Hello Everyone!

Well, we are finally leaving Sarconi!!!

We run frequent patrols up the hills behind our base to prevent the "bad guys" from firing rockets at us from there. Yesterday was our turn. Once again, up up up!!! I have climbed so many mountains now that my knees ache just looking at them. However, It was really quite beautiful once we got above the snow line. We even had a snowball fight. My interpreter beamed me right in the head, and that is when it started.

When we returned, I got the fortunate news that I have to be back in Kabul in two days. My ANA will be coming with me, and they were happy as hell. I have to say, so was I.

I have become quite burned out recently. We have just gotten a new crop of ETTs, and they are all gun-ho. I get sick just being around them. We got rocketed, which is a common occurrence, and they acted like it was world war three. The rockets did not even hit very close to us, about 500 meters away, but that didn't stop them from running around like idiots. Oh, get me out of here!!!

On a sad note, one of my comrades was killed by an IED the other day. He was only thirty years old. We had a ceremony for him in the pouring rain. We saluted his empty boots and helmet, and thought about his poor wife and 4 month old son. I am so ready to be out of this place.

Today I am packing, and I am hoping that we will not stay in Kabul too long either, but fly out quickly.

Well, here are some pictures.

The mountaintop from about half way.

At the snow line we had a snowball fight.

Band of Brothers, or Keystone Kops Army

Keith started calling me Uncle Sonny, because I am always very generous and lenient with the ANA. Now they all also call me Uncle Sonny. Oh well, I guess I am a softie. Today I gave $500.00 to one of my soldier's families. They had been threatened by the Taliban, and had to move from their village. $500.00 will buy enough supplies for them to build a new house. I think that is money well spent, even if people call me Uncle Sonny. Oh well.
I will be home soon for good, and I cannot wait.
Take care and happy holidays

SONNY