On Foot Patrol Around Camp Phoenix, Afghanistan (VIDEO)

DISPATCHES FROM AFGHANISTAN
They say it's all in a day's work around here. Maintaining security, building inroads and keeping the peace is plenty to keep these foot soldiers moving.

(KABUL, Afghanistan) - "Let's roll!" Vigilance is maintained around the clock at Camp Phoenix in Kabul, Afghanistan. The soldiers in this story are on one of the day's foot patrols that sweep the areas around the base.

These Army and National Guard soldiers will deal with any number of things during the next two hours, educating people and helping citizens maintain their safety and security.

Suspicious people are evaluated, others are searched, and others are reprimanded.

Amidst the difficult and risky conditions, kids run along side the soldiers and look for attention. PFC Randall Haberman of the Oregon Guard told Tim, "I love the kids.”

When asked why this experience is so important for each soldier, Sgt Joseph Goedeck, Oregon Guard, said, "Because we've become better people as well by providing the aid."

While some children are wrapped up in being macho and perhaps warped by living in a country constantly embattled with violence, most of them are adorable and well mannered, and they seem to understand the mission of the Americans.

Fadid, a 12-year old Afghan boy, said "They're shooting the Taliban, so they came here and are patrolling the areas to bring prosperity, social justice and unity here in our country," (via translator).

The roads and alleys being patrolled are chocked and clogged with mud from recent rains. A lack of sanitation means much of the area smells bad. Wild dogs are a threat and even the little dogs bark with attitude. But animals are valued here.

Unfortunately, the signs of Afghanistan's history of war and drug trafficking are always close by, with graffiti and drug needles discovered regularly.

One of the more hazardous duties on this patrol is to sweep a bombed Russian factory near the base that insurgents could use for operations. "And that is probably one of the most dangerous places for our guys to go through," said 2nd Lt. Scott Marmen of the Oklahoma National Guard.

"So when we are in there and when we clear that area, you know eyes up, doing your job, being efficient, had two teams, one covering the other all the time. When you're moving through rooms, even when you break down to the fire team level, you always have that coverage and move through real effectively." They say it's all in a day's work around here. Maintaining security, building inroads and keeping the peace is plenty to keep these foot soldiers moving.

Watch the Streaming Video News Report below, direct from Kabul, Afghanistan by Tim King: Video

If you are interested in sponsoring a special report, direct from the 41st Combat Brigade at Camp Phoenix, Kabul, Afghanistan, email: bonnie@salem-news.com DISPATCHES FROM AFGHANISTAN "SUPPORT GROUP" Love Boxes sponsor of special report, and fantastic support group for all of our troops in Afghanistan and Iraq. Send a Love Box: http://www.loveboxesforourtroops.com Salem Police provided body armor, military rainproof clothing and other small materials from their SWAT team that will make a big difference for Tim's level of safety. Eola Hills Winery hosted a winetasting fundraiser on October 13th. Special thanks goes to Eric Rogers, Terri & Ann. Visit Eola Hills at http://eolahills.com McDonalds Restaurants of Salem provided $1,100 toward the trip to Afghanistan. We hardly know how to thank them enough, but we know this is one organization that sees the value of bringing the stories of our Oregon soldiers home. Nopps Jewelry and Art provided a kevlar military issue helmet with a value of $250. This is greatly appreciated! You can visit their site: www.nopps.com Eric Mason of Salem provided $100 toward Tim's trip to Afghanistan. Eric and Tim formerly worked together at Portland, Oregon's ABC station. Jesse Anderson of Lincoln City provided funds to help, as did Dan and Marti Motley of Salem. One of Salem's most courageous families, David and Arlene Banks, provided $100 toward Tim's trip. Another pair of Salem heroes, Scott Smith and Margaret Sanner, provided funds to assist with Tim's Afghanistan trip. Roger Yost and Alessandro's Ristorante have provided generous assistance for the Afghanistan coverage. Camo and Gear Military Surplus in Salem contributed a pair of new military issue boots that will be ideal for use in Afghanistan. Tom Golden of Golden’s Funeral Service, Proud of the past, prepared for the future. Other supporters wish not to be named, but we appreciate them greatly, and each and every contribution makes a big difference.

