Back to Afghanistan

I have been in the USA since 28 Sept. I spent a week in Kentucky, then I flew back to my residence in Alexandria VA. I got some good USA food, and watched a lot of TV. I just love "Law and Order" and "Jeapordy". I will be starting with my new firm on 2 Nov. I will do some paperwork, and get my ID badge and all the in-processing at McLean VA. Then I will have some training and orientation, then back to Indianapolis. I have done the Deployment center now 8 (eight) times. Once at Ft. Bliss Tex, 5 times at Fort Benning Georgia, and twice at Camp Atterbury Indiana. I have been informed that my new duty station is going to be Kandahar, Afghanistan. I am looking forward to a great assignment.

On my way to the USA

On my way to the USA. I am in the holding pen at Ali Al Saleem Air base in Kuwait. It is bloody HOT. There is a roll call at 6pm. The aircraft is not due to take off until 1100pm. Then we will fly all night, and get into Indianapolis at 0800am Sunday. There is a refueling stop in Germany. I have a good feeling that I will be returning to Afghanistan soon. Keep up with me here.

I use www.blogger.com

Heading home

Well, the project I was working on is done. I am heading home. I am sitting in the Recreation Center, at Ali-Al-Saleem Air Base, Kuwait. This place really has not changed much, since I first saw it, in July 2005. There is a McDonalds, and Subway, and KFC. There are much fewer people, than when two wars were blazing away. There were mobs of soldiers and civilians, and now the place is nearly empty. I am trying to connect with another project in telecommunications. The new firm's HR person, has been very kind, and she indicates that I will get the word soon. The money is good, and the work is much closer related than the work I was doing on the last project. The last week that I was in Bagram, Afghanistan, there was a real scare. The base went on Force Protection (C), which means that all personnel had to wear bulletproof vest and helmet, any time they went out. The dining hall closed the dining rooms, and you had to go the serving line, with a carry-out tray, and get your food, and then go outside to eat. I have never been under such a condition, since I have been working in this part of the world. I hate rumors. I do not understand how people can spread gossip. I was at Bagram, and the temperature was over 120 degrees. Somehow the word got back to my firm, that I was complaining that it was too cold! This is bizarre. I wish everyone would consider what they say, and not be so bored, that they have to repeat vicious gossip about their co-workers. I completed a training program in Huntsville, ALA. I enjoyed it very much, notwithstanding, that I was working outside in 106 degree heat and stifling humidity. I worked as a curriculum development specialist at a vocational school, in 1991. I made some suggestions, on how to improve the training program. It got back to my firm, that I was criticizing the program, and complaining. Gossip. I enjoyed all of my co-workers. Somehow the word got back, that some of them indicated that they did not wish to work with me. Gossip. Anyway, I am going to fly from Kuwait to Indianapolis, and spend a couple of days there, turning my military Identification card back in. Then I am going to take the Greyhound bus to Bowling Green KY, and see my mother and my sister. I have not been to Kentucky since Oct 2010, my father's funeral. I will go back to my home in Alexandria VA, and wait for the call from the new firm, and also seek work with other firms. The show is about over in Afghanistan, but the pull out is not until 2014. There will be work there, for a man with my background for at least a couple of years.

Jalalabad, Afghanistan

Here I am at Jalalabad. I was tasked to deliver some tools to a team at Jalalabad. I got up this morning at 0700am. There was no water in our barracks, so I walked across the way, to an adjacent barracks, and took a scalding hot shower there. There was plenty of water pressure, so I just let is spray and spray. I got my body armor and my helmet, and my tote bag, with clothing and personal items. I went to the office, and got the tool kit, and then went to the flight terminal and checked in. The flight was only 25 minutes. In 2004, I rode in an SUV from Kabul to Jalalabad, on a road that was probably laid out by Alexander the Great. There were huge potholes in the road, and my spine was sore for a week. I got a bed in a tent, and met the team here. They only need a few tools, and tomorrow, we will pass on all of the necessary tools, If they get 102% of a standard tool kit, then fine. I will try to get some sleep tonight, and then we will fly back on Friday or Saturday. This is a HOT HOT HOT place, we are at a lower elevation than Bagram, and the desert heat here is terrific. Luckily, the tent where I will sleep tonight is cool. For the time being, I will just pass some time here in the USO tent, and get some food at 5pm.

Completed project at Mez. What a day!

We did the work today. We got up at 0300am, and the job was supposed to last 4-5 hours. We spent almost 12 hours doing the project. I drank about 12 bottles of water, and I still felt thirsty and nauseous. The team lead sent me off site, to rest and drink more fluids. I poured all of the liquid down me, that I could. I am just now getting cool. In a previous posting, I remarked about a co-worker getting terminated for violating a company policy. I am not sure exactly what he did, and I do not wish to speculate. The project I am working is "at-will", Any of us can be terminated at any time, with or without cause. The man is no longer with us, and I will leave it at that. After work, I went to the chow hall. They had some good Salisbury Steak, and also some excellent turkey. I had not eaten in almost 24 hours. I ate slowly, and tried not to stuff myself. I finished off with a slice of pecan pie. I drank some more water and soda, and I am getting re-hydrated. I will soon crawl into the rack, and I will fly back to Bagram in a day or so.

