Troy Cox

from:
Boddicker, Tristan 1LT RES USAR FORSCOM [tristan.boddicker@us.army.mil]

Greetings everyone,

I write after another long week down here in Zormat. I know, it sounds like some planet you would see on a Star Trek movie, but it is what it is. I would like to first thank everyone for the overwhelming response of gift packages. We really do appreciate everything that has been sent over here.

With regards to this week we were able to go out on several missions and interact with many of the local populace. Last week we hosted a soccer game and the newly dedicated Zormat Soccer Complex. Which is really just a regular soccer field minus the grass. But the locals love the flare. It was a success, Zormat AFC won against Team USA 6-2 in an exciting match. There were over 150 local spectators, and we were able to pull this off without incident. This week while on patrol, we spoke to many of the Bazaar vendors who stated that they had either closed shop to watch the game or had heard about the event and were pleased that the home team won. They also were pleased with the idea that we would continue to hold these events throughout the winter, and were very excited when we encouraged them to invite teams from other district capitals. However, Zormat being a hotly contested area, which is predominantly controlled by insurgents and members of the Taliban, most other teams will most likely not come down here. Do I here "Road Trip" for the away games. :)

While in the Bazaar we walked through the alleyways and found the vegetable market. Suffice it to say, there produce here is absolutely awesome, and the potatoes are as big as two soft balls. However, on a down note, the import much of their produce from the neighboring district of Ghazni. The primary reason for this is due to the Soviet occupation of this area. While the Soviets were here, they trucked in tons of salt and spread it on the fertile fields of Zormat as a means of punishment and control. 30 years later, you can still see the salinity in the soil, and it crisps up when it is dry. Our USDA rep here is trying his hardest to assist the local farmers with initiatives to plant trees that can produce fruit and withstand the above normal salinity.

We also when along with the Infantry unit down here on a Mounted Combat Patrol in order to get acquainted with the rural areas of our district. This is the largest district in the province as well as the most populated, but it is also the most dangerous. I am able to operate semi freely in only about 1% of the district. I hope this winter there are some things that we can do to expend the security zone. To bee seen.

Again, my guys and I thank you all from the bottom of our hearts for the gratitude you have all shown by supporting us with the wonderful care packages you all have sent.

I will shoot you an e-mail again next week and give you all a play by play of the adventures and God willing the progress we may be able to make this winter, while we have a slight lull in the fighting season. Most of the bad guys don't like the cold. I don't blame them, it gets wicked cold here.

Sincerely,

Tristan