Driving in Afghanistan- The Most Dangerous Job of All (VIDEO)

DISPATCHES FROM AFGHANISTAN
Stay with Salem-News.com for Tim King's continuing series, from Camp Phoenix, Kabul, Afghanistan

Soldiers in Kabul, Afghanistan prepare to hit the road. Photo by: Tim King

(KABUL, Afghanistan) - For centuries, the most dangerous job in war is typically that of the infantry soldier. In Afghanistan however, many say driving trucks and military vehicles in convoys is the most hazardous duty, with IED's and other enemy traps consistently injuring and killing U.S. soldiers.

“They’re planning to target DOD convoys. So keep your eyes peeled for IED’s. You need to look for vehicles with one person in them, who’s clean-shaven, driving erratically, and the vehicles off center, off balance,” was advice given before the drive ensued.

Drivers like Tom Wells with the Oregon National Guard say being alert can make a lifesaving difference. "IED's, the Taliban setting up imprompt checkpoints to blackmail and rob citizens and so yeah... it's pretty dangerous out there."

One advantage for Oregon Guard troops serving in Afghanistan is armor. “Everything’s fully armored,” says Mario Juarez, Oregon National Guard. “Our systems, the IBA, our bodies, and our vehicles are completely armored. I’d say, we’re at about 100 percent.”

Most military drivers in Afghanistan move quickly while traveling the roads here. Less time on the road means less exposure, and a reduced likelihood of being attacked.

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.

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

In Afghanistan, Tim King, reporting for Salem-news.com

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.

Tim King is a former U.S. Marine with twenty years of experience on the west coast as a television news producer, photojournalist, reporter and assignment editor. In addition to his role as a war correspondent, this Los Angeles native serves as Salem-News.com's Executive News Editor. Tim spent the winter of 2006/07 covering the war in Afghanistan, and he was in Iraq over the summer of 2008, reporting from the war while embedded with both the U.S. Army and the Marines.

Tim holds awards for reporting, photography, writing and editing, including the Silver Spoke Award by the National Coalition of Motorcyclists (2011), Excellence in Journalism Award by the Oregon Confederation of Motorcycle Clubs (2010), Oregon AP Award for Spot News Photographer of the Year (2004), First-place Electronic Media Award in Spot News, Las Vegas, (1998), Oregon AP Cooperation Award (1991); and several others including the 2005 Red Cross Good Neighborhood Award for reporting. Tim has several years of experience in network affiliate news TV stations, having worked as a reporter and photographer at NBC, ABC and FOX stations in Arizona, Nevada and Oregon. Tim was a member of the National Press Photographer's Association for several years and is a current member of the Orange County Press Club.

Serving the community in very real terms, Salem-News.com is the nation's only truly independent high traffic news Website. As News Editor, Tim among other things, is responsible for publishing the original content of 82 Salem-News.com writers. He reminds viewers that emails are easily missed and urges those trying to reach him, to please send a second email if the first goes unanswered. You can write to Tim at this address: newsroom@salem-news.com

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