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.