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CLR-15 (FWD) June Newsletter
CLR-15 (FWD) June Newsletter
CLR-15 (FWD) June Newsletter
COMBAT LOGISTICS
REGIMENT-15 (FORWARD)
JUNE 2010
INSIDE THIS MONTH...
COMMANDING OFFICER 3
SERGEANT MAJOR 4
MAINTENANCE COMPANY 8
SUPPLY COMPANY 12
SECURITY COMPANY 19
PROMOTIONS 26
AWARDS 27
COMMANDING OFFICER
Dear Families and Friends of CLR-15 (FWD),
We are rapidly approaching the half way point of our deployment and it is exciting to think
about our reunion with you. The Marines and Sailors of CLR-15 (FWD) continue to do amazing
things. This past month was quite challenging due to a fire that ripped through the Supply Management
Unit and the Repairable Issue Point. Fortunately, and most importantly, everyone is doing well and we
have fully recovered. It is a distant memory and we are on our way to rebuilding and making every-
thing better than before.
From a personal perspective, it was painful to watch the fire that night, but it has been the best
time of my Marine Corps career in the days after the incident. I had the distinct pleasure of watching
the unit’s response and observing their positive attitude was truly special. The resiliency demonstrated
by the Marines and Sailors of CLR-15 (FWD) was remarkable and is a testament to their character and
spirit. The entire Command came together to make a difference and ensure there were no interrup-
tions in supply support. We just took a short operational pause and things are now back to nor-
mal. With this behind us, we are clearly focused on looking ahead and continuing all the superb work
we started upon our arrival.
It is heating up and consistently over 100 degrees now, yet this does not even slow us down. We
drink a lot more water, but the mission remains and everyone perseveres. Your notes of encourage-
ment continue to help us stay motivated and we are so grateful for the continual support. We are ex-
tremely busy and we expect the pace to remain high until we turn over with our replacements in a few
months. I guarantee this, when the next group of Marines and Sailors show up in Afghanistan to turn-
over with CLR-15 (FWD), they are going to be in awe of what we have accomplished. I get to see it
every day and there is nothing that makes me so proud. It is an honor and privilege to serve with such
incredible Marines and Sailors. They probably don’t know this, but I get all of my motivation from
them.
As I write this, we know you all are enjoying summer, the beaches, cookouts, and other gather-
ings. I also hope you had a great Memorial Day. I know Memorial Day takes on an even more impor-
tant meaning when you have a loved one serving our Nation overseas. Rest assured, your Marines and
Sailors are doing heroic work and you can be very proud of them. No matter the mission or the task,
they respond. One must ask, “Where do we find such fine men and women?” The answer is simply –
they are a direct reflection of you. Thank you for all you do!
Semper Fi,
LtCol K.J. Stewart
Page 4 CLR-15 (FWD) JUNE 2010
SERGEANT MAJOR
Families and Friends of CLR-15 (FWD),
It is already the middle of June and the half way mark of the deployment is in sight.
With the hours that we are working our days seem to run together sometimes, which also
makes the days go by faster and before we know it the 10.2 Marines and Sailors will be on
deck. The Marines are also getting anxious to get home, but they know that we still have a
lot of work to do before our redeployment to the states and back to our families.
We had a busy month since our last newsletter and our Marines found how much
energy, unity and pride they have in their sections, Companies and Regiment. I am sure
everyone has heard by now about the Supply Management Unit fire last month. It could
have been a huge setback and most likely would have been for any other unit that was de-
ployed, but NOT for the Marines and Sailors of the “15”. They are the most impressive
bunch of men and women that I have ever served with in my career. It only took us five
days to get back to sending the outlining units supplies and operating as a functioning
SMU. I have never seen anything destroyed in one night and rebuilt so fast by such driven
Marines and Sailors. It was simply AMAZING!
I wrote in the last newsletter about the wind and heat that was heading our way and
it is now here. It is always over 100 degrees daily and the winds are blowing sand over the
base almost every morning and sometimes in the evening. We have had a few good sand
storms that cover everything we own and the sand is so fine that it gets everywhere. There
is nothing better than going to the shower and having to walk back to your room in a sand
storm. No matter what the temperature, the amount of hours or how much sand gets in our
work areas the Marines and Sailors are still doing a great job.
