A Big Bus

From Kuwait, it’s a short five hour flight to Afghanistan.  To get there we found space for all of us on a midnight flight on a very large cargo plane, adapted with modules of airline style seats in the center and sling seats along the sides.  The plane was full with young soldiers heading to other theaters and a few civilians like us. None look terribly excited.  I of course am in the center seat of a five wide row.  The soldier next to me looks twelve.  Boyish face, well-mannered with a ring on his finger attesting to an equally young bride somewhere back home.  He asked me what I was doing here, and I explained our mission.  He was blown away how someone as old as his dad was going through this.  Oddly, he thanked me for my service.  This will not a comfortable ride. No overhead compartments, and little if any room below the seat in front of you.  Big bags are strapped into a pallet behind us with your carry-on in your lap.  I pitied the soldiers with their ruck sacks, helmets and weapons on their laps. The plane is stripped to the bare bones with all its internals there for all to see.  Very functional, loud and the climate control leaves something to be desired.  Some are freezing and some are sweating.  Surprise!, we land in the morning this time.  As we unload, I wished the young soldier well, telling him to savor the adventure, but not do anything crazy.  That young bride needs you home.

We met a fine woman named Angie who was to be our facilitator getting us settled in.  She is a contractor civilian doing logistics for over eight years here.  She is kind, professional and clearly knows the ropes.  All processes need a facilitator, and Angie is worth her weight in gold.  Too bad they dont pay here that.  We haul our gear across the base to our temporary housing (converted shipping containers) as we await transportation to our final destination.  Did I say its hot??