FaST Surgeon (in Afghanistan): The 4th of July at FOB Shank

Sunday, July 4, 2010

The 4th of July at FOB Shank - Afghanistan

The sky was dingy with dust; not uncommon for Logar, Afghanistan. I climbed Airborne hill for some scenic photos despite the poor lighting. Then off in the distance, a Blackhawk popped flares.

The Blackhawks, Apaches and Chinooks tend to pop flares over this particular area. I've been trying to get a good shot of this for two months. Unfortunately, I don't get to just hang out and wait for someone to fly over in hopes that they will supply me with some sparkling action.

But, here it is... 4th of July... telephoto lens.. me looking in the right direction at the right time...

Pop pop... pop pop.. It happens very very fast. In fact, I shot these pictures before I heard the sound of the flares deploying.

I walked around the FOB for another hour or so. Missed a C130 taking off.. caught a few other pictures then made it to the DFAC. Above is our east side DFAC. They had it all decked out. Nice decorations with good food (for being in a forward operating base).

We also made it over to the Task Force Brawler DFAC. This place is significantly larger than the DFAC on my side of the FOB. Its huge and swanky... and there's typically more choices of food. But today, at Brawler DFAC there were 2 cakes at least 5 feet long! Holy Cow! You might forget for a minute that you're in a war zone with this kind of layout.

Finally, I want to leave you by introducing the new, official FaST Surgeon photographer and writer. Captain Johnson is the fantabulous occupational therapist that has helped to pioneer new and exciting treatment for mild traumatic brain injury right at the front lines. Although he is a Mac-head... and although he shoots with a Canon camera (Michael Yon will appreciate that :)) .. I know he will continue to help serve up fantastic pictures and stories for FaST Surgeon until the end of the year. CPT Johnson also has a blog at Army OT Guy.com. Go check it out.

I will continue to author and edit the stories, but for the next few days I will be out of touch. There will be a break in the action until I can get back online. Thank you all for your support. Its been an honor to serve.

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FaST Surgeon (in Afghanistan)

Sunday, July 4, 2010

The 4th of July at FOB Shank - Afghanistan

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