We will continue to keep you updated on the people and organizations that support Oregon troops and are making Dispatches from Afghanistan possible. A special THANK YOU to these Silent Auction contributors: Extreme Velocity Paintball, Beads-a-Million, SLAB, Oak Knoll Golf Course, Best Lil Roadhouse, Los Baez, EZ Orchards, Adams Ribs Smokehouse, Willamette Queen, Thailand Restaurant, Lela Kelly, Frank Matthews and Tina Miller Thanks! Salem-News.com is a locally owned news organization. Sponsorship of Tim's reports on Salem-News.com is very affordable with enormous exposure, and the reports will be archived complete with your commercial. If you would like to advertise, or join the others listed who have assisted through contributions, there is still plenty of need. Help the effort to bring home the stories of Oregon soldiers.
Send a check to:
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Tim King is embedded in Kabul, Afghanistan with the 41st Combat Brigade of the Oregon National Guard. See his stories several times a week here, on Salem-News.com, and on Portland’s KPTV Fox12.

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Comments Leave a comment on this story.

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DMJ(pantherwild69) July 31, 2010 1:07 pm (Pacific time)

I want to know if they are alright I haven't hear from my friend for 2 weeks he is in Camp phoenix kabul afghanistan we keep in touch on line and Iam worry about him .C.D.R.B

Tim King: Feel free to email me at: tim@salem-news.com and I will be happy to see if I can learn anything for you.

Centele Pruitt February 18, 2010 2:30 pm (Pacific time)

My husband was deployed there couple months after we vowed our love for one another... He is great at what he does and loves it i support him and the troops, i would never ask him to rethink his choice in careers...Be safe our soldiers and come home safely my love, forever awaiting your embrace... You are my hero

Kanetrica November 14, 2009 1:36 am (Pacific time)

My daughter's father is at Camp Phoenix, and I pray for every soldier over there. I pray that my daughter's father comes home safely because we love him and miss him so much.

Kim July 23, 2009 5:09 pm (Pacific time)

I have a son at Camp Phoenix, so young...I worry and pray every day for his safety and every other soldier there. War is not good for children and other living things. I pray for peace......

Ashley March 17, 2009 4:24 pm (Pacific time)

My husband just arrived here yesterday, I know little to nothing about Camp Phoenix I just pray my husband comes home safe.

Tim King: Ashley, the soldiers and Marines operate in an extremely safe manner and most Afghan people do not hate Americans. Have faith that he will go and do his tour and come home to you.

Angelica March 7, 2009 10:40 pm (Pacific time)

M husband is going be be stationed at Camp phoenix, and wanted to getan idea of the conitions... God Bless All...

haşim April 27, 2008 10:44 am (Pacific time)

tiryakixp@hotmail.com

Ahmad April 15, 2008 8:48 pm (Pacific time)

Hello Everyone, I read your comments and messages. I am an interpreter from Afghanistan came to the US recently. I worked with the US Military in Afghanistan for three years. I wanted to thank the families who support these young men and women who are doing a great job over there. I am living in Salem area, because I worked with 41st Brigade for in 2006 and have some friends here. If anyone of you ever wanted to talk about what the US Military is doing in Afghanistan and how is life of Afghans, I would be more than happy to share with you. Please contact me at: joybar58@yahoo.com I apprecitate your support. Thanks

Jay G. March 29, 2008 5:56 am (Pacific time)

I saw my brother off from Bragg. He is with NY national guard. I'm very proud of him and the troops. Being a school teacher here in N.C. I make sure the kids know of our troops and what are flag represents. I pray for their safe return, they represent the finest our country has to offer....the best our family has.

amanda February 3, 2008 11:35 pm (Pacific time)

the soldiers are doing a job with the objective to stay alive and complete the mission at hand . may they all stay safe and come back home to the family and friends that love them

N. Rogers December 6, 2007 4:06 pm (Pacific time)

This makes me feel a little better also. My fiance has been there for 8 months now and its hard but i still pray he comes home safe.

sheila July 10, 2007 11:36 am (Pacific time)

my brother Chad is over there. may he come safe and sound

Tim King May 18, 2007 6:54 pm (Pacific time)

Dolly, thanks so much for your comment. The soldiers over there really watch out for each other. Great to hear from you.

