DAY 51: Goodbye K1

Sun, 16 October 2005

Close Aerial Attack
Just as things are winding down for me, a large explosion occurs and the attack alarm goes off at midnight. Only this time I’m completely zonked out and don’t hear either event. A couple of troops are performing sweeps of the tents and find me completely sound asleep – I’m awakened and when I get my bearings I realize that this is our second attack within 48 hours. When I arrive at the bunker, I’m informed that the explosion occurred within 100 yards from us, hitting the next compound with debris falling into our compound. All those who were awake indicated they felt the ground shake – from their descriptions, this one was VERY close! We’re all now very concerned – the previous attacks were along the base periphery while this supposed rocket mortar hit the heart of the base. After staying outside in the bunker for almost two hours, we’re released and a bunch of us head to the other side of the compound to investigate the debris field. Wow, after contemplating the scenario, I realized that a few degrees difference in direction would have resulted in the total destruction of our Ops work center with the distinct possibility of a lot of deaths from fellow coworkers. This realization of danger really pushes us to the edge and I’m now looking forward more than ever on departing from this hell hole.

What Really Happened…
When I get into work in the morning, the true scenario starts to unfold. Our EOD (Explosive Ordnance Demolition) team investigating the incident uncovered something important – no evidence of a rocket for the rocket mortar attack. After further determination, the investigation team concludes that a water heater had exploded. I inquire with a fellow coworker if the debris field could be so large given this type of explosion. He informs me that in the long ago past, water heater explosions through the roof were occasional enough that a pressure release valve was mandated by the federal government around the 1960s. Thus, this safety valve would release built up pressure and prevent explosions from occurring. The contractor must have short-cut this requirement which ultimately resulted in this incident. I’m quite relieved – I’ll take an exploding water heater any day over the enemy’s ability to better target us.

Goodbye K1
“So long! Farewell! Adieu, adieu, adieu. Goodbye…Goodbye…Goodbye!” So sings the Von Trapp family in “The Sound of Music”. As the end of my tour approaches, I can finally reveal my location in Afghanistan during the past 6 weeks: Kandahar, also affectionately known as “K1”. After Kabul – Afghanistan’s capital city – Kandahar is the second largest city in the country and dominates the cultural landscape and commercial market throughout southern Afghanistan.

It is also here where the Taliban originated and gained strength before conquering the rest of the country during the chaotic 90s. At the start of the Operation Enduring Freedom campaign in October, 2001, one of the early images I recall on TV was the taking of Kandahar International Airport by coalition forces. The terminal’s unique architecture distinguishes it from nearly all other airport terminals I’ve visited. When I landed here 6 weeks ago, the first image I saw was the Kandahar terminal building – it brought back memories from four years ago regarding the start of this war that we are now fighting.

There’s even a movie called “Kandahar” that was released in 2001. Upon my return, I plan on renting it to learn about the Afghan culture that I only touched upon on a very superficial level. Alas, after a brief stay my time is now up at K1. Except for the dust, this was actually a pretty good assignment for a war zone. I send one last e-mail update to my home station – we are still on schedule to depart tomorrow. Alas it is time to pack the bags, say bye to fellow coworkers and prepare to depart.

Fallen Soldier #17