So many kids, so few balls. This picture if from the village of Agung, Uganda.
Susan from Tanzanite Jet, receiving a ball for the Tanzanian Women’s Team.
Monday, March 3, 2008
Soccer Balls Galore!
So many kids, so few balls. This picture if from the village of Agung, Uganda. Susan from Tanzanite Jet, receiving a ball for the Tanzanian Women’s Team.
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Letter from Civil Affairs Team:
Chief,
Here are some photos of the balls that got handed out to Mama Hani's orphanage by one of the 402d Civil Affairs teams (SSG Countermine).Approximately half of the 80 children that she takes care of are either mentally or physically disabled. It is located in Garissa Kenya. The CA team goes there weekly. They also are organizing a soccer ball tournament in Garissa where they will hand out balls as prizes. The 350th is in Lamu, Kenya and they are also handing out balls. I will get something from them early next month. I am still waiting for the team in Yemen to send pix.
Thank you for your help by donating the balls to the CA teams to use.
v/r
LTC Largeman
THANK YOU! Soccer Ball Drive Contributors!
Janet Abazzia and Matt Petzel
Albany Brick Company, NAWIC
Athens Gourmet
Athens Red Hat Sweeties
Marie Battaglioli, Foster & Company
Janice Francis, Heery
Susan Carson, NAWIC
Stacey Chapman
Glenn & Linda Chapman
Dr. and Carol Cuff
Ashley Dale, Barton Malow
Stephanie & Glenn Golias
Mike & Nicole Hovis
Nancy Juneau, Juneau Construction
Jeff Mason, Heery
Renee Johnson, Running Gazelle
National Association of Women in Construction - NAWIC
Brent & Anna Norman, Running Gazelle
Frank Riggs
Linda Smith, Heery
Society for Marketing Professional Services - SMPS
Diane Taylor, Sawhorse
Kim, Pete and Trent Waldrop
Sharon Whitfield, Heery
And more…
Athens Gourmet
Athens Red Hat Sweeties
Marie Battaglioli, Foster & Company
Janice Francis, Heery
Susan Carson, NAWIC
Stacey Chapman
Glenn & Linda Chapman
Dr. and Carol Cuff
Ashley Dale, Barton Malow
Stephanie & Glenn Golias
Mike & Nicole Hovis
Nancy Juneau, Juneau Construction
Jeff Mason, Heery
Renee Johnson, Running Gazelle
National Association of Women in Construction - NAWIC
Brent & Anna Norman, Running Gazelle
Frank Riggs
Linda Smith, Heery
Society for Marketing Professional Services - SMPS
Diane Taylor, Sawhorse
Kim, Pete and Trent Waldrop
Sharon Whitfield, Heery
And more…
Monday, February 25, 2008
Sunday, February 24, 2008
Uganda Pet Monkey
A kid with his pet monkey in Acet, Uganda. Nothing to do with the Soccer Drive (well, this kid did get to play) but cute and blogworthy anyway.
Let's All Play Football
LETS ALL PLAY FOOTBALL (That’s African for Soccer). Here is the local team on the ‘pitch’ at Atiak, Uganda. Note the soldier showing off his skills!
The Success of the Soccer Ball Drive
Greetings, readers, and here is a long overdue Soccer Ball update. I am sure that you all are eagerly awaiting some feedback on all your time and effort in getting the balls shipped and donated.
At this point, over 200 soccer balls, various pumps, and several dozen shin guards and a tremendous amount of goodwill have been distributed to the following nations: Djibouti, Tanzania, Kenya, Comoros, Ethiopia, and Uganda. The generosity and time that you folks have contributed to the Soccer Drive have made this effort a smashing success. Giving out the soccer balls may seem like a small thing, but this is the sort of good will that will lead to feelings of good will towards the United States and our people. The balls given out during this drive represent a tremendous gift to the people living in the nations of the Horn of Africa by helping us out with this mission, YOU, the reader, has contributed DIRECTLY to the war effort by providing the donations for this Soccer Ball Drive.