Location: Mez-El-sharif Afghanistan

I am here at Mez. I was informed that I was to fly from Bagram to Mez, and I collected my gear. I was told that we were going to be here for two days. So I took enough clothing for a week. Sure enough, the site was not ready for us to begin work. So I am just sitting here, watching TV, and waiting for the site to be prepared. This is going to be hard, hot work, outside in the heat. Fortunately, Summer is about over, and the Afghan fall will be upon us soon. The work is on deadline, and should be completed by December. If that happens, that will be a miracle. One of my co-workers was terminated. I am sad that he lost his job, but he violated a company policy, and that cost him. Fortunately, I am in good health, healthy enough to pass the military physical. I am 58, and I am amazed that I am in as good health as I am. I am glad that I made the decision not to smoke cigarettes, and my blood pressure is normal. Mez is a typical mid-size post in Afghanistan. I am in a decent plywood "hooch". Air conditioned. Decent chow hall, Today we had spicy italian sausage in red peppers and onions. Rice, and shredded roast beef. Decent pumpkin pie. All I can do is wait, and we should begin work at 0400am this morning.

Arrived at Bagram, Afghanistan

I flew from Indianapolis to Kuwait. I spent two days in the tent city at Ali-Al-Saleem. I got a flight to Bagram, Afghanistan. I am here now, in the transient quarters. I am on a top bunk, with about two square feet of space for my personal gear. This place keeps changing, but it is still the same. Food is OK, I had a crab cake, and rice and chocolate ice cream.
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On the way to Indianapolis

I finished two months in Huntsville ,ALA. I am now in the airport at Arlington VA (Reagan National Airport). There was a near-miss involving three aircraaft here, last week. This is a horrible airport, and it should have been closed years ago. The runways all end in water (both ends). The approach pattern is all zig-zag, aircraft have to fly down the Potomac river. But this airport is 10 minutes cab ride from the Capitol, and the congressmen/senators use this airport. I will fly to Indianapolis, and the get my rental car. I will drive to a hotel in Edinburgh, IN, and check in. Then I will drive out to Camp Atterbury, and register for the NDC course. I will go back on Sunday, and then spend all week, in processing, and getting my paperwork submitted, and getting an ID card, and all of that hassle. I am scheduled to fly to Kuwait on Friday, 10 August. (Today is August 4, it would have been my father's 82d birthday. I lost him two years ago, and I still miss him)

Going back to Afghanistan

I finished my last project in April 2012. I returned to the USA, and started looking for a new project. I was picked up by a different firm, and offered a project. I started in June 2012. I flew to Huntsville ALA, for a training and orientation course, for the new project. I will working on an unclassifed project, modifying existing observation towers in Afghanistan. I will be flying all over the country, and for the first time, I will be traveling between bases by convoy. I will have to do the NDC (National deployment center) course, in Camp Atterbury IN. I will spend a week there, and then fly on to Kuwait, From Kuwait, I will fly on to Afghanistan, and then I will be flying all over the country of Afghanistan. I had a complete medical work-up, and fortunately I am 100% healthy. I had to get some additional tests and evaluations. All of the exams were normal. I have been eating less, which is not a problem , I want to drop some excess weight. I would be delighted to hear from some of the readers here. Feel free to email or post comments. Thanks.

Tuesday night

Another day in paradise. Slept fairly well. I must get some sheets on the bed. I got up and ate the breakfast. Work went well. I ate the lunch, and went to the tent, and then I took a shower. Put on some clean clothes. Went to supper, and there was fried catfish, and onion rings. They finally had ice cream, I had a dish. I decided to stay in the chow hall until 8pm, so that could watch "Jeapordy". I went back to the recreation center, so I could get some computer time in. The internet is a little slow at night, but it seems to be fine in the day time.

I ordered some chocolate from an internet store. I miss candy.

spring is here April in Kunduz

Rained last night. Pitter-patter on the tent, kept me up. Got up around 0800, and I went into the office. Lunch today was pork riblets, chili, ravioli. The chow hall has not had ice cream in a while. Sundays are pretty quiet here, but the Army works 24/7. The rain settled the dust, and helped wash everything off, and the air is clean.

Life in Afghanistan is not for sissies. I like the work, and I like the people I work with. I sleep on a lumpy mattress, and eat the Army food. I wish that I had a TV set, with the satellite receiver. AFN TV is available here. I watch the news in the chow hall sometimes, but I don't hang out there for hours.

I paid my 2012 masonic dues today, for Bowling Green and Quincy Mass. I do not get to participate in masonry in this part of the world. But I will be very active when I return to the USA.

Typical day in Kunduz

Get up around 0700. Breakfast if you like. Eggs, juice, english muffin. Go to office, do the work. Then, over to the rec hall, and check out the computers, and get my personal mail. Also fill out the time card, and get the professional mail.

Lunch about 1100. Back to office, check out the work. Off in the afternoon.

Shower every couple of days. Back to tent around 9pm. Mattress fairly good, tent is a little hot.

Back up at 0700. Seven days a week. Same work.

Afghanistan.

At Kunduz

I arrived here last night. Cold, damp, rainy, muddy. Typical Afghanistan winter. I got to the transient tent, and crawled in the rack. Unhappily, I left my heavy duty plastic shower shoes in Mazer Al Sharif. No matter, I will get a new set. shower shoes are a necessity in this place, you have to walk 75 yards over gravel to take a shower.

The base is typical for a mid-size base in Afghanistan. There are Germans here, and I get to speak German.

The dining hall is adequate, again, about average for Afghanistan. I had a decent breakfast. I had roast beef for lunch, with a grilled polish sausage.

Looking forward to a decent assignment.

