Dawood Kahn is a good friend who has worked in and traveled in the Middle East for several years. He has largely been an instructor for the US Army of indigenous safety enforcers.
Sam
----- Original Message -----
From: Silk Roads and Siamese Smiles
To: skegley@columbus.rr.com
Sent: Thursday, June 10, 2010 03:18
Subject: [New post] An Afghan Challenge -- Instructing and Mentoring
An Afghan Challenge -- Instructing and Mentoring
Dawood Khan
April 30, 2008 at 1:07 am
Tags: Afghansitan, Instructing, Logistics, Mentoring
Categories: Afghanistan, Politics, culture
URL: http://wp.me/pa0gv-bT
For the past week or so, I've been at one of the Regional Training Centers (RTC). My task is to advise and assist the RTC staff on logistics functions of what has been dubbed the Focused District Development or FDD. The FDD takes a District Police element pluses up it's manning. Re-equips them and re-trains the District as a whole unit.
To say that the process is problematic is an understatement.
Half of the numbers show for the training. They come in looking half taliban and half homeless. It would be funny if it were really a joke. I assisted in disarming them as they came into the FOB this cycle. As they were being searched, they were relieved of everything from opium to hashish to strange unidentifiable objects that no one wanted to ask about. Confiscate it and move on. lol Their weapons were in a sad state of disrepair. They brought in a tripod mounted PKM that was damaged to the point of uselessness. It had to be a left over from the Soviet Invasion. It was that old.
Aside from assisting and advising the Military and DynCorps RTC staff in their logistical functions and methodology, I give a general logistics seminar to all of the trainees and a more detailed seminar to the District Leadership and Logisitics Staff.
The instruction for the District trainees is fairly dry. It's logistics. Accountability, Responsibility, types of responsibilities, Hand Receipt procedures and OCIE. I usually throw in some "Dave pearls of wisdom" and a few jokes to keep the kids awake. I try to tell them how to take care of themselves when becoming responsible and accountable for property. Try to throw in a bit about husbanding resources as a means of furthering their country down the road to self sufficiency. That kind of thing. Throw in a bit of "Afghan pride." Who knows if any of it sinks in or if they remember anything I said 15 minutes after they walk out the door.
Each iteration of the FDD comes from a different Province or Region within Afghanistan. Farah, Qandahar are the groups we have trained thus far. These boys are like the backwoods Mississipians of Afghanistan. Totally backward. Completely illiterate. Uncouth. Unclean. Indescribable. If the movie Slingblade had been filmed about an Afghani, it would have been set in Qandahar.
During last FDD cycle, the Qandaharis were on the firing range. They were practicing--more likely being taught--marksmanship. As the men were firing on the range, Afghan children were running about collecting the expended brass. They literally run out while the men are firing at the targets. Pop, pop, pop. Weapons firing down range and little kids trying to run out and collect the brass. The RTC staff have to continually run them off. Aside from the distraction. It's a total safety hazard. For the kids, the staff and the trainees.
The Qandahar trainees asked the staff to allow them to catch the kids. They wanted to take them back to the barracks and they weren't shy about it. Qandaharis are infamous for this sexual proclivity. They're fairly open about their sexaul activities. Lascivious. Boastful. Proud even. Even going so far as to offer one of the RTC language assistants money to come back to the barracks. Quite disgusting.
Yet, they can't have sex with women because it's against the Qu'ran. Go figure. Strange culture.
This class is from Farah. A bit further North and West. Today. When I walked into class. I fired up my laptop. 60 Afghans almost simultaneously ask me to play them a "sex movie." I started laughing and told them that I'd get fired if I did that. That broke the ice for me.
After that, the class went pretty smoothly. I only had to get loud one time to tell a couple of guys in the back to stop talking. I yelled; "I'm in charge here. The only Bubbas that should be talking is my terp and me. If you don't like that, get the hell out of my class." Then told my terp to translate that exactly as I said it. All the while, staring down the offending party. They're like really bad children. Many of them look like children.
The only real problem with the class was that most of them probably hadn't bathed in months. They stank so bad that my eyes immediately started to burn/ Tears were actually running down my face until I got used to the stench. The smell of 60 Afghan country bumpkins in a 20' x 20' room is pretty ornery. It quite literally singes the nose hairs.
