Embedded Journalist Tim King Joins Oregon Soldiers in Afghanistan

DISPATCHES FROM AFGHANISTAN
After a somewhat arduous journey, Reporter/Photojournalist Tim King has joined the 41st Combat Brigade of the National Guard at Camp Phoenix, Afghanistan

Tim King will be reporting from Afghanistan for the next 4-8 weeks.

(SALEM) - It must have been a long trip, you’re thinking. That’s one way to put it. The morning of Monday, November 6th, the Salem-News.com crew chaperoned Tim to the Portland International Airport and headed for Delta. We watched as his bags carrying the bullet proof vest and helmet, and his tripod in its duffel bag, were all loaded up on the cart and taken through the baggage shoot. With camera slung over his shoulder and carryon bag in hand, off he went to remove his shoes for the nice lady. A couple more long lines, and down the terminal he went, enroute to Kabul. First stop: New Orleans, where there was a shuttle from Camp Shelby, Mississippi waiting. The Army arrives and departs at this airport regularly, apparently the closest International airport to Camp Shelby, which is north about 120 miles. Once at the base, Tim learned that not only had the plane to Afghanistan been rescheduled for the following week, but there was also paperwork that had yet to change hands. He knew then, that he’d be spending more than just a few days in the South. What an opportunity. Making the best of things as is Tim’s nature, he befriended many Mississippians and spent several days traveling with a Vietnam Veteran named Frederick. Together they attended the Hattiesburg Veteran’s Celebration, and went to the cities of Biloxi and Gulf Port, where Tim interviewed survivors of Hurricane Katrina, and witnessed the overwhelming amount of devastation, far and wide. Tim’s experiences in Mississippi will be chronicled in a special report, coming to Salem-News.com this weekend. Finally, all the paperwork was signed, sealed and delivered, much thanks to the Oregon National Guard, and Tim said goodbye to his Southern friends to join the troops on the Army base. Within hours they were in the air, and there they stayed for a very, very long time. The flight was uneventful though, and the group arrived in Afghanistan early Thursday morning, PST, which is about 13 hours earlier than it is in Afghanistan. The last leg of the journey put Tim and the soldiers in a convoy of trucks, for 70 minutes. Once arrived at the camp, Tim was able to check in. “The country is incredible, you won’t believe some of the sights I’ve already seen. I’ve shot a lot of footage, especially of that road trip,” he told us. Tim plans to produce his first “in country” package this weekend. “Dispatches from Afghanistan” stories will be broadcast on KPTV Fox 12 in Portland, published on Salem-News.com, and may also be available in other television markets. Now, the real adventure of shedding light on the efforts of so many, so far from home begins. Stay tuned. *********************************************************************** 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:
Salem-News.com (AFGHAN)
P.O. Box 5137
Salem, Oregon 97304

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.