Since I'm on serious jet lag after getting back on American soil this afternoon, I'll keep this quick and try to write more later. I've always loved our fighting men and women, but never have I been more overwhelmed with pride and gratitude than in the last few days spending time with them, specifically in the Regional Command East of Afghanistan, and at the Ali Al-Salem Base (the Rock) in Kuwait.
Six of us Miss Americas, plus my good friend Jill Stevens who was Miss Utah and a finalist at Miss America, but more importantly, a combat medic in AFG 2004-2005 made the trek. This photo above on the right was taken on the C17 as we loaded up with 150 soldiers to head into Bagram. The corkscrew, combat zone landing added quite a bit of excitement, I tell you what. And an almost 5 hour flight (from Kuwait to Bagram) with all these guys jammed in there with NO leg room. And that's just the start of the hardships they endure.
The photo on the left reminds me of a significant moment for all of us. We had the opportunity to visit FOB Bostik, the northernmost forward operating base in AFG. These guys were among the remaining 45 or so survivors from the ambush on their Command Outpost just 20 KM away, 2 weeks ago...they lost 8 Soldiers. SGT Breeding (right behind me in the photo) told us what happened. Very sobering. What a privilege to spend some time with them and give them hugs. There were many others at the FOB that afternoon who we were honored to meet and let them know how deeply we care.
At every turn, and with every individual in uniform that I met, I felt blessed and in debt for their service, and I recognize the contribution that each one is responsible for, no matter their duty.
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