Interacting with Afghanis is quite the experience though. Most of the guys stare at me like I'm from another planet. One kid was falling asleep and when his head drooped his eyes nearly popped out of his head. He looked straight up at me as if he were a small child caught with his hand in the cookie jar.
After I finished boring them to death with my little seminar, I wished them luck, yelled to them to remember what I'd told them and said "Khoda Hafez." (May God Protect You). What's funny is that my terp always translates everything. Even when I throw out what little Dari that I've picked up along the way. I always get a kick out of that.
Innocuous odors aside, I enjoy interacting with the Afghans. Many of them aren't much different from the boys out there in Rineyville, Vine Grove, Pikeville or Hazard, KY. Just good old boys trying to survive. People of this world oftentimes aren't all that different.
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Songs- John Stuart Hamblen Thanks Judi Cole!
A Neat Story
This is such a great story !
Back in the 50's there was a well known radio
host/comedian/song writer in Hollywood named
Stuart Hamblen who was noted for his drinking,
womanizing, partying, etc.
One of his bigger hits at the time was
"I won't go hunting with you Jake,
but I'll go chasing women."
One day, along came a young preacher holding
a tent revival. Hamblen had him on his radio show
presumably to poke fun at him.
In order to gather more material for his show,
Hamblen showed up at one of the revival meetings.
Early in the service the preacher announced,
"There is one man in this audience who is a big fake."
There were probably others who thought the same thing,
but Hamblen was convinced that he was the one the preacher
was talking about (some would call that conviction)
but he was having none of that.
Still the words continued to haunt him until a couple
of nights later he showed up drunk at the preacher's
hotel door around 2AM demanding that the preacher
pray for him!
But the preacher refused, saying, "This is between you and God
and I'm not going to get in the middle of it."
But he did invite Stuart in and they talked until
about 5 AM at which point Stuart dropped to his
knees and with tears, cried out to God.
But that is not the end of the story.
Stuart quit drinking, quit chasing women,
quit everything that was 'fun.' Soon he began
to lose favour with the Hollywood crowd.
He was ultimately fired by the radio station when
he refused to accept a beer company as a sponsor.
Hard times were upon him. He tried writing a couple
of "Christian" songs but the only one that had
much success was "This Old House",
written for his friend Rosemary Clooney.
As he continued to struggle, a long time friend
named John took him aside and told him,
"All your troubles started when you 'got religion,'
was it worth it all?"
Stuart answered simply, "Yes."
Then his friend asked, "You liked your booze so much,
don't you ever miss it?" And his answer was,
"No." John then said, "I don't understand how
you could give it up so easily."
And Stuart's response was, "It's no big secret.
All things are possible with God."
To this John said, "That's a catchy phrase.
You should write a song about it."
And as they say, "The rest is history."
The song Carl Stuart Hamblen wrote was "It Is No Secret."
"It is no secret what God can do.
What He's done for others, He'll do for you.
With arms wide open, He'll welcome you.
It is no secret, what God can do...."
By the way... the friend was John Wayne.
And the young preacher who refused to pray for
Stuart Hamblen?
...That was Billy Graham.
Share this with your friends ... I did
This is such a great story !
Back in the 50's there was a well known radio
host/comedian/song writer in Hollywood named
Stuart Hamblen who was noted for his drinking,
womanizing, partying, etc.
One of his bigger hits at the time was
"I won't go hunting with you Jake,
but I'll go chasing women."
One day, along came a young preacher holding
a tent revival. Hamblen had him on his radio show
presumably to poke fun at him.
In order to gather more material for his show,
Hamblen showed up at one of the revival meetings.
Early in the service the preacher announced,
"There is one man in this audience who is a big fake."
There were probably others who thought the same thing,
but Hamblen was convinced that he was the one the preacher
was talking about (some would call that conviction)
but he was having none of that.
Still the words continued to haunt him until a couple
of nights later he showed up drunk at the preacher's
hotel door around 2AM demanding that the preacher
pray for him!
But the preacher refused, saying, "This is between you and God
and I'm not going to get in the middle of it."
