Some people seem so unforgiving when looking at another people's culture. I just don't get it. I know it may sound cliche but we are all different and that is what makes us each of special in our own way. Sure, other cultures may do things different than our own, but that does not make it wrong. It just makes it different, plain and simple, just different. The only exception I would make is if is hurting another human being. Who made it so that we could cast judgement on other cultures? What makes us think ours is perfect? Sure, it makes sense for us to be proud of where we are from and our personal values, but that does not give us the right to play god. I personally thank God for the uniqueness and am proud to be who I am while wanting to learn more about others. Thank God for our differences.

I had an opportunity to experience an Afghan first, Afghan National Police learning how to handle domestic violence cases. In the U.S. we just take forgranted that our police in how to respond to domestic disputes. Through this training, the ANP will be able to help their citizens in the same way our police help ours and hopefully reduce the amount of domestic violence cases.

Making a Difference

Some people may ask just what we're doing over here. Well, we're doing a lot! In the short time that I have been here I have seen how we are working with Afghans to help build their army and their police force as well as create jobs, increase literacy, build their government and much, much more.

During the time of the Taliban literacy rates drastically dropped. Now, Afghans are becoming educated through specially designed literacy programs. Afghan women now have increased job opportunities while the men have a chance to defend their country and provide civil security through the Afghan National Army and the Afghan National Police.

Speaking of the ANA and ANP, their capabilities are rapidly growing to include training and maintenance programs. The ANA has a new radio maintenance quality assurance/quality control facility operated by Afghans while the newly developed Major Crimes Task Force, similar to the federal bureau of investigations, represents the commitment of government and leadership to remove corruptness and prevent civil unrest. These are just two of several accomplishments made with many more to come.

Will we be leaving tomorrow? I don't know...what is important is that the Afghans are doing more and more on their own, taking important steps to standing on their own two feet.

Safi Apparel Corporation

Yesterday I had the opportunity to visit an Afghan sewing factory, where Afghans come together working to make uniforms for the Afghan National Army and the Afghan National Police.

One of the most amazing things about this place is that 95% of its employees are women! Things have changed so much for the Afghan women over here, they now have opportunities to make a living for themselves and to help out their families. I once interviewed a widow at a different sewing shop with, if I recall correctly, six children. This sewing factory provided her the opportunity to help support her family. These women are so strong and have been through so much, yet they come out on top. It truly is amazing.

The NATO forces here are working daily with the Afghans to help increase job opportunities for both men and women alike. I truly feel like we are making a difference and see these changes all the time.

Hello, from Afghanistan

So, here I am in Afghanistan. Is it what I expected? No, but I don't think anything can ever really prepare someone for a deployment. I mean, the military has great pre-deployment training but things are still different than what I had mentally prepared myself for.

Anyway, here I sit at my desk, almost like a typical office in the United States. I have a desk, a computer, a telephone, books, binders, folders and pens, all the typical office supplies. The people I work with are great and there is always someone there to talk to. Sometimes I actually have to remind myself where I am...Afghanistan.