The morale of the unit is still very high and a lot of it has to do with the amount of
mail we receive on a daily basis. We definitely get more mail than any other unit here in
Afghanistan and we thank everyone for sending the packages from home. I know we have
missed some holidays with our families, so I would like to wish everyone a Happy Belated
Mothers Day and a Happy Fathers Day. We all wish we could have been there for those
holidays, but we will be home soon and until that day comes I wish you all the best. Again,
it is a great honor being the Sergeant Major of such a fine unit and working with great Ma-
rines and Sailors. We will keep you in our prayers and God bless.
SgtMaj J. S. Miller
CLR-15 (FWD) JUNE 2010 Page 5
H&S COMPANY
Page 6 CLR-15 (FWD) JUNE 2010
H&S COMPANY
CO’s CORNER 1STSGT’S TWO CENTS
To the Family & Friends of CLR-15 (FWD), Three Months Down! As you can see I
The summer heat has hit and the Marines and Sailors have outstanding Marines and Sailors com-
continue to push hard. I can’t promise anyone your mitted to doing what ever it takes to get
loved ones won’t be ready for a nice long nap when things done. What a great team!
they get home, but I am confident each Marine and
Sailor will be able to look back and hold their head God Bless,
high knowing what has been accomplished in such a 1stSgt McEvoy
short period of time.
Semper Fi!
1st Lt Russell
Above: Major General Mills, I Marine Expeditionary Force (Forward) presents a Command
Coin to Sergeant David R. White for his heroic action of saving a fellow Marine’s life.
CLR-15 (FWD) JUNE 2010 Page 7
H&S COMPANY
S-6 TO THE RESCUE
This past month, the S-6 was faced with a huge challenge after having to relocate the Supply Man-
agement Unit (SMU) offices after the fire. In an unbelievable effort, the S-6 had the SMU operational
within 36 hours. They installed over 10,000 feet of Cat-5 cable, reconfigured over 42 computers to
provide critical connectivity to over 200 users, and provided radio support at a critical time. Nearly
all the Marines were rewarded for their hard work during this timeframe but it was their fearless
leader, Master Sergeant Schanz, who stood out the most! During the fire he ran into the direction of
the flames without pause. He came to the assistance of the firefighters and corpsmen, joining in the
effort to keep to keep the fire at bay. When a dust storm caused the evacuation of all firefighters, a
third country national abandoned his water truck and fled the approaching fire. Master Sergeant
Schanz reacted without hesitation to recover the vehicle and drive it a safe distance away from the
flames. He then proceeded to conduct a series of water resupply runs to the fire trucks actively bat-
tling the blaze. During each run, he exposed himself to danger in order to provide the fire trucks
with water. He repeatedly placed himself within yards of open flames and explosive hazardous mate-
rial in order to pump water into the fire trucks. Master Sergeant Schanz tirelessly conducted 12 water
re-supplies during the course of eight hours until 0400 the next morning. Master Sergeant Schanz
was awarded a Certificate of Commendation for his heroic efforts.
MAINTENANCE COMPANY
CLR-15 (FWD) JUNE 2010 Page 9
COMPANY COMMANDER
Another month has passed, which means we are another month closer to bringing the Marines
of Maintenance Company back home. This past month has been particularly busy, as we coped
with the after effects of the SMU/RIP fire. There is no doubt that Maintenance Company is the
best Company in the Regiment, which was never more evident as everyone in Maintenance
Company pulled together to ensure the RIP was moved into the IMA Compound and operational
within 72 hours of the fire. We continue to support Marine Expeditionary Forces throughout Af-
ghanistan by sending detachments of Marines spanning the entire I MEF (FWD) Area of Opera-
tions to repair and maintain equipment for forward operating forces. You should be extremely
proud of your Marines and their accomplishments thus far, as the reports pouring in from the
units at the Combat Outposts and Patrol Bases is nothing but favorable. Without your loved ones
making the sacrifices they are making these units would be hard pressed to accomplish their ob-
jectives. Thank you for the continued support of your Marines we would be hard pressed to keep
our operational tempo without it, and Happy Father’s Day.
CWO2 Johnson
RIP Platoon Commander
Page 10 CLR-15 (FWD) JUNE 2010
MAINTENANCE COMPANY
ENGINEER MAINTENANCE PLATOON
Another month has passed by and your Marines continue to excel beyond my expectations. The weather is
reaching extreme summer temperatures as we encounter each new day. Nearing the halfway point in our de-
ployment to Afghanistan, the Marines of Engineer Maintenance Platoon push on and are continuing their mis-
sion, repairing all equipment that comes their way. I must say, they are doing an outstanding job.
