Masonic lodge at Kandahar, Afghanistan

If this lodge is in communications with my home Grand Lodge(s), I will be delighted to participate!

"...Canada Lodge held our first Ceremonies of Initiation on the evening of October 7, 2010 here at Kandahar Air Field. Initiated were Major Robert Kelly and Corporal Satraj Toor. As you can see from the photos, our lodge is now beautifully furnished thanks to the generosity of the brethren from back home. Due to operational requirements we did not (all who had parts) have the chance (though try we did) to do a complete run through before the big night. If I may say so myself, the ceremony was done as well as any I have seen back home (in my limited masonic experience, mind you). All of the parts came together seamlessly and it was quite evident that all of the brethren had put their heart and soul into the perfection of their work. I am truly honoured to have been a part of this historic masonic event. Our evening ended with a truly Afghan flavour as we were posing for photographs we came under rocket attack and had to hit the floor (pictured). [JCW] I have posted the pictures and captions on the website at the following link. A recent lodge installation in Courtenay was interrupted by a power outage. It seems a rocket attack is considered a similar annoyance. "Where two or three are gathered together..."

http://www.grandchapter-bc-yukon.ca/canadalodge.shtml
__________________Gord Vokes,
Prince of Wales #100, Landmark #128; GL BC&Y
Gord

Posts: 348
Joined: Mon Oct 13, 2008 5:42 pm

For the record: I am NOT a soldier.

For the record: I am a CIVILIAN technician, working in Afghanistan. I do not want any confusion, nor anyone thinking that I am a soldier. I served in the US Air Force, 1973-1978, and I was honorably discharged. I am proud of my military service, but I am now way too old and too fat, for military service. I consider it an honor to work with our fine soldiers and Marines. (The US Navy is in charge of the project I am on). But I am not fit to wipe their shoes. Please, do not assume, that because I work in Afghanistan, that I am a soldier. Thanks.

Ten days in Kandahar

I have been here for ten days. I have a decent tent, the chow hall is fine. The work is OK, still learning. I have connected with some Masons here, but I cannot participate in the lodge, as it is Prince Hall affiliated. So there.

I should be on this project 5-6 months. The work is excellent, I really like it. I am not crazy about the schedule 7-7 7days a week. At least the tent is quiet.

Winter is on the way, the nights are cool, the afternoons are spectacular. After all, this is a desert, and the skies are not cloudy all day.

I do miss television, I never get to watch TV. I have to pay $100 a month, to get internet service. Even then it is slow, and I cannot watch YouTube.

I have been getting some interesting emails, from masons. I got a nice email from a woman freemason in Nigeria.

If anyone wants to donate items to the troops, I will be more than glad to distribute the items. Christmas is coming. We could use tobacco, coffee, candy, snacks, beef jerky, etc.

Kandahar

Been here less than a week. I was very stiff and sore from the trip. My butt is still sore. 13 hours in a small airplane seat, will do that to you!

Just now, I am trying to get over the jet-lag. It is 3:45pm, and I want to sleep.

I am grateful for everyone's kindness at my dad's passing. He is up in heaven now, probably playing bridge, and eating chili. That was his idea of heaven here on earth.

I am continually amazed at the quality of the chow hall food here in Afghanistan. it is light-years ahead of anything I ever had, when I was in uniform 1978.

2d day in Kandahar

Been here for two days. Food in chow hall is good. Had polish sausage and sauerkraut. No eggs will be served here, though. I have a decent tent, but the air conditioning is on 24 hours a day. It is much hotter in the day, than I had planned for. I will need some more hot weather clothing. My supervisor is very nice, he will be heading out for the USA in a couple of days.

I am still stiff and sore from the travel, I got some pain medication, and a shot today!

Kandahar Afghanistan

I am safely in Kandahar. The flight over was not terrible. Small seat, lousy food, only curried vegetables. I spent the night in a hotel in Dubai, and flew to Afghanistan this morning.

I am living in a tent, eating in a chow hall.

I will begin my work orientation next week.

Kandahar Afghanistan

I am safely in Kandahar. The flight over was not terrible. Small seat, lousy food, only curried vegetables. I spent the night in a hotel in Dubai, and flew to Afghanistan this morning.

I am living in a tent, eating in a chow hall.

I will begin my work orientation next week.

In Dubai

I left from Dulles Airport (WashDC), Saturday night. I flew to Dubai (UAE), where I arrived Sunday night 6pm. It was cold in DC, but warm in the UAE. The aircraft picked up a tail wind, and we made the trip in 12 hours.

I got my luggage, and cleared Dubai customs. I then got a shuttle ride to the Primier hotel. I am in my room now.

I got soup and a salad in the hotel restaurant. I am going to get some shuteye, and get an early flight to Kandahar in the morning.