[Vision2020] A Glimpse

[Tom Hansen]

>From "The Sandbox", at http://gocomics.typepad.com/the_sandbox/

What follows is a posting to "The Sandbox" (not to be confused with the
"Sandbox Boys" referenced in yesterday's posting), a "command-wide milblog,
featuring comments, anecdotes, and observations from service members
currently deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan."

This is a posting from an NCO stationed in Afghanistan, the "other war", the
war worthy of serious support, a war being fought by a true multi-national
coalition against real terrorists, the war that Bush rarely (if ever)
discusses.

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A GLIMPSE
Name: SGT Brandon White
Posting date: 1/26/07
Stationed in: Afghanistan
Hometown: Diamond, OH
Milblog url: http://www.gwot.us
Email: soldierboy101st at yahoo.com

Photo taken by Sergeant White:
http://gocomics.typepad.com/the_sandbox/images/framed_white_intelkids.jpg

Who are these ragtag misfits? They're different things to different people.
They are the eyes and ears of any given village in the land, and are no
doubt exploited by my enemy for intel-gathering purposes. To us troops
though, these kids provide a glimpse of hope among ruin, and a brief respite
from the turmoils of battle. On their little faces shine bright smiles that
can only come with youth. No different from American children, they are
utterly curious and fascinated by everything, words escaping their lips a
mile a minute, regardless of the fact that we cannot understand them.

When I pulled my camera out to take some photos of the surrounding
mountains, these guys immediately formed into a group for a portrait. It was
the same in Iraq as well. Let it be said; folks in the Middle East love
having their picture taken.

Afterwards, I went and sat back down behind the wheel of my Humvee. Within
minutes, all four door windows had faces pressed to the glass, peering in,
no doubt fascinated by all the gear and gizmos. One of them spotted the bag
of Tootsie Rolls stashed next to a seat. Knocking on glass commenced, as
well as finger-pointing to the bag along with "Mista! Mista!". In the
interest of silence, I grabbed the bag, gave it to the gunner, and he
dispensed the contents. I was then left in peace to scan the horizon for
enemy activity.

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Seeya round town, Moscow.

Tom Hansen
Moscow, Idaho

"Patriotism is not a short and frenzied outburst of emotion but the tranquil
and steady dedication of a lifetime." 

--Adlai E. Stevenson, Jr.