Though the work has not slowed down, we were able to take a few hours out of a Sunday afternoon and have
a barbeque, play volleyball, horse shoes, cards and just relax for a bit.
The Marines of the Metal Shop have been doing an outstanding job. The Metal Shop has fabricated numerous
protective barriers to enhance security for Marines manning Entry Control Points throughout our base. The
Metal Shop has also fabricated racks, ladders, and steps for many Marine Corps tactical vehicles. They have
also made bolts and plugs for many different types of vehicles and equipment. To date, our Metal Shop Marines
have fabricated and completed repairs on over 200 pieces of equipment which is about three times as much
work normally completed by the same Marines at Camp Pendleton.
Our platoon’s Maintenance Management Section is run by a single Marine; Corporal Manuel Montelongo Jr.
He processes all equipment repair orders and parts requisition for Engineer Equipment Platoon. So far, Cpl
Montelongo has opened and closed over 1,200 Equipment Repair Orders for our platoon.
The Tool Room and Calibrations Marines continue to be busy as always conducting inventories, re-arranging
the Tool Room and trying to provide the best tools for the hard working Marines that are on the lot fixing the
gear. This is the reason we recently re-located our Common #30 Tool Kit. It was placed in a more accessible
spot and now the Marines will be able to use the Material Handling Crane to lift generators, engines and other
heavy components when needed.
It’s been another busy month for the Marines of the Utilities section. Our refrigeration mechanics continue to
do great work despite the seemingly endless flow of request for air conditioner repairs; they continue to keep
their customers comfortable and cool. The generator section is staying busy as well remaining on call 24/7,
completing repairs as complex as replacing engines and as simple as instructing someone to add fuel to their
generator.
Equipment issues have plagued us since our arrival in Afghanistan but the Marines in Heavy Equipment sec-
tion have continued to do great work. They have repaired roughly 50 heavy equipment items so far and as fast
as they fix them…more broken ones roll in. There’s no shortage of work for this section either.
We have a number of acknowledgements for the month of June. Sergeant James McCormick and his wife
Amanda welcomed their baby girl, Arianna Elizabeth, into the world on May 16, 2010. Aaron Lungmus was
meritoriously promoted to the rank of Corporal. Lance Corporals Felisha Franklin and Taylor Smith were each
awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal and Lance Corporal Justin Grizzle received the Good
Conduct Medal.
We would like to send a sincere Happy Father’s Day to all the parents, spouses, friends, and families of the
Marines of Engineer Maintenance Platoon.
Semper Fidelis,
CWO3 Keith Earhart
CLR-15 (FWD) JUNE 2010 Page 11
MAINTENANCE COMPANY
SUPPLY COMPANY
CLR-15 (FWD) JUNE 2010 Page 13
COMPANY COMMANDER
Dear Friends and Family,
On the 16th of May the Company suffered a minor setback in the form of a fire that consumed
the lot we were located on. As it was being contained the 100 Days of Wind Afghanistan is
known for contributed a massive sand storm which took the fire to new heights. It tore through
the Supply Management Unit reducing it to scrap and ashes. The Marines witnessed as their
hard work from the last six weeks went up in smoke.
What would cause me to say that this was only a minor setback? With the superb support of
all in CLR-15 (FWD) we were re-located into a new lot within 24 hours. Everyone pitched in
from Communication Marines working overnight to set up phone lines and computers, Mainte-
nance Marines setting up generators and Motor Transportation Marines moving gear and con-
tainers to the new location. The list could go on as every Company and Section within the CLR
assisted with the move and set up. Supply Company Marines and Sailors went to work the fol-
lowing day to set up tents and salvage inventory to begin rebuilding. With the leadership of the
Officers and SNCOs and the hard work and ingenuity of the Marines and Sailors we were issu-
ing supplies in support of I MEF (FWD) within 96 hours. It still astounds me that we recovered
and were operational within four days. The Marines rebounded quickly and decided that this
would be their SMU and it would be better than before.
The new lot improves every day. New buildings are being constructed and inventory comes
in waves. The Marines are constantly engaged in ensuring that I MEF (FWD) continues to get
supported with everything it needs to continue the fight. I have never been more proud to
serve with any unit than I have been with this Company.
Without your continued support to your Marines and Sailors none of this is possible. You
have my sincerest appreciation for what you do for us. As we get closer to the half way mark we
are looking forward to finishing strong and coming home to our loved ones.
