KANDAHAR AIR FIELD, Afghanistan –
Master Sgt. Richard Rice Jr.
Home Unit: Air Combat Command Acquisition Management & Integration team
What do you do? I am the communication systems advisor to the Kandahar Air Wing of the Afghan National Army Air Corps.
What's a day in the life like while in Afghanistan? Work, eat, run, read and sleep.
What will you remember about your deployment 20 years from now? The dust and sand.
What's the most useful item you packed? My boots.
When did you realize you "weren't in Kansas anymore;" aka your "Dorothy" moment? When I stepped off the plane at Manas Air Base.
What has been the highlight of your tour? Our unit is making history here now.
What's the best part of the deployment? Doing my job.
The worst part? Being away from my family.
What new survival skill have you learned? Patience is a virtue definitely needed to survive here.
What do you do during down time? Laundry and studying.
What is the first thing you will do when you return? Thank God.
What is the first thing you will eat when you return? A "real" steak.
What do you miss the most? My wife.
Have you tried the local cuisine? Yes.
What do you think about when you hear on the news from what is going on stateside? Get it together, America! Don't fall apart now! The troops need you to unite!
Do you have plans for any extra money that you might be making from this deployment? Keep the wolf from the door.
About when are you to return? January 2011.