Stuck at Mez-al-Sharif

I spent two weeks, at Camp Atterbury Indiana. Then I flew to Afghanistan, where I spent 5 days at Bagram. Then I flew to Mez-al-Sharif, where I am now. My final destination is Kunduz, Afghanistan, which will be my first duty station, on this project. I may stay there many months, I may be there only a short while. Such is the "fog of war".

This is not a good time to be in Afghanistan. A couple of days ago, a soldier went berserk, and went on a shooting rampage, and killed about 15 or so people, including some Afghan children. The shit is going to hit the fan now. I predict there will be riots, and more killing of Americans, like there was after the accidental burning of some Holy Qu'Rans.

I am stuck in the transient tent. The mattress is fair, but the lights are on 24 hours a day. I mostly relax in the USO tent. I can watch TV, and surf the net. The dining hall here is adequate, about average for Afghanistan. The Germans have a dining hall, that is a notch above the USA. They have porcelain plates and real steel knives and forks. I get tired of eating on cardboard, and using a plastic knife and fork.

There is a Green Beans coffee shop here, but I am not happy to pay $5 for a cup of coffee. When I get to my duty station, if there is no Keurig machine, I will buy one!

In the mean time, just relax and enjoy the rest.

In Bagram, Afghanistan

Well, after two weeks, in Camp Atterbury, IN, we took off for Afghanistan. The flight was supposed to take off at 715pm on Friday, but because the aircraft was too heavy, they had to drain some fuel from the tanks, and we took off at 1015pm. We flew to Hahn Air Base, Germany, where we stopped for refueling and to change crews.

Cleared to travel

I have been informed that I am 100% healthy! I should be cleared to travel this week, and I should be able to leave on Friday. Being stuck in the barracks at Camp Atterbury IN, is not too terrible. The food in the dining hall is decent, there is cable TV. Just relax, and enjoy the free time.

week 2 at Camp Atterbury

I am enjoying the hospitality of the US Army for a second week at Camp Atterbury. This morning, the dining hall was closed. I walked over to the Subway, and got a sandwich. I will find out this week, if my medical paperwork is completed, or if I need additional tests. I should be able to fly out on Friday.

Stuck in Camp Atterbury

I am 40 miles from Indianapolis, in the Indiana prairie. Cold and desolate, and the wind whips right through you. I had a minor medical problem, and I had to get some paperwork submitted. So I will be spending another week as a guest of the Army.

With luck, I will fly to Kuwait on Friday, and spend a week in the tent city of Ali-Al-Saleem. I have been through that place a dozen times. Then on to Bagram. My new duty station is Camp Nathan Smith, a former Canadian base, near Kandahar in southern Afghanistan.

Back to Afghanistan again.

I am flying to Indianapolis on Saturday Morning. I will spend a week there, then on to Camp Nathan Smith, Afghanistan. I hope to stay for a long time, maybe a year. We will see. If I can do the work properly, and I can tolerate the lifestyle, I may make it longer. The USA and NATO forces will be in Afghanistan, maybe through 2014.

back in the USA

I am at a training conference. I will be in the USA for a couple of weeks, and then back to Afghanistan. It is good to be back in the USA, but I am getting tired of fast food already. I had Burger King for Lunch, and Taco Bell for dinner. I do enjoy watching TV, I have the cable TV on as long as I can. I also enjoy the films. Yesterday, I saw "War Horse". I am anxious to see the new Sherlock Holmes movie ,and "Tinker Tailor Soldier, Spy". I went almost 18 months without seeing a film in a movie theater.

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Been here a month

Greetings all! I apologize that I have not written more until now. I have had an interesting ride. I got a call on 20 Oct, and the man asked me, if I wanted to return to Afghanistan. I said yes, working in Afg. is better than being unemployed in the USA, even the USA food is better. (We have cheese in aerosol cans). I did the interview, and it was pretty much toast. They asked me questions about European software, and I bombed. No harm done. I will NOT lie on an interview, not only is it a question of personal integrity, it is embarrassing to get a job, and then not be able to do it!

Anyway, I told the firm, that I did not have the qualifications. I got a call on 22 Oct, and the firm said to pack my bags, I was heading to Afghanistan. I flew to Dubai, and checked into the hotel. (very nice- BTW).

The firm presented me to the client, again, and they still did not want me. So I was told to prepare to fly back to the USA. Then the firm asked me if I was interested in a different job. So I said OK. The firm showed my impeccable qualifications to the client, and the client agreed to hire me.

I then flew from Dubai to Bagram air base. About a three hour flight, not bad. Then I had to grab my bags, and get a 20 minute hop to the Kabul Air Base. I arrived there, and I was met by a man from my new firm. I was taken to the barracks(nice), and checked in.

I am now working 10 hours a day, 7 days a week, as a communications consultant. The work is nice, and the people I work with are terrific. Only problem is, all of them are "short timers", and will be leaving for other duties in a couple of weeks. If the new crew is half as good, I will have an excellent time. I am continually impressed by the excellence of our people here.

About my life and work:

I live in a concrete barracks. I am in a room with an Army sergeant. He is a fine man, and a good soldier. My only nitpick, is he calls me "sir" and "Mr. Martin". I wish he would drop the sir, and use "yeah", and call me "charles". I guess all of the courtesy is a habit of military service.

The barracks is QUIET! I am not next to a roaring generator. The water in the shower is HOT, but the water is salty. You scrub and scrub and scrub, and you cannot get any lather. Then you rinse off, and try to get all the soap scum off. The shower stall is tiny, and I can barely turn around. Last week, I bumped into the wall, and said "I hate this place", and someone in the next stall said "I hope you are having a good time down there".