Best Regards,
Major Doug Burke
Page 14 CLR-15 (FWD) JUNE 2010
SUPPLY COMPANY
COMPANY FIRST SERGEANT
Family and Friends,
We have almost hit our 90 mark in theater, close to the half way mark of this deployment. The Ma-
rines and Sailors continue to make positive contributions to their Unit and MEF. I remain extremely
proud to serve along side of them. In my dealings with our young warriors, I can tell you each of you is
missed. The 90 day mark can be a difficult time for both you at home and your Marines and Sailors
here. A few letters or a small care package goes a long way during this time. Please make every effort
to remain in contact and supportive. Morale remains high and we haven’t had any problems, together
we can finish strong together. After the half way point of the deployment, new goals are usually estab-
lished and the light at the end of the tunnel begins to become brighter. The closer to our redeploy the
brighter this light gets.
As many of you already know, the Supply Management Unit sustained a fire during the month of May.
I am sure you already know enough about this incident, but what can’t be expressed enough was the
manner in which Supply Company overcame this hurdle. While the fire was still being extinguished, the
company staff went into planning our next set of moves. Having a solid plan and with the help from 200
of the Nation’s Finest, Supply Company was up and running in just under 5 days. We far exceeded the
expectations of those at the higher headquarters. So much so the fire was no longer referred to as an
incident but instead an unscheduled “Operational Pause.”
While the conduct of the company as a whole has been noteworthy, we were able to recognize a few
of Marines whose contributions set them apart. Sergeant’s Vila and Dessart received the Navy and Ma-
rine Corps Achievement Medal for their actions during and after the fire. While Sergeant Lemke and
Corporals Etter and Delarosa received the impact Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals for
their extreme hard work since arriving in theater. Despite internal hurdles, as a testament to their indi-
vidual character, Supply Company participated at the 1st Marine Logistics Group board and walked
away with two Marines combat meritoriously promoted to the rank of Corporal. My hat is off to Corpo-
ral Flores and Corporal Clearman who were selected over some keen competition. We continue to be
impressed with the hard work from the Marines and Sailors, we see it every day and you can be proud.
I would also like to take the time to thank you for the support you are providing to us here. It makes our
job that much easier.
1stSgt Ray Stephens
CLR-15 (FWD) JUNE 2010 Page 15
SUPPLY COMPANY
GENERAL ACCOUNT
Greetings family and friends of the General Account. It has been an exciting and opportunity filled month. Although
the fire caused destruction to property, it only served to make our will and cohesiveness stronger. Every member of
GA stood out from the crowd at some point during the month because of their extraordinary effort. Special thanks go
out to Master Sergeant Grounds who provided outstanding leadership during this difficult time.
Corporal Trevino is running a tight ship. Within five days of losing our entire office and equipment, the section was
back doing business as usual. As always, Corporal Berry amazes us with his ability to manipulate information in the
database. His skill in this area proved to be invaluable when we were replacing equipment lost in the fire.
Corporal Flores became the first member of Supply Company to receive a Combat Meritorious Promotion. She is
now a proud member of our NCO Corps. We are extremely fortunate to have a Marine of her caliber in our ranks.
Lance Corporal Maldonado and Lance Corporal Kerkau continue to be the workhorses of GA. They are involved in
almost everything the section does. Even with the long work hours, Lance Corporal Kerkau decided to use what little off
time she had to earn her Grey MCMAP belt this month.
We think about our families every day and look forward to the time when we are reunited. But, until then, we will ful-
fill Customer Service’s tag line. We will “Support the Warfighter”.
Sincerely,
CWO3 Jose I. Torres III
Page 16 CLR-15 (FWD) JUNE 2010
SUPPLY COMPANY
CAMP DWYER SUPPLY DETACHMENT
Greetings family and friends of CLR-15 (FWD),
I’m the Detachment Staff Non-commissioned Officer in charge of your Marines deployed aboard Camp Dwyer, Afghanistan. As you
are more than well aware, we are just about to touch down on the half way point of this deployment. I must say the men of this detach-
ment are still hard at it without displaying any signs of slowing down. The Marines of this detachment have been busy planning, design-
ing and building future operational procedures for supply and distribution operations in support of future war fighters. In addition your
Marines have managed to maintain daily tasks to support commands and detachments within the Camp Dwyer area which comprises of
more than 13 using units. There is still quite a bit of work ahead of us.
