KANDAHAR AIRFIELD, Afghanistan —Sgt. Douglas Hayes wanted to see more than the confines of Kandahar Airfield, so he made a trip throughout Regional Command – South and East to gain real world, on the ground truth of operations.
Hayes, a native of Oxnard, Calif., assigned to the 311th Expeditionary Sustainment Command, was part of a convoy to plan out the movement of combat, sustainment, and support assets related to base closure and tactical level sustainment operations within the Combined Joint Operations Area - Afghanistan.
“I traveled throughout RCs South and East for 11 days, to Forward Operating Bases: Apache, Warrior, Al Massak, Ghanzi, Sharana, Airborne, and Bagram Airfield,” said Hayes about convoying with the 2nd Battalion, 22nd Infantry Regiment, 10th Mountain Division, 1048th Transportation Company of the Connecticut Army National Guard and the 514th Military Police Company assigned to the North Carolina Army National Guard.
“The highlight of the trip was two-fold; working with the truck companies, MPs, and 2-22 Infantry 10th Mountain Division, to accomplish the mission,” said Hayes. “In Kabul City, I gave a big bag of candy and Gatorade to some little girls.”
Hayes said he enjoyed the trip, but it wasn’t all fun and games.
“No sleep, limited food, no shower, and seeing what the children in this country are faced with every day. Dealing with the cultural differences was difficult also,” explained Hayes. “Seeing the dangers faced with operating in this country also. IEDs, mortars, etc...”
After the mission was complete, and returned home safe, Hayes had this to say about his experience.
“It felt good to get out and do what I've been training to do my whole career,” he said. “And to show that the 311th ESC isn’t afraid to jump in and get our hands dirty, I’ll do it again anytime.”
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| Date Taken: | 05.16.2013 |
| Date Posted: | 05.17.2013 03:04 |
| Story ID: | 107098 |
| Location: | KANDAHAR AIRFIELD, AF |
| Hometown: | OXNARD, CALIFORNIA, US |
| Web Views: | 240 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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