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Diversions > Mike's Deployment Blog
Our friend and fellow alum Mike Pauling deployed to Afghanistan in March 2004,
and then returned stateside in February 2005.
Below is a "blog" (web log) sent directly from the front lines of the war on
terrorism. Mike's back in the states with his family, and surely would enjoy
to hear from you at the email address to the right.
01.26.2005
Last
picture of me in Kabul, before I leave next
week.
Mike
01.01.2005
Mark,
Got my follow-on orders to report to Cincinnati as
Deputy Chief Security & Law Enforcement for Lake River Division US Army
Corps of Engineers in mid-Feb. I will be leaving here by the 5th. Pix of my
girls
attached. Best to Kathy
Mike
08.31.2004
Mark
Sorry for late reply, the optempo is heading
towards light speed as we get nearer to the first Afghanistan National
Election. I did get a break where I was “serenaded”
by the Commander. I think it is just plutonic. Anyways, if you ever watch
“Fox & Friends” you might recognize Colonel John B. O’Dowd. He did several
appearances since 9/11. He is a riot and I enjoy working for him. I am sure
you will find a new job soon. If not, believe me there is plenty of
opportunities in the uniform. Best to Kathy & family take care.
Mike
08.31.2004
Mark-
Doing some good in this country
see attached, I was there when these guys
loaded up on the birds. Let me tell you these are warriors and believe in
Afghanistan’s future. I have not heard anything but praise from the American
Military accompanying them in the field. One Major, Infantry Ranger-type,
combat vet told me he would take these soldiers anytime, anywhere into any
fight and they would be victorious.
Major Mike Pauling
08.21.2004
>MAJ Mike departing for MES
>MAJ Mike in MES
Been a while sorry about that, but if you have been
following the news it has been very busy over here. I pinned on Major last
month and being a field grade is not too shabby. Also have been getting
around the country a bit. The Afghans are starting to prosper and enjoying
freedom which is well deserved.
I am proud to be a part of this country's journey into
a better place. Take care Mike
06.19.2004
>Mike and his cohorts
>Mike
getting shaved 1
>Mike
getting shaved 2
Some more photos. We shaved our heads to show our support for a kid with
cancer. I figured you would like a before & after shot.
Mike
06.18.2004
<pic
of Mike. He's the troop on the left.>
I apologize for not writing sooner. Things have been pretty busy over here
for obvious reasons. Family news, Les gave birth to our second daughter
yesterday. Galicia Amelia Grace Pauling weighed 8lbs 4 3/4 ounces and 21" in
length. Both mom and newest daughter doing well.
I am extending over here in Afghanistan until March 2005. Many Reservists &
Guardsmen are being held to 12-18 months in a deployed status. I figured
that I might as well cough up 12 instead of the original 6.
Take Care, Mike
04.26.2004
Hey All-
Well, undoubtedly you have all heard of Tillman's death by now. He was near
the border region of Pakistan/Afghanistan when he was KIA. There are still
some nasty areas over here. Just like Iraq, the media shows a lot of the
problems in these areas, but there is a lot of good going on as well.
Right now, we are seeing unprecedented build up of schools, roads, hospitals
and general infrastructure for the people of Afghanistan for which I am
proud to be a part of. When I am out and about in Kabul, I see many street
vendors selling everything from fresh food to Italian leather to cell phone
plans. The Afghans are a proud people and they desire peace and prosperity.
Just 4 years ago, you never would see a female without a burqah but now
there are many females who walk the streets in broad daylight without fear
of being assaulted or harassed.
What really makes me smile is seeing the kids going to school and learning
about the world around them. About all for now.
Take Care, Mike
04.02.2004
<picture of Mike>
Overlooking downtown Kabul, the background contains the old King & Queen's
Palace before the Soviet Invasion in 1979.
03.31.2004
Hey All,
Well, other than an accidental misfire (no NOT me), I have not heard a shot
in anger in the first week here in Afghanistan. I do get out into the
capital every day and journeyed to Bahgram past week. The drive to Bahgram
was like walking back into centuries of unchanged time.
The Kochis (native nomads) stay near the road but still live the same as
they have done for countless centuries. The Kochis travel in between the
regional economic centers like Kabul, Khandahar, Bahgram etc selling the
goats, donkeys and camels they herd for sustenance. When the road network is
completed, it will have an impact on their way of life.
Under the Taliban, ownership of automobiles was very restricted, now there
are cars everywhere and very few traffic cops. It is a cross of driving like
in Germany and Panama. The aggressor has the right of way and there is no
speed limit. Driving through the rural areas is dangerous because the
insurgents are mostly out there.
Last Saturday, I went to provide Security for a Bazaar, which was filled of
old Soviet era weaponry, Persian rugs, jewelry and other stuff at prices you
would not believe. I was tempted to buy an AK- 47 but the US military sort
of frowns on that stuff over here.
There has been a break through for me. Just yesterday, the local national
Guard Force Leader invited me to share tea with him. One of my jobs is Guard
Force Commander, and it was a little hairy at first because these guys are
professionals from the old Mujahadein days. We talk through a translator and
had a nice time. He again asked me for tea this AM. Sharing tea with an
Afghan is like splitting a pitcher of beer with college frat brothers. It
means I am a recognized friend of the boss. Subsequently, the other Local
Guards treat me very well. Earning the friendship of an Afghan is a big step
in our country's mission helping put this country on it's feet and rooted in
democracy. About all for now, hope everyone is doing well.
Mike
03.24.2004
Hey All,
Well, I am here in Kabul with live ammunition no less. I have been driving
all around the capital of Kabul providing armed escort for the many civilian
and contractors working in the Unit. My job title is officially labeled
Force Protection Officer, but I am pretty much doing whatever needs to be
done.
I am meeting the Locals and for the most part they are very friendly. The
children are always trying to barter with you. One kid wanted my M4 Rifle
for a box of Russian made Banana flavor chewing gum. He was very persistent
and was disappointed that I said no. We have several Afghans (LN) providing
us with security and they call me "Commander" as I am replacing the outgoing
Force Protection Officer. I doubt I will try and teach them proper military
protocol and rank stuff. Several of our LN guards were in the Mujhadein and
you can see in their eyes that they know how to take care of themselves.
On the back side of our compound, we have a dog pack of about 3 female and
one male dog. The dogs are a little skittish around strangers but the LN
Guards like having them around because the dogs are alert to area where the
LN's spend their down time. The head LN was worried that I might not want
the dogs around but I assured him that I was a doggie kind of guy and as
long as the canines stay out of the living area, I have no problem with
them.
I am going to spending a lot of time out and about the country so I cannot
promise speedy replies to email but please write when you get the chance.
Take Care, Mike
03.10.2004
I am being sent to Afghanistan for 6 months this weekend. My mailing address
is
Michael Pauling
US Army Corps of Engineers
Afghanistan Engineering District
Attn: TAC House
APO AE 09356
FEDEX Address
Michael Pauling
US Army Corps of Engineers
TAC House
Chara-e-Shirpar
Next to UNAMA Compund
Kabul, Afghanistan
Please do not put my rank on any mail for security purposes.
10.26.2003
Just FYI, I have been mobilized under Operation Enduring Freedom and report
to Corps Of Engineers HQ in Washington DC on 12NOV2003. My period of
activation is 12 months. If you want to stay in touch, I can be reached at
michael.pauling@us.army.mil or mike.pauling@awcable.com
Stay safe & take care, Mike & Les
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