In the past few weeks the weather has started to change and seems to be getting hotter every week. We have endured dozens of sand
and dust storms which your Marines so dearly love. This is a true indicator of the hot months to come. You should see leaner Marines by
the time we arrive home. The base in which we are embedded in has all the amenities within its barriers. There is great dining facility,
air conditioned living spaces with full restroom facilities, fitness gyms and a recreational center with TV, free internet/SKYPE and tele-
phone services.
I would like to congratulate the Cpl McCarver and LCpl Juarez family for the new blessings in their families. Cpl McCarver’s wife gave
birth to a baby boy and LCpl Juarez’s wife gave birth to a baby girl. We have 3 other Marines who are expecting new borns here shortly.
Their names are Cpls’ Ferry & Davis and LCpl Amesquita, may their wives have a healthy and successful birth.
It has been an honor and privilege to serve and work with this fine group of Marines. I know that they and you look forward to getting
home, and I can promise that it will be a well deserved welcome home. I look forward to meeting you all when we arrive on that parade
deck. I speak on behalf of all the Marines when I say we appreciate the sacrifice and support you have provided us. Because of you, we
are able to complete our tasks and stay focused on the mission. Last but not least, I would like to say hello to my lovely wife Jennifer and
my kids. I love you guys and miss you and look forward to seeing Sushi on the football field. See you in a few months.
SEMPER FIDELIS!
Gunnery Sergeant Felton
CLR-15 (FWD) JUNE 2010 Page 17
GSMT COMPANY
Page 18 CLR-15 (FWD) JUNE 2010
GSMT COMPANY
COMPANY COMMANDER COMPANY FIRST SERGEANT
All, Hello Family and Friends!
It’s been a great month for GSMT Com- General Support Motor Transport Com-
pany. We have pushed ourselves beyond pany continues to conduct Motor Transport
what we thought were our limits, and have Operations. Our operational pace has been
only seen success. Your sons, daughters, particularly fast during the previous month.
siblings, spouses and significant others con- However, our Marines continue to stand up to
tinue get the job done day after day, week the challenges in front of them. They solve
after week. Their dedication, persistence, problems and overcome obstacles as they
creativity and discipline personally inspire arise. It is what Marines do best, they adapt
me on a daily basis. You all have great rea- and overcome! The summer is upon us and
son to be extremely proud. Until next the heat is on, the wind is blowing and the
month….SEMPER FI! sand is in the air. Our focus continues to be
Sincerely, on mission accomplishment and safety. We
Capt Hines appreciate your continued support of our
Marines. Mail call is big every day and thank
Previous Page (Top): LCpl Depina, LCpl Peckham, you for the generous letters and packages.
LCpl Marchand, Cpl Jones, LCpl Oliveira (Standing) Semper Fidelis,
and LCpl Graves (Kneeling) getting ready to offload 1stSgt Miller
cargo.
Previous Page (Bottom): Staff Sergeants Avila, Gray, and Cunanan strike a pose.
Below: Lance Corporal Kirchner receives a Meritorious Mast from the Commanding
Officer after being selected as the Road Warrior of the Month.
CLR-15 (FWD) JUNE 2010 Page 19
SECURITY COMPANY
Page 20 CLR-15 (FWD) JUNE 2010
SECURITY COMPANY
COMPANY COMMANDER
This month’s Security Company submission for the newsletter was written by Corporal Nathaniel Drahota from
2nd Platoon. Corporal Drahota is from Minnesota by way of Edmonton, Washington. He is currently serving as a
Vehicle Commander and Fire Team Leader for his platoon. Most notable about Corporal Drahota is his quiet but
forceful leadership. He is a genuine Marine and a leader by example. He has been on numerous extensive mis-
sions across Helmand Province, conducting convoy, recovery, or security escort missions in support of fellow
Marines and Afghan National Army. He is currently participating in Corporal’s Course; a course designed to in-
struct Marine Corporals on Non-Commissioned Officer leadership. It arms Corporals with the tools to be suc-
cessful leaders in the Marine Corps. We hope you will enjoy what he had to say about his experiences with
Security Company.
Capt Carper.
