered just short of 200. She said excitedly, "OK, I am going to get everyone in the school (on Quantico's base) to make a card and all of the parents and friends I know to make a card. That way, each soldier will have a handmade card. We will also bake enough to feed the whole company and I'll send it off in time for the holidays." I was speechless.

Many other family members and friends have sent emails, cards, packages and supplies overseas. Max continues to be touched by all of the support and thoughtfulness. Needless to say, so am I. Of course, the packages are fun but equally as special are simple thoughts and quiet well-wishes. Every little thing counts. As always, thank you.

Really?

I have had conversations with people about my husband being in the Army in some interesting places: on airplanes, with neighbors, in line at Starbucks, at the park and so on. Today however, I had a brief conversation with someone and it completely threw me off.

The grocery store checker asked me if I was getting ready for the holidays. I replied that I was and threw in that my husband was overseas so I was getting a package ready to send to him. He stopped scanning my items and looked up, "Oh wow; he's in the service?" I swiped my card and nodded my head, "Yeah, he's in the Army." He resumed scanning. "So he's in Afghanistan?" he asked. Again, I nodded my head, "Yup." "That's so cool," this time he was the one nodding.

"Really, it is?" I asked a little surprised. I've never had anyone tell me that it was cool to have my husband deployed to combat. "Sure it is; he's a hero to me," the man said, looking me right in the eyes, "And that's cool."

I guess that is cool...especially in San Francisco!

Deployment Picture Books in San Francisco?

I realized once again that I was worlds away from any military community when I desperately tried to find a read aloud picture book for children about deployments. I am trying to make the topic of deployment relatable to elementary school children. What better way to do that than through a picture book? Well, the employees at several local bookstores looked at me with that proverbial blank stare when I inquired about whether or not such a book was in their inventory. No such luck. Amazon to the rescue!

Now I am curious as to which cities or towns have bookstores that carry these types of books for children. I will be doing some research...do military town bookstores carry children's books that illustrate the emotions and experiences of having a parent deployed? If they don't....they should!

The Holidays are in the Air

Since Max is deployed this holiday season, I felt that it was important to surround the baby and myself with as much holiday spirit as possible. Last Sunday, my good friend suggested we pick up our Christmas tree. I told her that was a great idea while simultaneously checking the date on my watch. I never would have considered myself to be a "November Christmas tree buyer" before this year. We needed the pick-me-up. In fact I've noticed how many people must be feeling the same way; I have seen several trees on top of cars heading home for the next month. Once I put it in its stand and decorated it with lights and bows from gold ribbon (all of my decorations are packed in a storage unit somewhere in Washington state), I realized just how much my baby son loves it. He claps each time I plug in the lights; it warms my heart.


I took a picture of the tree and emailed it to Max. Since he can't be here for the holidays, I will send pictures of the holidays to him. He is with us in spirit.


I have several military wife friends who have spent various holidays without their husbands. While they are missed more than words can describe, the meaning behind togetherness is completely appreciated and never taken for granted, especially once they are finally home.

Enjoy your holiday season. May every light make you smile.