The following pictures were taken by a Civil Affairs /VETCP team who were in Uganda for the entire month of January. During their assistance visit there, these folks treated something on the order of 30,000 head of cattle, and vaccinated countless goats, cats, dogs and even a few monkeys. Oh, and they also managed to give out a few soccer balls. The team went to over twenty different villages in northern Uganda, villages that are technically refugee camps left over from Uganda’s civil unrest of the early 80’s. In some areas, these camps hold as many 100,000 people.
At this point, over 200 soccer balls, various pumps, and several dozen shin guards and a tremendous amount of goodwill have been distributed to the following nations: Djibouti, Tanzania, Kenya, Comoros, Ethiopia, and Uganda. The generosity and time that you folks have contributed to the Soccer Drive have made this effort a smashing success. Giving out the soccer balls may seem like a small thing, but this is the sort of good will that will lead to feelings of good will towards the United States and our people. The balls given out during this drive represent a tremendous gift to the people living in the nations of the Horn of Africa by helping us out with this mission, YOU, the reader, has contributed DIRECTLY to the war effort by providing the donations for this Soccer Ball Drive.
The following pictures were taken by a Civil Affairs /VETCP team who were in Uganda for the entire month of January. During their assistance visit there, these folks treated something on the order of 30,000 head of cattle, and vaccinated countless goats, cats, dogs and even a few monkeys. Oh, and they also managed to give out a few soccer balls. The team went to over twenty different villages in northern Uganda, villages that are technically refugee camps left over from Uganda’s civil unrest of the early 80’s. In some areas, these camps hold as many 100,000 people.
The Kids from the Ugandan Village of Olwiyo with a couple of the VETCAP security guys.
The Kids with their new soccer ball and one of the Vets at the Ugandan Village of Abili. Often, it was necessary to give the ball to the village elder (standing next to the vet) to prevent a “ruckus”.
Friday, February 15, 2008
Guest blog
Command, Family and Friends,
Though we have only completed just over half of our six month rotation it has been a very successful and fulfilling rotation. CW4 Webb our instructor pilot, SFC Whitfield, operations NCO, and myself arrived in Djibouti on September 6th in relief of the Arkansas flight detachment. The addition of the second aircraft soon after, has more than doubled the monthly flight hours previously flown, and provided redundancy for critical missions. We are now flying over 110 hours a month and we expect this average to increase. The trans-Atlantic C-26 crossing was accomplished when CW4 Hardy Hay, operations officer, CW3 Robert Negron, safety officer and CW2 Alton Chapman, pilot extraordinaire flew over 8,385 miles. We have now flown in almost every country in the Horn of Africa including: Comoros, Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Seychelles, Tanzania, Uganda and Yemen. We have also flown to Madagascar and Rwanda in support of the expanding HOA mission. You will note most of our flights are conducted in civilian clothes; this is Foreign Clearance guide and U.S. Embassy requirement for most of Africa.
We are continually amazed at the immensity and grandeur of Africa, the richness of its peoples and the changing beauty of the land. We have many opportunities to interact with the African people on our missions and throughout our travels. CW2 Alton Chapman and CW4 Jeff Webb both have had very generous friends and church groups that have sent them soccer balls and other equipment which we have had the pleasure of distributing to some very sincere and grateful people.
I am impressed with the leadership of HOA and how they conduct the mission. There is always a sincerity of purpose. They care for soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines. Their demonstration of care for the US tax dollar and Africans is evident in all they do. They believe in their mission statement and seek every day to make Africa a better place for Africans and the world. I truly believe that they are “Helping African’s Help African’s.”
The HOA mission is a lasting presence. They are helping to build schools, roads, water wells and help create infrastructure. I see enthusiasm and a true commitment and dedication from these soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines down range making all of this happen. This is a very rewarding mission. Additional information on the horn of Africa mission (HOA) can be found on the following website: www.hoa.centcom.mil.