But he did invite Stuart in and they talked until
about 5 AM at which point Stuart dropped to his
knees and with tears, cried out to God.
But that is not the end of the story.
Stuart quit drinking, quit chasing women,
quit everything that was 'fun.' Soon he began
to lose favour with the Hollywood crowd.
He was ultimately fired by the radio station when
he refused to accept a beer company as a sponsor.
Hard times were upon him. He tried writing a couple
of "Christian" songs but the only one that had
much success was "This Old House",
written for his friend Rosemary Clooney.
As he continued to struggle, a long time friend
named John took him aside and told him,
"All your troubles started when you 'got religion,'
was it worth it all?"
Stuart answered simply, "Yes."
Then his friend asked, "You liked your booze so much,
don't you ever miss it?" And his answer was,
"No." John then said, "I don't understand how
you could give it up so easily."
And Stuart's response was, "It's no big secret.
All things are possible with God."
To this John said, "That's a catchy phrase.
You should write a song about it."
And as they say, "The rest is history."
The song Carl Stuart Hamblen wrote was "It Is No Secret."
"It is no secret what God can do.
What He's done for others, He'll do for you.
With arms wide open, He'll welcome you.
It is no secret, what God can do...."
By the way... the friend was John Wayne.
And the young preacher who refused to pray for
Stuart Hamblen?
...That was Billy Graham.
Share this with your friends ... I did
Monday, June 7, 2010
Baloons- Thanks Fred RTamsey!
PS: I am truly sorry that I cannot presently add the picture to this blog post. I have added it onto my computer as the screen saver. I am praying for the soul of your daughter and have confidence in the "advocator" of us all, Jesus Christ.
Fred,
God bless you and your family, Fred, even in the loss of your daughter, Carole Lee Ramsey. I am sure that she is more valuable than a very beautiful and colorful baloon.
We are all kids who love the beautiful things of life!
Great attitude! Keep the faith!
Sam
----- Original Message -----
From: Fred Ramsey
Sent: Sunday, June 06, 2010 23:47
Subject: BALLOONS
I always loved a balloon.........................Fred
>> THIS IS FOR YOU! Read
>>> under the photo too!
Life is too short to wake up with regrets.
Love the people who treat you right.
Forget about the ones who don't.
Believe everything happens for a reason.
If you get a second chance, grab it with both hands.
If it changes your life, let it.
Nobody said life would be easy.
They just promised it would be worth it.
Friends are like balloons.
Once you let them go, you can't get them back.
So I'm gonna tie you to my heart so I never lose you.
Send these balloons to your friends.
You must also return it to me.
If four balloons are returned to you,
something you have been waiting for a long time will happen!!!!
DUI WV style- Thanks Judi cole!
Betty, that's pretty clever!
On Sun, Jun 6, 2010 at 9:12 PM, judith Colewrote:
Subject: Fw: DUI - WEST VIRGINIA STYLE
Only a person in West Virginia could think of this.
From the county where drunk driving is considered a sport, comes this true story. Recently a routine police patrol parked outside a bar in Clarksburg , WV after last call the officer noticed a man leaving the bar so apparently intoxicated that he could barely walk.
The man stumbled around the parking lot for a few minutes, with the officer quietly observing. After what seemed an eternity in which he tried his keys on five different vehicles, the man managed to find his car and fall into it.
He sat there for a few minutes as a number of other patrons left the bar and drove off.
Finally he started the car, switched the wipers on and off--it was a fine, dry summer night--, flicked the blinkers on and off a couple of times, honked the horn and then switched on the lights.
He moved the vehicle forward a few inches, reversed a little and then remained still for a few more minutes as some more of the other patrons' vehicles left.
At last, when his was the only car left in the parking lot, he pulled out and drove slowly down the road.
The police officer, having waited patiently all this time, now started up his patrol car, put on the flashing lights, promptly pulled the man over and administered abreathalyzer test.
To his amazement, the breathalyzer indicated no evidence that the man had consumed any alcohol at all!
Dumbfounded, the officer said, I'll have to ask you to accompany me to the police station.
This breathalyzer equipment must be broken.'
'I doubt it,' said the truly proud Redneck. 'Tonight I'm the designated decoy.'
