One word: Sand

In the military there is a common slang for deployment, known as "The Sand Box." It's a term that refers to either Iraq or Afghanistan, who's geographic region is dominated by desserts and dry areas.

This past week we were introduced to just how treacherous the sand box could be.

Our unit spent the last week taking control of the city that took the life of our dear brother Schiller. It was a very detailed, very personal task for us. Don't get me wrong, for all the complaining I'm about to do, this was a mission that was close to my heart.

My platoon spent six full days occupying a home in the town. Homes in Afghanistan are not at all like they are in the United States. Here each home consists of a courtyard and several rooms that are built off adjacent to that, depending on the size of the family or families that lives there.

Jesus himself would be comfortable in these homes. They build homes here today with the safe care and craft that they did back in his time, with very few having any electricity or running water. It is amazing how little progress this country has made in that regard in the last several thousand years.

So our home for the week was a large family compound. My specific location was on the roof, as part of a sniper team. We overlooked a significant area, to help identify threats against our safety. For 6 days I did everything in the sand. There is literally sand on, in, and around every piece of clothing and equipment we have.

It got to the point that yesterday when the winds were blowing hard and the sand was in our faces, it resembled a typical Michigan lake effect snow whiteout, with a little bit of a reddish hew. I showered, did laundry, and spend 2 hours cleaning my weapon, yet there is still sand everywhere!

Don't get me wrong, Afghanistan really is a beautiful country but when I go home I hope the only sand I see is on the shores of Lake Michigan.

Until next time...

Chris