We are now approaching the half way point of a very busy and fast paced deployment and I want you to know
that your Marines and Sailors are looking forward to the day they will see your smiling faces and feel your warm-
ing embraces. As mentioned above the pace has been fast, but safe. The Regimental Commander, Company
Commander, and everyone who falls underneath keeps safety in the forefront of everything we do, to include mis-
sions. So do not worry as I’ve stated in other newsletters, not only is safety a priority for me as the First Sergeant,
Prayer is as well. We have been blessed and I personally believe that Prayer in conjunction with your profes-
sional Marines and Sailors attention to detail has allowed for Security Company to be successful thus far. We’ve
suffered no serious injuries and I believe God is going to make this be the case for the rest of the deployment. I
also want you to know your Marines are well feed and have plenty of everything they need, to include mail, but
don’t stop sending the care packages yet, it is still yet one of the most important things that keeps the morale ele-
vated.
Your Marines have been doing some great things out here, such as getting promoted, graduating from courses,
and recognized for their actions in combat, and they deserve to be recognized here.
I want to thank you for all your mail which keeps coming in, it really keeps morale up, but more importantly, I
thank you for your Prayers that you send up for us. Don’t stop sending the mail yet, and please don’t stop praying.
Remember, if have any concerns, please feel free to contact me on the e-mail listed below.
SECURITY COMPANY
DIVERSE SECURITY
When I was asked to describe my experience of the deployment thus far I had trouble deciding on
what particular subject I should base this description. There are certainly a plethora of topics that would
fulfill the requirements of my assignment. I finally decided that the actual operations of the company,
while exciting, would be better left to description
by your loved ones. The subject that I would pre-
fer to set before you is the overall spirit and deter-
mination of the Marines of Security Company.
"Some people live an entire lifetime wondering if they've made a difference in the world, Marines don't
have that problem." ~ President Ronald Regan.
The Marines of Security Company certainly fall in to the category of individuals who make a differ-
ence every day.
Nathaniel Drahota
Corporal USMC
Page 22 CLR-15 (FWD) JUNE 2010
Arianna Elizabeth
Sgt James and Amanda McCormick
Olivia Finley
Cpl Franklin and Suzanna Alvarado
GSMT Company
Lennox Noah
Cpl Raul and Crystal Sandoval
Benjamin Clark
LCpl Daniel and Kathrine Reed
Security Company
Zoie Lynn
HM3 Addison and Shelby Bradford
Being in Afghanistan is like traveling back in time. Camp Leatherneck isn’t ancient;
since there is so much new construction going on, this is a modern base. However, the ac-
tual place where we live and work has a very ancient history. Most of us are only aware of
Afghanistan’s recent history: the Taliban movement, 9-11, and the subsequent American
and NATO conflict which is now the longest in America’s history. Some of you may re-
member the old Soviet Union’s invasion of Afghanistan in the 1980s, and America’s
“shadow” involvement then, dramatized in movies like Charlie Wilson’s War or The Kite
Runner. Many people think of Afghanistan as only a backwards and intolerant Islamic
country, hostile to foreigners, but it was not always violent or inhospitable.
North of our location is part of the remains of the Silk Road, a famous caravan route
which once stretched from the Mediterranean to China and Asia, which was used from an-
tiquity up until the Middle Ages. Many ideas about religion, as well as goods and works of
art, were transmitted to various populations among the countries on the Silk Road. During
this time-period, both Buddhism and Christianity flourished Afghanistan (known in ancient
times as Bactria), brought there by missionary monks. Invasions and wars by different
tribes eventually closed this route forever. The most famous relics of Buddhism in Af-
ghanistan were the 8200-feet-tall, 1,000-year-old Bamiyan Buddhas, which were destroyed
by the Taliban in 2001. Yet even today, archaeologists are hoping to discover what may
be an even bigger statue, hidden under the sands in Bamiyan Province.
Even in modern times, Afghanistan was once a popular tourist destination on what was
known as the “Hippie Trail.” During the 1960s and 1970s, young Europeans and Ameri-
cans would travel from Europe, through the Middle East, and to Afghanistan and India,
mostly by hitchhiking on cars and buses. You can imagine why hippies wanted to visit Af-
ghanistan! There are many accounts by travelers of how hospitable and friendly the Af-
ghans were. This kind of adventure travel also declined with war, following the Soviet in-
vasion of Afghanistan in the 1980s and the resultant civil wars and rise of Islamist violence.
I believe some of the old buses here at Camp Leatherneck that are used to shuttle Marines
from one side of the base to the other, must date from this time!
Afghanistan was not always a battleground, although many times in its history it has
been fought over by Greeks, Mongols, British and Americans. Perhaps one day, peace
will be restored and the people of this country can benefit again from visitors from all
parts of the world, as it used to be.
Namaste! (Peace!)
LT Jeanette Shin