Dolly May 18, 2007 6:44 pm (Pacific time)

I believe our son, Matthew, stopped at Camp Phoenix on his way to Camp Blackhorse. He is a Combat Field Medic.I have mixed feelings viewing the area he will be living in the next year or so. But I was moved by your story. Be safe and God Bless.

Jerry May 4, 2007 3:48 pm (Pacific time)

This story makes me feels a little better. My son arrived there yesterday morning.

Cindy January 14, 2007 6:02 pm (Pacific time)

My son will arrive there shortly. Thanks for showing us here at home what life is like for our solders and the citizens of Kabul/Camp Phoenix area.

Tim King December 12, 2006 8:10 am (Pacific time)

Merideth- Yes, I am embedded with the 41st Combat Brigade and each day I feel more like part of it. You should be proud of what they are doing, the people here really appreciate having a military force here that defends them from the group that was hard on everyone, but particularly toward women. Maria- I am safe because I am with a great group, no foolish chances are being taken, thanks for caring!

Maria December 11, 2006 11:12 pm (Pacific time)

Very exciting, but be safe over there. Don't take foolish chances in pursuit of a good story.

Merideth December 11, 2006 12:19 pm (Pacific time)

Tim, So you are mostly with Oregon troops? Myself, was a 41st soldier for many years. Heart and prayers goes out to you and the work they are doing. Funny,, we trained so many years for the "what if", "what we would do if got deployed scenario" and now, there it is. Thank you for providing such good coverage and communicating the truth of what is going on. Although appears some still dont want to acknowledge the good work our OR troops are doing and insult their intelligence for being soldiers. I find that very offensive but refrain from engaging in mindless babble. Free Speech is one of our many American rights. Understand some folks just don’t want to understand the point of what trying to communicate. Regardless, many blessings, and thank you for your hard honest work.

Tim King December 11, 2006 11:21 am (Pacific time)

The guy on the bike, like all people here, are suspect if they approach the soldiers too fast. I can understand how it appears Amanda, but they didn't shake the guy down at all. The IED's are such an ugly reality around here, big parts of the streets around Kabul, and in that particular area, are scarred from the explosions. The suicide bombers always approach alone, so the guys felt threatened. In all honesty, the soldiers I have been with here are almost all from Oregon and while they can be terse when they feel threatened, they really are decent to the people here as most locals are not a threat. One other thing is that if there is one area where they know to tread lightly around the Army and Marines it is where that footage was recorded because of the history of incidents.

Creed December 11, 2006 7:12 am (Pacific time)

Amanda: Actually what's going on in the picture is that the soldier is protecting the poppy feilds.

Creed December 11, 2006 7:07 am (Pacific time)

Now AFGHANISTAN, on the other hand, this war is over invested interests protecting the drugs. The opium and hash that comes out of Afghan is really good. They should have coined the Afghan mission "Operation Poppy Freedom".

Creed December 11, 2006 6:36 am (Pacific time)

Chris: What they're doing in Iraq is simple, yet everyone forgets. Remember the mission originally was called Operation Iraqi Liberation. That was a Freudian slip though as it spelt the very thing Haliburton and the crew were after OIL. So to appease the masses who were sparked up by that they changed the name(obviously cause it exposed their guilt) to Operation Iraqi Freedom. So, realize that the purpose over their is to control flow and profits of "black gold". That is what history classes should be teaching children if history was being taught "factually" , however it is only being taught "manipulatively", so that the masses will continue to follow along with the Agenda which is "Global Freedom". As the cointelpro's like to put it these days, "whe're living in post 9-11 days" and we can never be to carefull. What they should be saying is we're living under The New World Order. That would stir up histeria with certain groups that are already not happy with the "Agenda" though, so you see...nothing is really as it seems.

Henry Ruark December 10, 2006 11:23 pm (Pacific time)

Amazing how well their common humanity comes across, esp. the kids !! That-alone makes Tims project a shining success for all, demonstrating demanded deep media-responsibilities in most meaningful way possible.

Amanda December 10, 2006 10:01 am (Pacific time)

It looks like that soldier is warning that poor guy on the bicycle not to pass or he's going to feel some military muscle or something.

Chris P December 9, 2006 8:44 am (Pacific time)

This is the first time I've seen people really doing something in Afghanistan. I know they're doing important stuff but what? so thanks for showing some daily activities and thanks for being safe and not showing us horrible scenes of death and dying. I know more goes on than that!

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