Unpacking

Unpacking more treasures from Afghanistan.  The musical instruments are unique.  Now, the challenge.... where in the world are we going to put all this stuff??

Dave, the professional packer!

Commander's Certificate

Saturday, June 18, 2011

A welcome home ceremony for the 650th was held today at the Stan Fulten Building at UNLV.  Dave stood in front, with the General and Master Sgts., and gave each of his troops a certificate and coin.  They were also given a flag in a display case in honor their service.  Dave was the last to receive his, naturally.  The commander serves first...... then is honored.  The General  congratulates Dave as he presents his certificate to him.

I love to watch Dave as the soldier in charge.  He is humble, has a good sense of humor, and does an outstanding job at leading.  The media, dignataries from the governors office, senate office, and congress office sat in the first row just ahead of where I sat.  I had a good conversation with the woman from the governors office.  She offered support and was impressed with Dave's good humor!

Return Home

Friday, June 17, 2011

I drove to Las Vegas today to bring Dave back home from Afghanistan.  After getting off the airplane, Dave led his troops down the escalator and into the very excited and anxious arms of family members.  Each soldier was welcomed with a sweet treat lei.  I only saw army boots descend the escalator.  Being short and in the back of the crowd was to my disadvantage.  It took a few minutes for Dave and I to find each other.   I was glad when I finally spotted my soldier boy! 

It was a great experience to be in the crowd of family members greeting their soldiers back home.  I wasn't sure that I would ever get to experience it, and it was worth it!  The excitement was intense.  All members of the 650th were accounted for.  No injuries or casualties to report.  Thank goodness!

4 Seasons

The long awaited 4 Seasons rug arrived from Afghanistan yesterday and I opened it up this morning. So beautiful! Dave has been sending rugs home and this is the one I picked out for my office. It is 100% hand-made in pure silk. It measures 5'x7'. The colors are muted with shades of green, blue, teal, gold, brown, purple-ish, and black. This carpet represents the 4 seasons in the Middle East; the tree is significant.... it represents the tree of life. This beauty cost $3000. I think Dave is spoiling me!


This is a close-up shot of one of the tree of life blocks.

A banjo, flute, and drum

Dave has been sending home some pretty neat stuff from Afghanistan. Pictured here is a banjo, flute, and a drum. The banjo is made out of a copper pot. The handle and turn keys are made from wood. The flute and drum is made out of wood. He is sending more wooden guitars and drums home. Now, the challenge is displaying them with justice. They are so cool!

Good-by again

Dave's Rest & Relaxation has come to an end. I took him to the airport this morning and we said our good-byes again. He'll be back for good the 1st of July. It was a dreary wet and snowy kind of day... but that didn't dampen his spirits. I think he is anxious to get back to Army work. Maybe that is why he is wearing that big smile.

Gift from an Afghan woman

One of Dave's interpreters mother made me the blue beaded necklace. It was so sweet and thoughtful. So, I wrote her a note and am sending her some gifts back, as well... fragrant lotion, shower gel, and a hand made dish cloth. Afghanistan is a third world country, so I hope the small convenient gifts will be a real treat for her. I included a picture of Dave and I and encouraged a letter back. I hope I get one!

Conversation with an Afghan

I call Dave once a week in Afghanistan. When I call him in the evening, he is starting the next day. They are twelve hours ahead of us. Tonight, Dave's Afghan interpreter wanted to talk to me on the phone. At first I was apprehensive. I wasn't sure what to say. But his kind voice soon put me at ease. Our conversation quickly turned to family. He knew we had a lot of children and grandchildren. He said the Afghan people have large families, too, and told me how they all live together in the same household, which he really liked. I told him that our children just visit but it's a big household when they are there all together. I asked him how he liked working with Dave. His response was very heartfelt and sincere. He said "he is a real good man" and really enjoys working for him. He thinks the world of him. He said Dave was kind to him and everyone he meets. He said he would like to come to America and meet me, and that if I ever wanted anything from Afghanistan he would make sure I get it. He was so kind and genuine.

Dave says the Afghan people are very nice and has come to love them. He has made many good friends there. His interpreter is a young man, 23 years in age, is newly married with a baby on the way. He has never been outside of Kabul. Dave wants to take him to Washington D.C. in April when he goes to some meetings. I hope it works out for them. I look forward to meeting this young man someday. Maybe it will happen in April if I'm lucky!

This silver pot came from Afghanistan. Dave gave it to me for my birthday.