Don Moustache

The sun is just starting to set in this part of the world, which means one more day through, and one day closer to you. Another day full of explosions and IED finds. It wasn't long after we stepped off when the first of six blasts rocked our area. Half the time we have no idea what it was or where its coming from. I guess you could say, if it wasn't threatening us, then we just carry on with our mission. We pushed south this morning, varying our routes as always, and found ourselves on the edge of the Red Desert. This stretch of sand spans from Pakistan to Iran, and its commonly known that insurgents use it as a transit for explosives and weapons. I have yet to step foot into it, and don't know if I ever will. I may one day soon enough fly through its stratosphere, but until then I reckon we can leave it to the Bedouin and insurgents.
Capt Oneil (Pl Cmd) is back from leave and put his boots back on the ground today. We did about 15km crescenting our area and pushing back north. In one compound we came across yet another UXO and took care of it, this time in fine Red Dragon fashion. JT Dollah had his camera in hand as we nailed the flag to the wall, shout out to Ellis, and popped smoke. Then transition to me, with my back to the bomb, flinching as I wait for the blast, expecting a chunk of frag to take me in the back. You'd think this place is dangerous enough without standing 30m from a bomb going off, yet there I was, for the sake of the camera. Maybe I won't do that again. Word came over the net a few minutes later, that the platton Yan is attatched to found 2 IEDs in our town, in the culverts. IRF (immediate response force) spooled up and found another 2 more on their way to the site. I am more than impressed at our ability to find these things before they hurt anyone. As of late, more and more locals are stepping on them, or driving over top. I reckon the Taliban have stopped letting everyone know where they are due to this increase.
The kids in the area have started calling me Breitawalla, the terp, as well as the ANA. They holler it at me as I walk by and I can't help but smile. This thing is outta control. I'm waiting fo rthe jacking that I'm gonna get one of these days, but until then I will be known as the "moustache." We've managed to dodge the haircut bullet out here, citing poor hygeine as a reason for our defiance of dress and deportment. Unitl we get proper Barbisil and haircutting tools, we stand united. It looks as though its worked, as the wings that extend from under my hat remain unscathed.
Rediger and Maddin were out yesterday patrolling out in the area. They are both doing fine, and working hard. I reckon Maddin is learning more and more each day he spends with Red. Before, I was very concerned that he may not return with all of his appendages, however he looks like he's getting the hang of the power tools. Red is a good teacher and has accomplished a lot of projects since his return. Stairs are the next big job, as well as a bridge for the locals. Initially, SIMIC was suppose to build the damn thing, but they've long since left and noone knows when they'll return. Ole Hawk is still in, well, further east, and is expected back in mid Feb. He goes on leave shortly, and if you're reading this Hawk, you are not E**C on the radio. I am E**C. You are not E**A, Capt Hachey is E**A. You are E13Fyffe, this is your new callsign. Use it accordingly....hahahha........see ya in a couple........
I hope everyone is starting off the new year great in Canada and everyone is healthy. I think about home all of the time and the good times ahead. Love you guys........out