The real deal

The journey back from Afghanistan was quite an ordeal. We flew in a military aircraft from Kabul to a base in Kyrgyzstan and then flew in a regular (charter) aircraft back to the states. Since it was a charter aircraft, it was a bit different than a regular flight. First, we had our weapons and we were free to board the aircraft with these weapons (at this point we didn't have any ammunition though). The only rule was that you couldn't put the M-16 in the overhead compartment. Second, this was not the right aircraft for this trip. I think it was a Boeing 757, it certainly did not have the range to fly directly from Kyrgyzstan. So we made stops in Ireland, and Maine before ultimately landing in Norfolk, VA, late at night.

They tried to make it as painless as possible, and for the most part we succeeded. After departing the plane, we went to a hangar and turned in our weapons and any other high value items. Then we were free to go. The walk from the hangar to the parking lot where there were vehicles waiting for us was about 200 yards. There were people all along this walk who clapped and welcomed you home. It was incredibly touching. But, really, I didn't deserve it. The one who deserved it most never got his walk.

Everyone called him Rambo. He was a local Afghan who worked at the gate of our base. His journey was both extraordinary and heartbreaking. The Taliban often strikes by firing rockets. Typically the aim is not particularly good. However, they compensate by firing at large targets. It is the same theory of throwing a rock into the ocean, it is difficult to miss. Rambo lived in a large apartment building in Kabul and the Taliban fired a rocket at it. His wife and daughter were killed. At this point, instead of letting his grief overwhelm him, he vowed that he would help the Americans.

The base that I worked on used to be a big warehouse and trucking depot. Prior to the war, Rambo had worked there. When the US built the base, he stayed. He lived in a small shack. Each and every day he would work at the gate directing traffic and serving as an informal translator. All of the troops who worked at the gate wore body armor and were heavily armed. Rambo wore no armor and only carried a large baton. Still, he was respected. Part of my duties involved moving large shipping containers and for that we needed a crane. On the mornings we needed a crane I would tell Rambo how many we needed and he would arrange for the crane to come on base. I always enjoyed talking to him, and was impressed with how hard he worked and how much he loved America and what we were doing. What I didn't know was how brave he was.

One day, a vehicle approached the gate and Rambo did what he always did. He held up his baton and ordered the driver to stop. The driver did not stop. Rambo ran up to the vehicle, flung open the door and noticed that there were two wires on the gear shift and the driver was trying desperately to push the switch. Rambo wasn't going to let that happen. He wrestled the driver into submission and shortly thereafter the rest of the gate guards responded.

Our explosives team attempted to defuse the bomb, but were unsuccessful and detonated it in place with everyone kept back. Typically the gate was extremely busy. There were always a few dozen troops, contractors and Afghans around. The explosion was incredible, all the buildings shook and everything at the gate was flattened. We had to shut down the main gate and use an alternate gate until it could be rebuilt. Rambo saved countless lives. There is not enough time or people to give his the applause he deserves. More on Rambo below: More on Rambo