...and we're furiously editing the half-hour program. It has incredible potential. The soldiers I talked to in Afghanistan what seems like a thousand years ago were unbelievably honest and open about their work, their lives, their thoughts.
I got the impression it was nice for them to have somebody from home to talk to about what they do and how they feel about it, somebody who -unlike their fellow soldiers- didn't automatically understand, but had a genuine interest. That would be me, alright, and I came by it quite honestly. It's tough not to find an experience like that fascinating on a whole lot of levels. It's good to have your eyes opened every once in a while. That's the great thing about what I do. I think the troops were also glad to have somebody carrying their thoughts home- letting people know they're making a difference in the world and that they're enthusiastic about that. It's a big sacrifice- not just for them, but for their friends and families.
Since I'm being so honest, let me also say that writing this thing has been a BEAR- and I still don't feel like I'm done -like I'm truly doing the story justice- but I'm doing my best. I was here banging away at it until 1:30 this morning and back in at 8. Thursday's coming fast, and I have the feeling we'll be making changes right down to the wire. But I honestly believe in the importance of this- that -for one thing- great human sacrifice should not go unrecognized. Afghanistan is the war we have not heard enough about. Not yet, anyway. I hope folks will tune in to hear a little bit more Thursday night at 9:30.
Hopefully the show will be ready. Just kidding-- it'll be ready.. or I'll be going back to Afghanistan looking for work!
CPT Matt Goetten, COL Tony Libri, SGT Bernardo Guillen, CSM Mark Bowman, LT Miguel Cisneros, CPT Chris Dieball, SSG Mike Vasko, LT Susan Moore, Naqi "Nick" Bullah, LT Dennis Wambangco, SPC Kenneth Smith, COL Robert Guy, COL Scott L. Thoele, SGT Bernardo Guillen, LT Craig Porte, Idris, SGT Richard Ibberson, SGT Jenn Kohany, MSG Aaron Nelson, SGT Justin Arbogast, SGT Rick Rodgers, SPT Demetria Howard, SPC Tim Turner, SSG Jeffrey Knodel
Special thanks to:
SSG Jason Vazquez - Chicago, IL -- May 17, 1984 - Sept. 17, 2008
SGT Joshua Harris - Oak Park, IL -- July 29, 1987 - Sept. 17, 2008
SGT Kevin D. Grieco -- Bartlett, IL -- Oct 25, 1973 - Oct, 27, 2008
SSG Jason Burkholder - Marshall, IL -- Nov. 8, 1981 - Feb. 8, 2009
1LT Jared William Southworth - Oakland, IL -- May 28, 1982 - Feb. 8, 2009
SPC Schuyler Brent Patch - Galva, IL -- Feb, 17, 1984 - Feb. 24, 2009
SGT Scott Bradley Stream - Matoon, IL -- March 4, 1969 - Feb. 24, 2009
SGT Simone Asia Robinson - Robbins, IL -- Aug. 30, 1987 - March 1, 2009
SGT Christopher P. Abeyta - Midlothian, IL -- April 10, 1985 - March 15, 2009
SPC Norman L. Cain III - Mount Morris, IL -- Oct. 23, 1986 - March 15,2009
SPC Robert M. Weinger - Round Lake Beach, IL -- Dec. 22, 1984 - March 15,2009
SPC Lukasz D. Saczek - Lake in the Hills, IL -- Apr. 21, 1986 - May 10, 2009
SSG Joshua Melton - Germantown, IL -- Oct. 8, 1982 - June 19, 2009
SGT Paul Smith - East Peoria, IL -- July 9, 1965 - June 19, 2009
Can't wait to see it. Our son in law was in one of the shots where he was getting ready to receive the bronze star. He is SSGT. Greg Williams. You have managed to bring him home a little sooner for our daughter. She was so excited to be able to get a glimpse of him. Thank you. Rick Burton
Just caught the last few minutes of the special----awesome! Thanks so much. Nice to see and hear the perspective from the field and gain a greater appreciation for what is truly happening. Job well done!