On Sun, Jun 6, 2010 at 9:12 PM, judith Cole
Subject: Fw: DUI - WEST VIRGINIA STYLE
Only a person in West Virginia could think of this.
From the county where drunk driving is considered a sport, comes this true story. Recently a routine police patrol parked outside a bar in Clarksburg , WV after last call the officer noticed a man leaving the bar so apparently intoxicated that he could barely walk.
The man stumbled around the parking lot for a few minutes, with the officer quietly observing. After what seemed an eternity in which he tried his keys on five different vehicles, the man managed to find his car and fall into it.
He sat there for a few minutes as a number of other patrons left the bar and drove off.
Finally he started the car, switched the wipers on and off--it was a fine, dry summer night--, flicked the blinkers on and off a couple of times, honked the horn and then switched on the lights.
He moved the vehicle forward a few inches, reversed a little and then remained still for a few more minutes as some more of the other patrons' vehicles left.
At last, when his was the only car left in the parking lot, he pulled out and drove slowly down the road.
The police officer, having waited patiently all this time, now started up his patrol car, put on the flashing lights, promptly pulled the man over and administered abreathalyzer test.
To his amazement, the breathalyzer indicated no evidence that the man had consumed any alcohol at all!
Dumbfounded, the officer said, I'll have to ask you to accompany me to the police station.
This breathalyzer equipment must be broken.'
'I doubt it,' said the truly proud Redneck. 'Tonight I'm the designated decoy.'
Friday, June 4, 2010
FWD: Hi !
----- Original Message -----
From: Clay Vice
Sent: Thursday, June 03, 2010 07:53
Subject: Fw: [Fwd: Fw: Hi]
Is this how HE will look when
HE comes back for us?? !!!!!!! BEAUTIFUL!!!!
Isn't this the most awe inspiring
picture you've ever seen?
I am sending HIM to you because
you are a Special Person in my life. When HE gets to your computer,
please escort HIM to the next
points on HIS journey.
Please don't allow HIM
to sleep in your inbox.
The message HE is carrying
is so very important and
needs to continue on its journey.
May GOD bless you
as you do this.
AMEN
+ + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +
Jesus is walking around the world via e-mail...
Say a prayer,
and then pass HIM
on to Bless others.
Our assignment is to
love others and
spread the Gospel
throughout the world!
Have a Blessed Day
and reach out and touch someone's life today!
I just did.
"With GOD...
ALL things
are possible."
Matthew 19:26
"If we ever forget that we're one nation under God,
then we will be a nation gone under.." Ronald Reagan
GOD BLESS
From: Clay Vice
Sent: Thursday, June 03, 2010 07:53
Subject: Fw: [Fwd: Fw: Hi]
Is this how HE will look when
HE comes back for us?? !!!!!!! BEAUTIFUL!!!!
Isn't this the most awe inspiring
picture you've ever seen?
I am sending HIM to you because
you are a Special Person in my life. When HE gets to your computer,
please escort HIM to the next
points on HIS journey.
Please don't allow HIM
to sleep in your inbox.
The message HE is carrying
is so very important and
needs to continue on its journey.
May GOD bless you
as you do this.
AMEN
+ + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +
Jesus is walking around the world via e-mail...
Say a prayer,
and then pass HIM
on to Bless others.
Our assignment is to
love others and
spread the Gospel
throughout the world!
Have a Blessed Day
and reach out and touch someone's life today!
I just did.
"With GOD...
ALL things
are possible."
Matthew 19:26
"If we ever forget that we're one nation under God,
then we will be a nation gone under.." Ronald Reagan
GOD BLESS
Thursday, June 3, 2010
Mexican Oysters Thanks John Massey!
Mexican Oysters
A big Texan stopped at a local restaurant following a day roaming around in Mexico. While sipping his tequila, he noticed a sizzling, scrumptious looking platter being served at the next table. Not only did it look good, the smell was wonderful. He asked the waiter, 'What is that you just served?' The waiter replied, 'Ah senor, you have excellent taste! Those are called Cojones de Toro, bull's testicles from the bull fight this morning.A delicacy! The cowboy said, 'What the heck, bring me an order.' The waiter replied, 'I am so sorry, senor. There is only one serving per day because there is only one bull fight each morning. If you come early and place your order, we will be sure to save you this delicacy.' The next morning, the cowboy returned, placed his order, and that evening was served the one and only special delicacy of the day. After a few bites, inspecting his platter, he called to the waiter and said, 'These are delicious, but they are much, much smaller than the ones I saw you serve yesterday.' The waiter shrugged his shoulders and replied, 'Si, Senor. Sometimes the bull wins.
