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Subscribe to RSSWe begin a series of broadcasts from Afghanistan tonight. I got here last Tuesday and practically from the moment I arrived, I've felt like I have been in the company of giants – quiet humble individuals doing remarkable and selfless things in circumstances I cannot begin to fathom.
Take Jimmy Settles for example. A young Air Force Pararescue jumper from Alaska, who after only 2 weeks in country nearly lost his life to a bullet that pierced the bottom of his rescue helicopter, fragmented, flew through his helmet and pierced the skin just an inch from his left eye. Amazingly he required only five stitches.
But more amazingly, he climbed back in a helicopter the next day, once again putting his life on the line to rescue injured soldiers from the battlefield. Jimmy told me there is nothing more important then being there for his comrades. By the way, the bullet hole in the HH-60 Jimmy was in that day has been left unpatched. Next to it, Jimmy wrote "the one that almost got me," and signed it Jimmy Settles, 11/12/10. A date Jimmy calls his "new" birthday. I'll look forward to seeing you this weekend from Bagram Air Field
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Good evening Lester, another great broadcast, all of the stories so interesting, as always. It
was awesome seeing a part of Afganistan that I had not seen before, and the closing shot of
the evening sky was breathtakingly beautiful. Be safe! Phyllis
Good Evening Mr.Holt, Excellent broadcast this evening! Always wonderful to see Richard on the broadcast and a beautiful report about the Bamiyan area!
Regarding your posting, Aif Force Pararescue jumper Jimmy Settles is certainly brave after his helicopter was hit and he almost lost his life. Incredible he only needed five stitches. He is a brave soldier going out into the region and flying over the enemy firing rescuing fellow soldiers. Jimmy Settles does have a "new birthday" after surviving the bullet hitting him. God Bless Jimmy Settles and All the US Troops!
Now on to the broadcast. First of all the report you did from Marjah and how the US Troops have been successful in making the center of the city safe for people as they can walk around freely. So very dangerous a region with IED attacks especially in the edges of the city. Such brave and dedicated US Troops to patrol everyday the outlying parts of the city and make sure people are safe. Building relationships of trust with the people is vital and the US Troops have done an excellent job. Hearing from General Mills he offered encouragement in having success in other parts of the region like Marjah. But it is constantly difficult in fighting the militants. One truly hopes success can be made again and again in a path towards peace.
As Richard stated the timeline of withdrawal ending at the end of December 2014 will mean more deployments of troops. Hopefully, the Afghan forces will be ready to handle security. Time will tell.
Richard's report about Bamiyan region showed a beautiful part of the country with all the mountain, lakes and just a great landscape. The preservation of this national park by the female governor of the area is vitally important and it could bring more people to visit. The beautiful blue lakes and moutains was great to see, but it was tragic the buddhas were destroyed by the militants. One hopes they can be rebuilt. The game similar to polo called Buzkashi using a goat as the object looked like a rough game as Richard showed.
Richard-You did a great job riding the horse during the game! I hope your team won!
The governor seems determined to preserve the culture and protect the park which is a wonderful endeavor. It is certainly interesting the see how she sits in a chair during the gatherings and the men sit on the ground.
One hopes that peace will prevail in the region and the park will be preserved with all its natural beauty.
Excellent Reporting Richard as Always!
Your piece about the woman lawyer in Kabul showed how brave this woman and dedicated she is to having justice for her clients. Doing her work in that region is dangerous, but she is represents her clients well.
Thank You for the broadcast from Afghanistan Mr.Holt! Please Stay Extra,Extra Safe Always! See you on Sunday! Peace to You and to All!
Lots of Love to Laurel,Jackie,Stephanie,Claudia,Celine,Anna,Lori,Cary and Matt!
Be Well Always!
Stay Extra,Extra Safe and Well Richard! Excellent Reporting As Always!
Take Extra Good Care Richard and Crew!
XOXO
Lisa
Great report from Bagram Lester. The troops are doing a great job and Lisa is correct I always enjoy Richard's reports. I often wonder about Sarah Palin's son Track as she never speaks of him while he's in the Military. Even on Veterans Day or really no mention of Track has been said since she ran for office. As a Mom I know how hard it was for me and even reached out to the friends on this blog site for prayers. I pray the young man Track Palin is safe.
New York has a hottie as Attorney General and the criminals better watch out because he is one smart lawyer. New Yoirk did good this election.
have a great day all
Lester: Jimmy Settles is a another example of ultimate bravery in this most dangerous area of the world. Indeed, you are in the company of giants who risk their lives every day for the good of our nation. Lester, you too are in harms way togerther with the other reporters who relay information from the war zone. I appreciate the services that reporters like you risk their lives for to keep us informed. Keep up the good work and stay safe. I'll see you on tonight's broadcast.
Lester: I have a question to ask you. When you were at the air base, how far were you from the central combat zone? I saw you last night right in the thick of a bad situation. Great reporting thus far. Have a safe one.
Thanks for deleting those inflammatory posts from kola 101. You guys got the message! Why not send kola 101 to Afghanistan on a one way ticket, then she can blog his/her hearts content to the Taliban. Good Luck!!!!