Our unit will redeploy by the end of March, we look forward to our return to our friends and families. Thanks you for your continued support.
CW5 John Ely
GAARNG, AV
Detachment 9 OSA, Commanding
Though we have only completed just over half of our six month rotation it has been a very successful and fulfilling rotation. CW4 Webb our instructor pilot, SFC Whitfield, operations NCO, and myself arrived in Djibouti on September 6th in relief of the Arkansas flight detachment. The addition of the second aircraft soon after, has more than doubled the monthly flight hours previously flown, and provided redundancy for critical missions. We are now flying over 110 hours a month and we expect this average to increase. The trans-Atlantic C-26 crossing was accomplished when CW4 Hardy Hay, operations officer, CW3 Robert Negron, safety officer and CW2 Alton Chapman, pilot extraordinaire flew over 8,385 miles. We have now flown in almost every country in the Horn of Africa including: Comoros, Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Seychelles, Tanzania, Uganda and Yemen. We have also flown to Madagascar and Rwanda in support of the expanding HOA mission. You will note most of our flights are conducted in civilian clothes; this is Foreign Clearance guide and U.S. Embassy requirement for most of Africa.
We are continually amazed at the immensity and grandeur of Africa, the richness of its peoples and the changing beauty of the land. We have many opportunities to interact with the African people on our missions and throughout our travels. CW2 Alton Chapman and CW4 Jeff Webb both have had very generous friends and church groups that have sent them soccer balls and other equipment which we have had the pleasure of distributing to some very sincere and grateful people.
I am impressed with the leadership of HOA and how they conduct the mission. There is always a sincerity of purpose. They care for soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines. Their demonstration of care for the US tax dollar and Africans is evident in all they do. They believe in their mission statement and seek every day to make Africa a better place for Africans and the world. I truly believe that they are “Helping African’s Help African’s.”
The HOA mission is a lasting presence. They are helping to build schools, roads, water wells and help create infrastructure. I see enthusiasm and a true commitment and dedication from these soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines down range making all of this happen. This is a very rewarding mission. Additional information on the horn of Africa mission (HOA) can be found on the following website: www.hoa.centcom.mil.
Our unit will redeploy by the end of March, we look forward to our return to our friends and families. Thanks you for your continued support.
CW5 John Ely
GAARNG, AV
Detachment 9 OSA, Commanding
Sorry for Delay
Folks,
We have been flying so much that it has been hard to find time to let you know what is going on. We are scheduled to come home sometime in March. The exact timeframe keeps changing, so once we know for sure I will let you know.
Thank you for your continued support.
We have been flying so much that it has been hard to find time to let you know what is going on. We are scheduled to come home sometime in March. The exact timeframe keeps changing, so once we know for sure I will let you know.
Thank you for your continued support.
Monday, January 14, 2008
A few more of Gulu
This is a view of the houses in Gulu. These particular homes were located right next to the runway across the street from the airfield. In addition to all the kids that came out to greet us, the place was just bustling with activity, with lots of people moving up and down the road to and from the market. You would see the local women coming back from shopping balancing these impossible loads up on their heads. I guess that is what you do in Uganda when you don't have the luxury of SUV's and a cart. I am hoping that on our return trip to Gulu I will be able to get some pictures of the kids playing with their new soccer balls that you all donated.
More Pictures of the kids in Gulu
As promised, here are the pictures of the kids at Gulu, Uganda. They were really having a great time, smiling and laughing and just being kids. This of course proves my theory that kids in general can tune out the reality of their everyday situation and just concentrate…..on having fun. What a concept, the world woud be a better place if adults could learn to do that more often. Especially politicians and third world dictators.
Here I am handing out sodas. May their parents please forgive me! Although, my guess is that these little guys do not need to be told to “Put up the ^%$# video games and go play outside!”