The food in the military chow hall is ordinary. I have had better, I have had worse. It is better than the slop they served at Kandahar. That food was so gross, that I was living on Ramen noodles and cookies. I could not even bear to walk into the chow hall.

I get a small breakfast. two boiled eggs, bread, some fruit, milk, and juice. Then I will get some corn flakes and milk. Sometimes there is a newspaper I can read.

I catch the carpool at 0730am, and ride to the office. I must wear my helmet and flak-vest when I am in the vehicle. I must have my helmet/flak not more than 5 minutes away from me.

I get a ride back to the chow hall at 1130, and I must meet the carpool at 1220. Then I go back to the office. I get off about 600pm, and ride back to the barracks. I almost never get the supper. Two days ago, I got a Pizza, and it was good.

The television in the barracks is a wide screen, but the cable has been down for a couple of days, all you can see is the TV guide channel.

Around 900pm, I crawl into the rack, and try to sleep. Last week I went to bed at 900pm, and I slept all night, without having to get up and go to the men's room. I consider this a major accomplishment.

Then at 0600am the alarm rings, and I am back to it again. I started work on 31 oct. I am on a one year project, but I would like to stay longer.

arrived at Kabul

I spent a week in Dubai. I arrived at Kabul Air base on Oct 30. It is a typical NATO base, people from many countries are stationed here. Even Outer Mongolia.

Final morning in Dubai

I must go to the airport at 0700am. I will fly on to Afghanistan this morning. It has been a very pleasant week in Dubai.

Sunday 30 Oct

Well, my last night in the Trader's Hotel in Dubai. I will by flying on to Afghanistan on Monday. I am always apprehensive about a new job, but maybe this one will work out. I sure do meet the qualifications.

I hope that I can participate in Freemasonry there. If there is no lodge, I want to set up an informal "Square and Compasses" club. As long as we are recognized by the base commander, there will be no objections from anyone.

I have a terrible case of jet-lag. As I get older, I guess my physiology is taking longer to make the adjustments. Your entire physiology takes a whacking when you fly to the other side of the world. Your sleep habits are upside down, and your eating and digestive tract are also working on a different schedule.

I have been hanging out at the hotel, I dislike wandering about the dirty hot streets of Dubai. I may take the metro-train to the mall, and do a little shopping.

In Dubai

I am sitting in the hotel in Dubai. Waiting for an Afghan Visa. I like this hotel, it is nice.

Traveling tonight

I have a flight tonight.

Back to Afghanistan

I completed the work with the old firm, at Camp Leatherneck. I am now working for a new firm. I will be posted to the "Green Village" in Kabul, the capital.

Two weeks here

 

Life at Camp Leatherneck is about what I expected. I work 9am to 7pm 6 days a week. I will get Wednesdays off. At my last base I worked 7pm to 7am 7 days a week, with no days off! The food here is light-years ahead of the slop they served up at Kandahar. Here is a USA food service provider, and they have Baskin-Robbins Ice Cream 7 days a week, lunch and dinner (Hoo-Ray).

 

I live in a trailer, but I do not spend much time there, except to sleep. I get up at 0700am, and walk to the shower house. The shower house is VERY clean, spotless, and modern. The water is VERY hot, so I can get a hot shower every day. Then I walk back to the trailer, and get dressed. There is a dress code here, the Marines could care less what I wear, but the firm requires long pants, and the shirt must have a collar. I catch the bus from the trailer camp, and ride to the chow hall. After a breakfast, I walk to the office. I prefer not to get lunch, and supper is served at 5pm. Then I walk back to the office, and I am off at 7pm. Then I ride back to the trailer camp, and go to the trailer, and peel off my clothes, and crawl into the rack. There is some background noise, due to the generators, and the air conditioners. The porta-john is about 50 yards from the door. I go to sleep, and then get up at 0700am the next morning. Same every day, like the film “Ground Hog Day”.

 

 

Camp Leatherneck one week

Well here we are. My duty station is Camp Leatherneck, located in southern Kandahar province, Afghanistan. It is a desert environment, and it is HOT HOT HOT. 43 degrees Celsius, 130 degrees Fahrenheit. DUSTY, you ain't seen such dust. At least the place is quiet, there is virtually no combat here, and no hostile attacks on the camp.

The base is laid out in a grid pattern, and the streets are numbered 1,2,3, etc. and the cross streets are lettered A,B,C etc. My first day here, one of my porcelain crowns snapped off,and I went to the dentist, and he refused to re-cement the crown back on, there was not enough tooth, to anchor it properly. So I will have to get bay with one missing crown until I can relocate back to the USA.

I have been assigned to a CHU (containerized housing unit), which is a trailer. Just four walls and a roof, no bathroom, There is a porta-john about 25 yards out the door. And the shower house is 100 yards down range. My mattress is a train wreck, wires pressing in my back all night. The food here is excellent, much better than the European fare at Kandahar (my last duty station).

There is one Prince Hall lodge here, and I cannot meet with them. I hate the fact that the Grand Lodge of Kentucky has not yet recognized Prince Hall Masonry. I know they will some day, but I will be out of Afghanistan by then. I am considering starting a "Square and Compasses" club, so that we can have informal Masonic fellowship. That will probably piss some people off as well.

I work as a computer help-desk technician. I assist people in getting their internet accounts, and when they are locked off, I get them back on again. The office is small, and there is not enough room for all of us. Fortunately, I get one day off a week, it is Wednesday. I have been working 7 days a week, for most of my time in Afghanistan.

