Friday, January 18, 2013

Returning to the USA

I was hired for a project in Afghanistan. I accepted the offer, and I went to work (in the USA) on Nov 2. I completed my in-processing and got my email account, and insurance, etc. I was scheduled to attend a one-week training course in Maryland, prior to deployment to Afghanistan. I had an administrative hang-up, and I had to go on "leave without pay" status for a couple of weeks. The problem was cleared, and I was scheduled to fly to Atterbury (Indianapolis) on Jan 5. I completed the Army processing, and got all of my shots, and x-rays, etc. I got on the plane and flew to Kuwait. I then got a military flight to Kandahar and went to the barracks. I arrived at Kandahar at 1000pm, and waited in the terminal buidling for two hours. When no one arrived to get me, I just went to the transient barracks. I met with my team, and got my work assignment. Then (thankfully) I was taken back to the barracks, and tried to sleep and get over the jet-lag. I was sleeping, and a man from my company came to the tent to wake me up. I was told that the project chief wanted to see me. I met with him, and he informed me that there was another administrative problem, and that I would have to leave Afghanistan. I had been in the country for less than 24 hours. I packed my belongings, and got a flight to Ali Al Saleem Kuwait (I am there now). I am scheduled to fly back to the USA on Saturday, and then out-process with the Army and return home. I do not know if I am to be released from this contract or not. I hope that my firm can fix the problem, and that I can return to Afghanistan for work. Stay tuned.

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