Tuesday, January 8, 2008
Gulu Pictures
Above: Village at Gulu Above: The Kids at Gulu hamming it up!
These photos were taken at Gulu, and are of the village just across from the air strip.
I have more pictures, but I am having trouble uploading them. More to follow.
Sunday, January 6, 2008
The Sunset View over the Mozambique Channel
I snapped this picture while at 23,000 feet on our way to Madacascar. Looks like I am getting the hang of this picture taking thing!Friday, January 4, 2008
Gulu and Entebbe Uganda
Earlier in December, Hardy and I had a three day trip down to Uganda. It was a fascinating trip, as we got to stay in a hotel right next to Lake Victoria, which is the second largest lake in all of Africa, and is also the head waters for the mighty Nile River.
Our first stop on this trip was airport at Entebbe. Entebbe, if you remember your history, was the location of the famous Israeli raid to free a hijacked airliner from terrorists working for the Ugandan dictator at the time, Idi Amin. This raid took place in the summer of 1977-and was remarkable for the speed and accuracy with which the Israeli commandos accomplished their mission. The commandos flew non-stop from Israel in C-130’s and executed an assault on the airfield that resulted in none of the hostages at the airfield being killed. The Israeli’s managed to kill all the terrorists (always a good thing in my book) while they themselves sustained only one casualty, the man who lead the raid. Sadly, (and in true to their cowardly nature) the terrorists murdered the only hostage that was not at the airport at the time. This man was in a Ugandan Hospital and Idi Amin ordered him killed after the success of the raid.
The old control tower is still there, and you can still see the bullet holes left by the Israeli heavy weapons during the assault. The Ugandans have erected a plaque there to honor those killed in the raid, and to condemn the rule of Idi Amin.
Later in the same trip, we got to play the part of true African Bush Pilots. We had to drop some passengers to a remote airfield to the north of Entebbe called Gulu. It’s a nice, long runway, and it’s even paved (although the surface is somewhat questionable) but it’s truly out in the bush. No runway lights, no instrument approaches, no control tower. The airfield information said to beware of animals on the runway. So when we made approach into Gulu, we left the gear up and did a low level pass over the runway at about 300 feet above ground level. We didn’t see any animals, but we sure did scare the heck out of a local who was riding down the runway on a moped for some reason. As it turns out, this fellow was just doing his job ensuring that the runway was clear of animals for our arrival. We sure got his attention with the low pass though.
Gulu is what I always imagined that the African Bush would look like. It is a lush green place, located on a high flat plain, surrounded by tall grass and trees. To the east of the runway, right outside the fence was a thatched hut village. Upon landing we got a very friendly welcome from the folks there, and had a lot of fun passing sodas to the kids just outside the fence line. They congregated quickly after our arrival, hamming it up for the camera and generally having a great time just like kids anywhere else. I am guessing that they probably had not ever seen a Metroliner before.
Our first stop on this trip was airport at Entebbe. Entebbe, if you remember your history, was the location of the famous Israeli raid to free a hijacked airliner from terrorists working for the Ugandan dictator at the time, Idi Amin. This raid took place in the summer of 1977-and was remarkable for the speed and accuracy with which the Israeli commandos accomplished their mission. The commandos flew non-stop from Israel in C-130’s and executed an assault on the airfield that resulted in none of the hostages at the airfield being killed. The Israeli’s managed to kill all the terrorists (always a good thing in my book) while they themselves sustained only one casualty, the man who lead the raid. Sadly, (and in true to their cowardly nature) the terrorists murdered the only hostage that was not at the airport at the time. This man was in a Ugandan Hospital and Idi Amin ordered him killed after the success of the raid.
The old control tower is still there, and you can still see the bullet holes left by the Israeli heavy weapons during the assault. The Ugandans have erected a plaque there to honor those killed in the raid, and to condemn the rule of Idi Amin.