I spent four months between my last position and this one. I do not enjoy unemployment, but I did enjoy the break. I like normal living, eating when I choose, and cooking my own meals. I enjoy setting my own hours too. But, I also enjoy working, and when there is work overseas, I am there.

I am feeling the effects of age. I have been working in Afghanistan and Iraq for 7 1/2 years, and I am 57. Face it, I am just not as young as I used to be. But I am in reasonably good health, and I am cancer-free. I had a prostate needle biopsy in June, and it was 100% free of any abnormalities. Just that the test is rough. Not as rough as the needle biopsy I had two years ago. At least this time, the doctor used an anesthetic, and the needle sticks up my bung-hole were not as painful.

I am doing work, that I have never done before. Such is war, men are pushed into careers, where they had no training or background in the past. This is a great opportunity to expand my knowledge and skills. The men and women at the help desk all appear to be fine, so far. Young marines, just out of high school, then pressed into the Afghan desert, before their pimples cleared up.

This is the worst case of jet-lag I have ever had. I am woozy at work, and then when I am off, I go to the chow hall, and eat the food. Then I ride the bus back to the trailer, and then peel off my clothes, and crawl right into the rack. I pass out, and then I wake up at midnight, unable to get back to sleep. I try to sleep, but then I wake up at 0700, and then go to the shower house. Then I ride the bus to the chow hall, and the office is right next door. Then I go to work, and I am woozy again. You normally need about one day per time zone, to get over the jet-lag.

The summer is passing, and the cool weather will be here soon, and I say not soon enough. I cannot understand what this country is worth, and why our combat forces are here, but I am just an electronics man, and I do not make foreign policy.

test message

TEST MESSAGE

On Leatherneck for a week

I had an interesting last two weeks. I drove to Columbus Georgia, and took the CRC school, which is required for all deployees for the sixth (6th) time. I drove back to Atlanta, and then flew up to WashDC to catch the flight to Kuwait. I got on the airplane at Dulles field, and fortunately, there was no surcharge for my luggage. The flight took off at 6pm, and we flew up the East Coast. They served one of those low-grade meals, three beef nuggets the size of your thumb, in curry sauce, and a serving of rice. I wanted to watch a movie, but I was fast asleep, before we left the Canadian coast. I woke up just as they were serving the sandwiches, prior to landing. We arrived at Kuwait, and it was 120 degrees. I cleared customs, and got my entry visa for Kuwait. I then went into the main airport area. It is Ramadan, when all muslims must fast during the day. So all of the restaurants were closed in the airport. I then caught a bus to Ali Al Saleem airport, which takes one hour from the airport to the base.
 
I got my luggage, and then I turned in my passport for the Kuwait exit visa. I got to a tent, and crawled right into the rack.

in Kuwait

I am in Kuwait. It is 115 degrees Fahrenheit. It is RAMADAN so it is forbidden to drink water (where a Muslim can see you). This is a HOT country.
 

WORKING!!!!

I accepted a job offer, from a major defense contractor. I have been on the payroll for some weeks. I don't like to announce jobs, until I am actually getting on the plane.

I am being posted to Camp Leatherneck, Afghanistan. I will fly out of Washington DC airport, on Sunday.

I am grateful that so many people enjoy my blog. I enjoy keeping it. I am looking forward to another excellent adventure. I have been working in SouthWest Asia for 7 (seven) years. Tally Ho.

New Masonic websites

Please visit:

http://www.trestleboard.us

Trestleboard

and check in, and make some posts.

ALSO-

visit:

http://www.burningtaper.org

Burning Taper

and check in, and make some posts!

Freemasonry in Georgia

Been visiting some lodges around Atlanta. Enjoying the fellowship immensely.

A Masonic Manifesto

THE MASONIC MANIFESTO
Freemasonry
by Tim Bryce MPS

INTRODUCTION
For a moment, imagine what it would be like to live in a utopian world of Freemasonry: Our ranks would swell with quality men, Lodges would proliferate, and peace and harmony would reign throughout the world. But, as we all know, the state of Freemasonry is far from this; our numbers have diminished, we are struggling financially, members are apathetic, and our image with the public is tarnished and lacks credibility. Why? Because we have failed miserably to adapt to changing times. How can we expect the world to take Freemasonry seriously if we do not take ourselves seriously? If we truly want to make the world a better place, we must first get our own house in order.

Whenever I consider the state of Freemasonry I am reminded of the movie "No Time for Sergeants" (1958, starring Andy Griffith) where Will Stockdale (Griffith) confounds Sergeant King (Myron McCormick), a "lifer" pleased with the ease and repetition of his path, who inevitably counters with the line, "Don't Make Waves." Frankly, the Sgt. Kings of the fraternity have lulled us to sleep and seem to be more concerned with chasing their next apron as opposed to solving the problems of Freemasonry.

Back in the 1970's, Bro. Gerald Ford was the last U.S. President who had the courage to go before the nation in his state of the Union address and say in effect, "My fellow Americans, I am afraid to tell you the State of the Union is not very good." It was honest, it was candid. But it ultimately cost him his re-election.

