KANDAHAR PROVINCE, Afghanistan –
Staff Sgt. Justin Dunn
Home Unit: 82d Communications Support Squadron
Location: Several remote combat outposts in the Arghandab River Valley, Kandahar Province in Afghanistan.
What do you do? I am fulfilling an Army billet as a mobile satellite communications system, or SNAP, operator. SNAPs used at small forward operating bases an COPs in the area of responsibility. I am the lone SNAP operator for five COPs in this area. My main duties are to maintain all of the computer systems within these COPs. I am also a certified Combat Life Saver, so I help out in medical tents when we have wounded perosnnel brought in.
What's a day in the life like while in Afghanistan? My daily operations vary, but my primary objective is to troubleshoot and fix any communications issues that arise. I travel to multiple locations and spend one to three days at that location to complete maintain. Travel means vary from convoy, dismounted foot patrols and helicopters. Being the only comm troop for these locations, I have no set hours, am 'on call' 24/7. There are no days off in the war zone.
What will you remember about your deployment 20 years from now? I will always remember the numerous villages I have patrolled through and the locals I have met and interacted with. Seeing the impact we are having to the locals is priceless -- they appreciate the fact that we are removing the Taliban and establishing a stable government, which brings them peace of mind!
What's the most useful item you packed? A good set of gloves and socks/foot care products. At a COP, everyone helps out with everything going on. Gloves were issued, but having a comfortable pair is the best. Foot care is key -- It gets very hot AND very cold here! You need to make sure you protect your most valuable body parts!
When did you realize you "weren't in Kansas anymore;" aka your "Dorothy" moment?
Within the first few nights, the reality sank in, as you can hear gunfire and ordnance. The real wake-up call came when convoy struck an improvised explosive device and I helped triage and stabilize several US troops. We lost two Soldiers that night, but knowing that we did what we could and helped the others until the medevac arrived proved how important everyone involved was.
What has been the highlight of your tour? I have had several surreal moments and I am sure I will have several more. One memory that will always stick out was when I was on a patrol and had the chance to interact with some local children. One local boy was so intrigued by my digital camera and thought it was so neat you could see the picture on the display screen. He tugged on my arm until I kneeled down to take a picture with him. This was a priceless moment for me.
What's the best part of the deployment? The best part of this deployment is the fact that I know how pivotal my communications support is to the fight. If our systems go down, it makes a major impact, and I have to quickly establish the problem and rectify it or lives could be lost. Another cool aspect is that I am the only Air Force guy mixed in with an Army company. It is a lot of fun to interact with them and learn their ways of life.
The worst part? I really have no complaints besides missing my beautiful wife Brittany, and my three awesome boys - Ethan, Bryce and Keagan!
What new survival skill have you learned? Always being aware of your surroundings. in Attacks can happen at any time and being aware and prepared is key to survival. I have also learned that having a good support system and friends to talk to will keep you sane on the days with the surroundings really have you down.
What do you do during down time? Read books, watch movies, hang out with the guys and play foosball and darts. My favorite thing to do is work on tactical shooting skills on our range.
What is the first thing you will do when you return? Spend lots of quality time with Brittany and my boys. After that, I can't wait to play some hockey.
What is the first thing you will eat when you return? I can't wait to have a great seafood meal at Harpoon Larry's, my favorite restaurant in Hampton Roads.
What insight/experience will you take away from your time over there? Not to take anything for granted. You never realize how great we have it in America until you see the way of life here.
What do you miss the most? Definitely my wife and kids.
How is your job that you are doing now different from the job back stateside? I really see the impact I am having on the fight over here. The stress level is high, but it's an enjoyable high! I can't wait to get home but I know I will miss everything I am experiencing over here.
Have you tried the local cuisine? Yes and it is awesome. I have had the chance to eat with the locals numerous times. Naan, a handmade flat bread, is amazing. When you add it in with the local rice and fresh goat meat it's even better. I have also had traditional chi on several occasions, which is a great time to relax and interact with the locals.
What do you think about what you hear on the news from what is going on stateside? To be honest I really don't have time to focus on the news from the States. I understand that we are in an economic slump and that there are other crises going on, but you really can't take time to focus on that. The only things I am concerned with are staying alive and if my family back home is safe.
Do you have plans for any extra money that you might be making from this deployment? If so, what will you buy? Yes, of course! I plan to take my wife on a cruise as a late anniversary gift (since I am here during it), purchase one of the personalized battalion handguns offered to anyone that was in this unit, and then pad my savings with the rest!
About when are you to return? March 2011