Later in the same trip, we got to play the part of true African Bush Pilots. We had to drop some passengers to a remote airfield to the north of Entebbe called Gulu. It’s a nice, long runway, and it’s even paved (although the surface is somewhat questionable) but it’s truly out in the bush. No runway lights, no instrument approaches, no control tower. The airfield information said to beware of animals on the runway. So when we made approach into Gulu, we left the gear up and did a low level pass over the runway at about 300 feet above ground level. We didn’t see any animals, but we sure did scare the heck out of a local who was riding down the runway on a moped for some reason. As it turns out, this fellow was just doing his job ensuring that the runway was clear of animals for our arrival. We sure got his attention with the low pass though.
Gulu is what I always imagined that the African Bush would look like. It is a lush green place, located on a high flat plain, surrounded by tall grass and trees. To the east of the runway, right outside the fence was a thatched hut village. Upon landing we got a very friendly welcome from the folks there, and had a lot of fun passing sodas to the kids just outside the fence line. They congregated quickly after our arrival, hamming it up for the camera and generally having a great time just like kids anywhere else. I am guessing that they probably had not ever seen a Metroliner before.
All of this kind of makes our ‘hanging chads’ look silly, doesn’t it?
Hey folks….I do not know if this has garnered much attention back home, but I wanted to let you all know about the current situation ongoing in Kenya as you are reading this. Kenya is currently experiencing some pretty bad violence associated with their presidential election. As of this writing, (according to the AP) approximately 135 people have been killed in post election fighting between rival supporters of the two candidates. The cause of the initial violence was the disputed victory of the incumbent president. Apparently he had been trailing in all the Election Day polls, but when the official results were declared, he had retaken the lead, and the government declared him the winner. However, the opposition refused to accept this outcome, and declared their candidate the winner.
I have been told the actual policy differences between the two politicians is quite minor, but there supporters are split down ethnic and tribal lines. Tribal and ethnic affiliations play a large role in African affairs, and it is difficult for me as a westerner to understand why this election has sparked so much unrest.
At any event I feel for Kenya…especially the innocent victims of the clashing tribes. Kenya is a fantastic nation, and a strong ally of the United States. They have probably the fastest growing economy in Africa, with a nation rich in natural resources and rich in human resources as well. Kenya is a spectacularly beautiful place-a vast hilly green land, with everything from tropical savannahs to desert in the north.
Please keep Kenya in your prayers and thoughts as her people struggle to come to grips with this election. The people of Kenya have always treated us well, and I can only hope that those folks have managed to avoid the current trouble down there. On a positive note, I have heard from people in the know (sorry I cannot reveal more about who told me this) that despite the violence there is a sense among the people there that this will pass relatively quickly and things will return back to normal. One can only hope so.
All of this kind of makes our ‘hanging chads’ look silly, doesn’t it?
I have been told the actual policy differences between the two politicians is quite minor, but there supporters are split down ethnic and tribal lines. Tribal and ethnic affiliations play a large role in African affairs, and it is difficult for me as a westerner to understand why this election has sparked so much unrest.
At any event I feel for Kenya…especially the innocent victims of the clashing tribes. Kenya is a fantastic nation, and a strong ally of the United States. They have probably the fastest growing economy in Africa, with a nation rich in natural resources and rich in human resources as well. Kenya is a spectacularly beautiful place-a vast hilly green land, with everything from tropical savannahs to desert in the north.
Please keep Kenya in your prayers and thoughts as her people struggle to come to grips with this election. The people of Kenya have always treated us well, and I can only hope that those folks have managed to avoid the current trouble down there. On a positive note, I have heard from people in the know (sorry I cannot reveal more about who told me this) that despite the violence there is a sense among the people there that this will pass relatively quickly and things will return back to normal. One can only hope so.
All of this kind of makes our ‘hanging chads’ look silly, doesn’t it?
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