The lesson here is that people do not want to hear the truth. They do not want to face reality. They cannot deal with it. However, as Masons I would like to believe we are strong enough to accept the truth. And the truth is, the state of the fraternity is not very good. If we can accept this, we can then seek remedies to correct it. After all, you cannot treat a patient if he doesn't know he is sick. Attacking symptoms with band-aid solutions is simply not going to hack it anymore. I am afraid we need to perform some surgery.
I chose the name "Masonic Manifesto" carefully, because it grabs our attention, and accurately reflects what I propose to describe. A "Manifesto" is simply a public declaration of intention or of principles; things that should be accomplished if we want to move forward. I am not one to criticize for the sake of criticism. In fact, one of the things I preach in my consulting practice is not to criticize unless you can offer some sort of alternative. In other words, "Put up or shut up." I don't believe in destructive criticism;
I believe in constructive criticism. As Brother Winston Churchill once said, "Any idiot can see what's wrong with something; but can you see what's right?"

For example, I do not believe you have the right to criticize your country if you do not exercise your basic right to vote. If you are not willing to go down to the polling station and cast your vote, don't come whining to me about this country.

The Masonic Manifesto is simply a list of ideas for how to improve the fraternity in no particular order. Some items you might like, some you will probably hate. This is based on my observations as a Mason (with all of the other jurisdictions I am in touch with). It is also based on my experiences as a management consultant, and as someone who has participated on over 30 Board of Directors for various non-profit organizations. None of the items are designed to violate the basic tenets of Freemasonry. In anything, they would enhance our purpose if implemented.

1. THINK OF FREEMASONRY ON A GLOBAL BASIS
Masons have been meeting upon the level and parting on the square well before the formation of the Grand Lodge of England in 1717. The invention of the Grand Lodge system was inevitable as it afforded Masons a means to administer Freemasonry on a consistent basis to suit local geographical and cultural requirements. Establishing Grand jurisdictions to conform with political boundaries makes sense in that it allows Masons to legally operate under the particular laws of the state they are living. But where do we ultimately owe our allegiance; to the Grand Lodge where we took our obligation or to the Brotherhood overall? Although there are probably as many interpretations of Masonic ritual as there are jurisdictions, all support the basic tenets of Freemasonry: Friendship, Morality and Brotherly Love. It is this basic underlying philosophy that is too often forgotten. Instead, we have become too territorial in nature and have trouble thinking of Freemasonry for what it truly is, a universal Brotherhood.
I am baffled by those Brothers who cannot think of Freemasonry beyond the four walls of their Lodge room, or beyond a district or Grand jurisdiction. Are we too old or set in our ways that we cannot learn a thing or two from our neighbors, or Freemasonry they from us? Is there some Masonic law prohibiting cooperation towards a common endeavor? I think not.

Freemasonry is a special society separated by jurisdictional walls which we have built ourselves. Now is the time for us to find ways to work together in a concerted effort as opposed to autonomous units. Our strength lies in our unity, not our division.

Devices such as "traveling gavels" are nice for promoting visitations and understanding between jurisdictions, but we need to think bigger, much bigger. We should aspire to lead the world towards peace and prosperity, but this can only happen if we think globally as opposed to locally.

2. CREATE A WORLD CONGRESS OF FREEMASONRY
In today's global society, where communications and transportation are no longer obstacles as they were for our forefathers, the concept of establishing a forum for grand jurisdictions to meet and work together is the next logical step towards unifying the fraternity.

A "World Congress of Freemasonry" should be organized along the lines of the League of Nations or the United Nations. True, there are elements of this present, such as the upcoming World Conference of Masonic Grand Lodges to be held in November in Sydney, but I am talking about establishing a more formal organization that meets more frequently and routinely.

Such a Congress would have no direct authority over a jurisdiction or Grand Master. In fact, the Grand Master of the Jurisdiction would appoint a formal representative to serve in this Congress, a body that would do such things as:

1. Establish standards for such things as maintaining Masonic records, the preparation of financial reports, and degree work.
2. Establish the criteria for Grand Lodge recognition. Further, any Grand Lodge participating in this forum would have to recognize all member Grand Lodges.
3. Help reconcile disputes between Grand Lodges.
4. Design an overall framework to promote charity and world peace, not world domination. Each Grand Lodge has its own local charities, but, instead, a global and centralized relief effort would be able to more effectively support relief efforts such as the tsunami disaster of last year. This would be akin to something like the Masonic Service Association of North America, but on a global scale.

Bottom-line, the intent here is to establish a voting body to help formulate global policy and support member Grand Lodges.

3. DEVELOP A GLOBAL INFORMATION SYSTEM FOR FREEMASONRY
As a systems consultant, I am appalled at what I see in the administration of Grand Lodges and Blue Lodges. Not only are our information systems horribly antiquated, they lack consistency from Blue Lodge-to-Blue Lodge, Blue Lodge-to- Grand Lodge, and Grand Lodge-to-Grand Lodge. Instead of devising a standard and consistent system that can be universally applied, Grand Lodges keep reinventing the wheel at incredible costs. It doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out the administration of our Lodges, Grand or Blue; we need to know about:

* Grand Lodges - jurisdiction, contact and address data, legal governmental definition, officers, areas/zones/districts, local Masonic laws, history.
* Grand Lodge administration - payroll, accounts receivable, accounts payable, inventory, membership, banking/investments, budgeting, charities, home/hospital administration, etc.
* Blue Lodges - jurisdiction, contact and address data, officers, legal governmental definition, bylaws, history, dues, inventory, banking/investments, budgeting.
* Members - status, contact and address data, events (e.g., degrees, offices held, awards, etc.), skills inventory. * Miscellaneous - news, schedules, projects, charities, job portal.

