Support and prayers to my buddies in Afghanistan

I know that all my buddies in Afghanistan (and those that left for other contracts) have waited for my last blog...my thoughts from hell and a chance to say all that I couldn't while I was there for
fear of retribution and repercussions that always came my way. I'm sorry to
disappoint all of you. There is just no point to rehash the terror that Cruella
inflicted on all of us. Or that the owner allowed it. Maybe someday the bomb will
drop right in his pocketbook,(I pray not for that would probably mean death came for one of you), but  I will pray for everyone's safety and an heroes strength for you all to get through it.

It's a job in a war zone...we all knew that going in. Granted certain situations
should be avoided at all costs. The Taliban does not play by our rules. For
instance, why put females in abnormally dangerous situations. (Jealousy...hate?)
Understandably in the US we are all equal. Qualified Men & women are allowed to
do the same jobs. But it is dangerous and irresponsible for a company to place
women in a situation where they're at unparalleled risk to self...like having to
walk alone (almost a mile to go to bed) through a company that doesn't abide by
the laws of the states. Or to place them alone in a hazard situation on a base
with no other women and unarmed. I did it and survived, but barely and I am also not young,
am more outgoing than the average bear and I did have an advantage as the locals
called me sir. You don't see the military allowing anybody of any sex to walk
alone.

Many countries do not understand women as leaders or anything of substance. I have many
local friends and I do adore them, but the culture is what it is. And if we're
going to play in someone elses backyard, we need to abide by their rules. It's
something that is not addressed and there has already been too many contractor
incidents to ignore it. There is a simple solution for the medics in addressing the housing
needs, (placed so far away from the clinic as to be useful in any
emergency situations), where they may then report quickly in times of crisis. If you're going to play Army- play by the buddy rules. And insist on stations based on need in quick response areas as the military does. Note: Hazmat waste and medical should not be side by side

 Then there is the "new" thought process that the work is in an "occupational
health clinic". How ridiculous is that in the middle of a war zone? It's OK to
keep your head in the sand in the middle of a huge base with thousands of
soldiers to protect you- if they choose to, but on a tiny FOB how are the medics
prepared? Medics  must be ready for any situation that will arise due
to the unpredictability of war and the enemy. For shame to prepare them for
anything less. I realize that I was in more hazardous situations than most, (funny...move the old girl around repeatedly to the most dangerous spots), but I knew where I was and made my own preparations and handled it,(doing my own thing paid off and I kept my life). How many will be ready after going through an orientation based on health assessments and excel spreadsheets.

Medics have a job that they are trained to do. Placing young, inexperienced, untrained
workers in positions of business to make knee jerk, emotional decisions based on
favoritism is a shoddy way to run a business. And to ignore the medics that are equipped and have business experience in favor of the loyal subjects is laughable. Would real loyal subjects destroy your business? Think... The turn over in workers is unbelievable. Somebody will get seriously hurt and I am glad I am home with my nightmares and anger to rest and live another day.

Sure I miss Afghanistan and I might be back. I was offered a few jobs in other
fields that saw that I'm a damn good worker. I loved my friends and the adventure of
competing outside of my comfort zone and the absolute knowledge that I made a
someone elses life better. To be terrorized by the one's that we needed to be
on our side for our safety and to support our effort and then to let it go on is
more than manipulative and irresponsible...it looks to have been the business
plan.

Those are my thoughts and I hope to helped save a few more of my friends. My blog was not intended to bash those that employed me. It was meant to keep in touch with family and friends and give them little stories that would let them rest easier about my choice to work in the sandbox. It was difficult and most stories they will never hear about.  But, If I can make it, so can you. Keep your head up and be prepared from the enemy- expect it, depend only on you. You are in a war zone. Never forget it. Good luck and safe keeping to you all!

I  will write again when I decide on my next adventure. Thank you from the bottom of my heart to everyone all around the world that followed me and supported me.
Please keep supporting our troops!

I'm home!

I'm home! I took almost 2 days to get here due to a delay in Frankfurt and another malfunction in Charlotte, but it wasn't the seats coming unhinged like what's going on with American Airlines. I did ask the pilot, who was giving info and attempting to keep us informed, why I would want to get on a broken plane and fly across the Atlantic? I attempted to change flights, but they were not having it. They did nicely explain in detail about the potty's and how they needed water for them- something that was sadly lacking in our delay...a disgusting detail I won't soon forget. It's all part of the adventure.

I met some guys that were also contractors that demobbed (a term that we use meaning we're done and going home). I was wearing my grubby running pants and a tshirt, knowing that my voyage home would be long and I wanted the most in comfort. They came right up and asked where I was stationed. Contractors attract like a fly to flytraps..we really stick together. We were together until Charlotte, where we said our good byes at baggage claim. They were great fun!  Due to the delays we had all missed our last flights home and had tentatively planned to meet at the airport bar. A couple was there asking the guys (dressed in Army shirts) questions about living and working in Afghanistan. I stood by invisible. The guys picked up their Samsonite and as my bag came through I remarked how it was trapped in with other bags. Everyone was helpful to try to snatch my described "big bag," their assumed target a big black suitcase. I instead grabbed my huge desert sand wheeled army duffel and threw it over my shoulder. As I walked away, I heard the female part of the pair exclaim, "she's was there too..wow, she sure is strong". It cracked me up!

I'm home. I don't know where I'll work next or when I'll go again. I'm leaving it with God and I have faith that I'll know when it's time to go again. There seems to be many options, but the last year has worn me out. I left America for adventure and a job. I came back successful in mostly filling my goals. I will stay focused in completing the rest and cleaning out the cobwebs that were built by a poorly run company.I offered loyalty and experience and a work-aholic ethic and they took it and stomped on me over and over. Thankfully I'm strong and grew. And I'm home!

One more day

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One more day and I can't wait to go home, but I will miss Afghanistan horribly. I have met the best people here. A support system with every department, so far from home. The experiences we shared so like each other and a wish to go home and find good paying jobs. It was with one foot in front of the other, living one day at a time...and always the same ground hog day. The only thing to break up the day was an attack- but even then we became so complacent until faced with the enemy. I prayed every single day I was here for the soldiers that went outside the wire and for all of us inside.

I will also miss the land, so harsh and wild and so beautiful with the hope of what could be. The mountains that are black from poison dropped during the Russian assault where nothing will grow for however long, still stand majestically. The others, green with growth and wildlife and no apparent care of the war. The daylight hours empty of insects- it's even too hot for them. The shepperds as they tend their herds fearful of us 'til a quick smile and friendly wave brings us together if only for a moment. Sunrises and sunsets that are only seen on postcards. Even the experience of dust storms, so outside the box for me, that lingers with every breath that I take, even as I prepare to go home.

Leatherneck is the last base that I will make home. When I first arrived, I ran into so many people that I have known from many different bases...all together again. I never had to go through the awkward "getting to know people" phase here, in fact at one point it felt like I was a "Make a Wish" kid going to Disneyland for the last time. So it was with shock and lots of tears that many have dropped by to say good-bye. We've exchanged home information and promised to always keep in touch. I was especially touched that some of my patients came by to say farewell. And last night, I was told to meet for dinner to say good-bye to one of the docs that was moving on. Tired, I was the last in, so when I heard the yell of surprise and looked for Doc Isis and then realized the surprise was on me. Of course I cried, so touched by the care and thought of my co-workers and friends who I will really miss. The party came complete with pizza, near beer and a cake...adding on to the 10lbs the I've gained while here- who cares! I've had the best time!