Rollin' with the Czechs

It's been a busy last couple of days; getting people in the gate, running out of water, getting water, server down, generator down, server up, server down; no worries.

 

I've been getting to know one of my Afghan contractors.  They are celebrating EID this week, which is kind of like their Christmas celebration.  He lived in this province and his family moved to Pakistan when the Russians invaded this area.  He attended university in Pakistan as well and is a civil engineer.  His family eventually moved back to this area.  The taliban took over and at some point burned the girls school where they lived.  They then moved to Kabul so his sisters could go to school and it's safer.  He said that's why Kabul is so crowded; everybody is moving there because it is safer and there are opportunities to go to school.  Most people definately have different life experiences than what we are used to.

 

We met with the Czech contingent that stays on the FOB.  We try to coordinate our visits to our sites with them when they are in the area of our projects.  They have their own missions they support and typically run 14 - 18 missions to the area during the week.  They check on schools and humanitarian efforts they are supporting and work with the ADT that operates out of Shank.  Fortunately they will let us convoy with them.  The bad part is that at times, depending on the area they are visiting, they will not let us go because Americans aren't readily welcomed.  The Czechs have their own problems as well, when visiting schools and town centers children will occasionaly throw rocks at them.  We were told that if the ANP is with them they will throw rocks at kids and chase them away.  Probably need to get those kids in school!!

 

Meeting with the Czechs reminded me of a story of my Great Great Great Grandfather, John Brchan, who immigrated from what is now the Czech Republic.  When he was old enough to serve in the army he was taken from a dance floor at a local gathering (the czech we met with said that they were either ending conscription service or changing how it works and the rank structure).  He served 10 years in the army as a mule overseer and had charge of the pack animals and about 20 men.  During his time of service he fought against the Italian Geribaldi.  His mess kit consisted of a spoon in which he used to eat out of a common pot.  His family paid for his rations, so if they didn't send the money, he didn't eat.  Things have definately changed.  I hope Katy would choose to feed me over buying a new pair of shoes or an outfit!!

 

HOME FRONT NEWS:  Lily spilled some milk and Christian decided to help Katy clean it up.  When they were on the floor he looked at her and said, "Let's say dammit....dammit!".  Yep, he learned that from me.