Not only would such a system reduce our administrative burdens, it would be viewed as a vital communications link between Grand Lodges, Blue Lodges, members, and the outside world. Of course, security/privacy precautions would have to be implemented to safeguard unauthorized access to data, but this is simple to do. Even the Shrine has a central location for such processing.

Imagine: the ability to verify a member's status regardless of the jurisdiction; to communicate between jurisdictions; to report sickness and distress wherever it occurs; to have a common and consistent approach shared by all; quite simply, it Freemasonry would be mind-boggling. It would greatly reduce the financial burden for administering records at both the Grand Lodge and Blue Lodge level, yet bring a level of consistency never dreamt possible.

It is certainly feasible to do all of this. Establishing universal system architecture shouldn't be too hard to figure out. There is also some slick technology now available to make all of this happen. What makes this viable though is for us, as Freemasons, to implement it on a global basis. Allowing our lodges to work more productively can have a dramatic effect on our ability to act as Freemasons.

4. IMPROVE COMMUNICATIONS WITH THE WORLD
To improve publicity and public relations we have to move from a reactive position of communicating to a pro-active approach. Only in this way, can we begin to overcome the misconceptions of the fraternity, enlighten the public, and attract new members. Although there are instances where it is necessary to protect the anonymity of our membership, a lot of our work is certainly newsworthy. And we cannot be leaders if the world doesn't know anything about us. To this end, I propose a centralized Masonic news agency who can plug into the world news outlets and spread our word. I am not talking about a global newspaper/magazine, although I am sure this wouldn't hurt, but rather a news organization that gathers and distributes news and announcements in the same manner as the Associated Press or United Press International (which we should join as well). A standard and consistent approach for distributing news could greatly dispel the myths surrounding us, and provide the press with a single outlet to obtain news on the fraternity.

5. IMPROVE IMAGE WITH THE PUBLIC
The distribution of Masonic news can certainly help in public relations, but a more personal touch is needed for people to see Freemasons up close and personal and to dispel any misconceptions about our intentions. To this end, I propose that every Blue Lodge ally itself with at least one non-profit organization and take an "active" role in that organization, be it a school, or civic/volunteer organization (such as a local chamber of commerce, Little League, library, scouting, meals on wheels, etc.). I am not suggesting engaging in local government or politics, but rather to select a high profile cause that would give us visibility. This would demonstrate our leadership abilities and help spread the word of Masons.

I also have no problem with performing joint ventures with like-minded organizations, such as the Oddfellows, Knights of Columbus, Rotary, Lions, Elks, Jaycees, etc. Again, this would help dispel misconceptions about Freemasonry while performing some much needed work.

6. IMPROVE FINANCIAL REPORTING
Grand Lodge officers have a fiduciary responsibility to its membership to accurately report all income and expenses in a consistent and timely manner. Such reporting must come with the approval of an audit committee, either in-house or independent. This is no different than how a corporation has to report to its shareholders. Failure to do so, only casts suspicions on our Grand Lodge officers.

7. EMPOWER THE BLUE LODGE
I am a firm believer that the Blue Lodge should be allowed to make more decisions at the local level. For example, although I am not necessarily a fan of it, I believe the decision for holding a one-day class is the responsibility of the Blue Lodge, not the Grand Lodge. As long as the Blue Lodge doesn't violate any governmental laws, rules or regulations, I have no problem with the Blue Lodge soliciting funds from the public or serving alcohol on its premises.

Many Lodges feel paralyzed because they live in fear of the Grand Lodge. Such gridlock frustrates and inhibits Freemasons and is the root cause for creating apathy. Instead, the emphasis should be on simplifying Blue Lodge life as opposed to creating overhead or other burdens. In other words, I believe it is time we got the Grand Lodge off the back of the Blue Lodges (Gee, I guess I sound a little like Ronald Reagan here). We need fewer bureaucratic rules and more Freemasonry. I do not suggest the Grand Lodge's role is insignificant, far from it. It is important but I believe we have gone overboard. I see the Grand Lodge's role as one of providing administrative support; as well as guidance and leadership. To illustrate, I believe the lion's share of proposed legislation should come from those who are more intimate with such things as charity, finances, membership, etc. If our Grand Lodge officers are only going to administer what we currently have and lack the foresight of where we should be going, then we have some serious leadership problems.

8. PROMOTE BROTHERHOOD OR "HELP A BROTHER"
A couple of years ago, there was a fine article written in the "Empire State Mason" by the Grand Secretary describing Freemasonry how we, as Masons, have to learn to take care of ourselves; that charity begins at home. Good point. Such initiatives as the Freemasons Job and Service Portal is a small step in the right direction. The more we can help our Brothers succeed in life, the more they will be able to help the fraternity in return. But let's take it another step forward; how about establishing a general fund to help Brothers in distress? Further, if we organized ourselves properly, we could also establish insurance plans for our members and a credit union. Again, our strength is in our numbers and such devices can only be created if we pool our resources on a global basis.

9. REVAMP OUR ELECTORAL PROCESS
Anyone who believes there are no politics in Freemasonry is taking it in the arm. In fact, we have the worst kind of politics: gossip, rumor mills, and good old fashioned arm twisting. So much so, I believe our approach to electing officers is detrimental to the fraternity. It should come as no surprise that many Grand jurisdictions now suffer from political machines where the cream doesn't necessarily rise to the top. Consequently, the talented men we desperately need to lead us are going elsewhere. I am not a believer of the concept of "progressing through the chairs." Only the most qualified should progress. Our electoral process doesn't have to be this way. Some simple, common-sense solutions are available to change this and help put the right men in the right chairs. For example, nominations, position papers, debates, questions and answers, proficiency tests, etc. should be included in our electoral process at both the Blue Lodge and Grand Lodge levels. Without such processes, we are left with political machines, certainly not an intelligent way for electing officers. One area I would have a problem with though is expending money on campaign advertising (e.g., published ads, buttons, pins, etc.); frankly, I think we can make better use of our money helping the needy, than spending it on campaign advertising.

