Once again, thanks to everyone for sending me stuff, it is much appreciated.

Well, we are back in Asadabad, this time with our ANA and for a long time. It is extremely, I mean GD Africa, HOT!!! During the day it ranges from 105-120 degrees, and it is rather humid as well. All of the rivers are raging, because the snow is melting off of the high mountains. We are very busy between running missions, working on the base, and trying to get paperwork done. I have been given money by Uncle Sam, to build up our base. Apparently, the last ETT team here was very lazy and they did very little work. Already we have installed some mortar pits, fixed up the perimeter defenses, and even installed pull-up and dip bars, but we have much to do. Operationally, everyone wants to use the ANA. I can't even tell you all of the organizations we work with, but I am getting very tired.

Our company of ANA has made me proud here. Everyone comments on how much better they are than the last group. They really have come a long way, but life with the ANA is a series of ups and downs, so we'll see. Well, here are some pictures.

This time, we took the high mountain northern route to Jalalabad from Kabul, here is the only picture I could get while I was driving.

This is a picture of a brick kiln. These things are all over the place, and they work much like a ceramic kiln. The bricks are filled in and then flammables are piled on top and burned.

Here is one in the process of firing. See the guy standing on it, boy he must have been hot in this 100+ heat.

This is the crater left over after an IED went off in the road. Since this time, we have been patrolling the road to keep it clear.

Here is a bunch of ANA soldiers loaded up on the back of my HUMMV on a very early morning patrol. The sun comes up around here at about 4 am. I don't know how these guys hang on to the truck as I drive over the bumpy roads.

In about three weeks, I get a 4-day pass to Qatar (pronounced cutter), and I am really going to need the break. I will send some more pictures out soon. Hope you are all having a wonderful summer.