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| Afghanistan |
| Mid-Valley soldier story: Lt. Col. Jim Weaver |
| 2007-04-19 |
| Lt. Col. Jim Weaver retired at age 59 so he could be recalled to active duty and come to Afghanistan. His reason: "You don't get very many chances to build an army and a nation." Considering that the life expectancy of an Afghan man is 43 and the median age is 17, Weaver, now 60, commands a great amount of respect from his Afghan National Army counterparts and the soldiers under them. As he walked around the 207th Corps., every ANA soldier he came across had a kind word or even a hug for him. It's clear that he is well-liked. He has adopted the village Zangalah, which is about two miles from the base. The troops in Camp Stone affectionately refer to the village as Weaverville. "Afghanistan does not need an American solution for its problems. It needs an Afghan solution," Weaver said. In America, he said, we always are looking for the quick fix, but Afghanistan needs time. Nice interview follows at link and there are links to many cool photos there as well. |
| Posted by:ryuge |
| #6 Thanks for the words - I'll pass them along. Unfortunately, given the nature of his job, I can't really apply tw's algorithm since we can't even know which theater he's going to. Of course, that won't stop me from reading RB |
| Posted by: xbalanke 2007-04-19 14:59 |
| #5 xbalanke, our thoughts and prayers go with your nephew until he comes safely home. Mr. Wife is tootling round Europe this week for a variety of training seminars and meetings. One of the reasons I read Rantburg is to know when and about what I need to worry. F'r instance, before he left we talked about what's been going on in the Paris subways; he assured me he only ever takes taxis or rental cars anyway. All the news here this week is about places other than where he's going, so I've been sleeping pretty well at night. Finally, I imagine you'll be able to sense from your sister if things go pear shaped, even if she doesn't say. |
| Posted by: trailing wife 2007-04-19 14:17 |
| #4 Xbalanke, send your nephew our best wishes. |
| Posted by: Jonathan 2007-04-19 13:54 |
| #3 Wow. Now, that's a man! This seems a good post to add this personal note: I just got word that my nephew will be "deployed soon." I use the quotes deliberately since that is literally all he is allowed to say about it. He's in the Navy and currently stationed at Ft. Meade, which is about all he's allowed to say about that. We'll only be able to contact him indirectly via his sister, who's also in the Navy. On one hand, I don't think I could be prouder of him than if he were my own son. On the other hand, the necessary vagueness sure heightens the free-floating anxiety. |
| Posted by: xbalanke 2007-04-19 13:33 |
| #2 You'd be surprised, Blackvenom-2001. I've a neighbor, retired FBI, who went to Iraq for a year to run an investigation, just because they asked -- or so he said; I wouldn't be surprised if he'd made it known he was available. Mid-2005 to mid-2006, I think. Anecdotally a great many retired military tried to sign up after 9/11, but were told they were too old. Sheepdogs don't stop watching when they no longer go out with the herd. I learned that here. |
| Posted by: trailing wife 2007-04-19 12:45 |
| #1 I have a new hero... How many are willing to do this... not many... but this is what America is about! Blackvenom-2001 |
| Posted by: Blackvenom-2001 2007-04-19 12:14 |