David Lamb's Blog: Yellowhammering Afghanistan!
by David Lamb
CBS 42 News
2008-02-25 11:38:45.0
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There are several blogs that I regularly check out and at the top of my list is Michael Tomberlin's blog for al.com. In case you do not know, Tomberlin is a long time reporter for The Birmingham News who is currently deployed to Afghanistan. In addition to being a quality reporter for the News, Tomberlin is also a Field Artillery Major in the Alabama National Guard.
Tomberlin's blog is called Yellowhammering Afghanistan and is found here. What I really appreciate about Michael's blog is the real life, first person accounting of what is going on with our men and women serving in Afghanistan. Tomberlin is a part of a 16-man team that is the only Alabama Army Guard unit in Afghanistan at a place affectionately called Camp Vulcan, a tribute to back home.
I recently emailed Michael to thank him for his service and the value I found in his blogging. Michael’s response to me revealed a great deal about the quality of the man behind the words;
This experience here has been hard, demanding work but it has also been such a blessing to have the interaction I have with the Afghan people. Also, as you say, my unique position allows me to give a voice to the thousands of soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines serving here and in Iraq.
It is that sort of sense of mission that comes through in the Yellowhammering blog. It is evident that Tomberlin is not just "doing a job" but that he is also serving his country with love and a sense of purpose. And he is also making a real difference. Here are a few of the entries from selected blogs. The first is a blog the day of a graduation ceremony for a new group of Afghan National Police.
As the snows thaw and our enemy get active again, the ANP (Afghan National Police) will once again be on the front lines of the fight against terrorism and the insurgency here in Ghazni and throughout Afghanistan.
Their ranks are a bit larger now and, much to our enemies' chagrin, hopefully a bit better.
Another entry, this one providing an update on relief supplies sent from home to give away to the Afghan people...
It's all gone.
All of the boxes of clothes, bedding, toys, stuffed animals, shoes and other items many of you donated is gone.
And again in another post...
There is much about Afghan society that should probably change, that is outdated. But one of the nice things about it is how it still values the family relationships. Many villages are made up almost entirely of people from one family.
Familial bonds are a huge part of the culture, part of what keeps Afghan people so strong and connected.
And in a post on Valentine's Day...
It goes without saying that we love our families. Our wives and children, our parents, out brothers and sisters are the owners of our hearts.
It is also obvious that we love our country. We wear her uniform and proudly display her flag on our shoulder. Like each other, we are ready to die for her if necessary.
Now, I think you know why I look forward to Tomberlin's blogs. Every time I read the entries I do so with a new and profound sense of gratitude, grateful for the men and women who are proudly representing our country abroad.
Again, you can check out Michael’s blog at http://blog.al.com/afghanistan.
My question for you, what blog do you check regularly. I would love to hear about them, just drop me a by clicking here.
Thanks for the time and have a great day,
David Lamb
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