A big Texan stopped at a local restaurant following a day roaming around in Mexico. While sipping his tequila, he noticed a sizzling, scrumptious looking platter being served at the next table. Not only did it look good, the smell was wonderful. He asked the waiter, 'What is that you just served?' The waiter replied, 'Ah senor, you have excellent taste! Those are called Cojones de Toro, bull's testicles from the bull fight this morning.A delicacy! The cowboy said, 'What the heck, bring me an order.' The waiter replied, 'I am so sorry, senor. There is only one serving per day because there is only one bull fight each morning. If you come early and place your order, we will be sure to save you this delicacy.' The next morning, the cowboy returned, placed his order, and that evening was served the one and only special delicacy of the day. After a few bites, inspecting his platter, he called to the waiter and said, 'These are delicious, but they are much, much smaller than the ones I saw you serve yesterday.' The waiter shrugged his shoulders and replied, 'Si, Senor. Sometimes the bull wins.
Heart Attack Info- Do Not Lie down
Thanks Bob Looney and Ron Walters, Mound Park Urchins.
From: ronald walters
Subject: Fwd: Fw: HEART ATTACK Do Not Lie Down
Heart Attack info
Just a reminder to all: purchase a box, keep one in your car, pocketbook, wallet, bedside, etc.
Something that we can do to help ourselves, nice to know.
Bayer is making crystal aspirin to dissolve under the tongue. They work much faster than the tablets.
Why keep aspirin by your bedside?
About Heart Attacks
There are other symptoms of an heart attack besides the pain on the left arm.
One must also be aware of an intense pain on the chin, as well as nausea and lots of sweating, however these symptoms may also occur less frequently.
Note: There may be NO pain in the chest during a heart attack... The majority of people (about 60%) who had a heart attack during their sleep, did not wake up. However, if it occurs, the chest pain may wake you up from your deep sleep.
If that happens, immediately dissolve
two aspirins in your mouth and swallow them with a bit of water .
Afterward :
CALL 911
- say "heart attack!"
- say that you have taken 2 aspirin
- phone a neighbor or a family member who lives very close by
- take a seat on a chair or sofa near the front door, and wait for their arrival and...
~ DO NOT lie down ~
A Cardiologist has stated that, if each person, after receiving this e-mail, sends it to 10 people, probably one life can be saved!
I have already shared the information- - What about you?
Do forward this message; it may save lives!
From: ronald walters
Subject: Fwd: Fw: HEART ATTACK Do Not Lie Down
Heart Attack info
Just a reminder to all: purchase a box, keep one in your car, pocketbook, wallet, bedside, etc.
Something that we can do to help ourselves, nice to know.
Bayer is making crystal aspirin to dissolve under the tongue. They work much faster than the tablets.
Why keep aspirin by your bedside?
About Heart Attacks
There are other symptoms of an heart attack besides the pain on the left arm.
One must also be aware of an intense pain on the chin, as well as nausea and lots of sweating, however these symptoms may also occur less frequently.
Note: There may be NO pain in the chest during a heart attack... The majority of people (about 60%) who had a heart attack during their sleep, did not wake up. However, if it occurs, the chest pain may wake you up from your deep sleep.
If that happens, immediately dissolve
two aspirins in your mouth and swallow them with a bit of water .
Afterward :
CALL 911
- say "heart attack!"
- say that you have taken 2 aspirin
- phone a neighbor or a family member who lives very close by
- take a seat on a chair or sofa near the front door, and wait for their arrival and...
~ DO NOT lie down ~
A Cardiologist has stated that, if each person, after receiving this e-mail, sends it to 10 people, probably one life can be saved!
I have already shared the information- - What about you?
Do forward this message; it may save lives!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)