10. LODGE MERGERS/CONSOLIDATIONS
If your Lodge has less than 300 members AND if your average attendance is less than 10% of your membership, then your Lodge is probably recycling Past Masters, your membership is declining, and your meetings are about as interesting as watching grass grow. If this scenario is true, some serious thought should be given to either merging your Lodge with another or consolidating into another Lodge (sharing quarters). Your only other alternative is electroshock therapy to wake people up which, in all likelihood, is beyond rejuvenation.

Many Masons resist the concept of mergers simply due to the longevity and heritage of their Lodge. But as one Brother pointed out to me, "What is more important, our allegiance to the fraternity or to our Lodge?" Good point. Sure we don't like to lose our charters, but if our Lodge is in decline, it would make more sense to merge with another than to painfully watch it die a slow death. As any businessman will tell you, if a franchise is suffering, you cut your losses and merge it with another.

11. MAKE THE BLUE LODGE FUN AND INTERESTING
Blue Lodges too often fall prey to the tedium of repetition. If a Blue Lodge does nothing more than open, read the minutes and bills, and little else, it should come as no surprise to see our sidelines empty. After all, most people have an aversion to watching reruns. Are we too steeped in tradition or too rigid to try something new? In order to make Lodge meetings meaningful, they have to be fun and interesting. True, the business of the Lodge has to be discussed, but this should be done as expeditiously as possible and give way to other programs, such as a guest speaker, a presentation, or Masonic Education. Masonic speakers are interesting as are outsiders who might describe some local program or activity of interest to the Lodge. Even a simple change in clothing can make a difference. Instead of tuxedoes, I know of a Georgia Lodge that has a night where members are encouraged to wear the jersey of their favorite team to mark the start of the football season.
As we have mentioned in past issues, music can play a significant role in the liveliness of a Lodge meeting. Instead of an organist or piano player, why not try someone who plays another instrument, such as a guitar or something else? Don't have a musician? Try a CD player, tape recorder, iPod, or computer. I am a big believer in promoting Masonic Education, either through presentations or written exams. This helps raise the consciousness of the Craft as well as providing for a stimulating meeting. We should always aspire to learn and improve ourselves, our communities, and our world.
Want to bolster attendance at degrees? Try a different venue, such as an outdoor degree or at another Lodge (a joint degree). Themes are also useful, such as a "Black-Light" degree where the ritual is performed under black-lights. Amelia Lodge No. 47 F.& A.M. in Fernandina Beach Florida holds an annual "Fort Clinch" degree in a Civil War fort that is always well attended. The degree team is dressed in both Union and Confederate clothing.

Also key to attendance is refreshment. You might be pleasantly surprised to see what effect a good sit-down meal, either before or after a meeting, has on attendance. Sutherland Lodge No. 174 F.& A.M. in Palm Harbor, Florida has an annual "Spam Fest" cooking competition that has generated considerable interest.

Perhaps the best piece of advice that can be offered to anyone aspiring to be Worshipful Master is the old adage, "If you tried to do something and failed, you are vastly better off than if you tried to do nothing and succeeded." A Lodge should not discourage new ideas and innovation but, rather, embrace them. Creating the proper culture to adopt new ideas is essential to a Lodge's survival.

But above all else, create a hospitable environment where every member and visitor is warmly welcomed and made to feel at home. A firm handshake and some simple conversation can go a long way to improving attendance.
Bottom-line, you want to make the Lodge a place where Brothers WANT to come to, not avoid. If Lodges are boring and repetitious, this simply will not happen.

12. INTRODUCE A RECERTIFICATION PROGRAM
Periodically, professionals such as doctors, lawyers and contractors must attend special programs to bring them up to date on the latest developments and renew their certification. This keeps them abreast of developments and renews their commitment to their profession. I do not see why Freemasonry should be any different.

We have too many card-carrying members who do nothing more than pay their annual dues and little else. Freemasonry is not your typical "club" or civic organization. If we truly believe in the purpose of the fraternity and are interested in perpetuating it, it might not be a bad idea to establish a similar program to recertify our members, thereby recommitting themselves to its ideals. I am therefore proposing an international program to be held in a variety of venues where Masons are brought up-to-date of the state on the fraternity, and Masonic Education is taught (not Masonic catechisms).
Attendance at such a recertification program should be considered a requirement for being a Mason and be periodically renewed, such as every three years. Re-certification would stimulate the Craft, overcome apathy, and renew their commitment to the fraternity.

13. RUN FREEMASONRY LIKE A BUSINESS
People cringe whenever I mention this; not just Masons but other non-profit organizations as well. However, the fact remains that Lodges are legal entities recognized by the State and must conform to its laws, rules and regulations. Further, consider the sizeable sums of monies managed by the Grand Lodges. Consequently, we should organize ourselves and behave like the major corporations that we are. Obviously, we do not want to lose our Brotherly touch for humanity, but it is time we acted more professionally in our business affairs. It is the only logical way to survive in the years ahead.

CONCLUSION
Behind all of this is a deep-seated belief that Freemasonry was once a noble society who helped forge countries and nourished the needy. But our image has tarnished and our effectiveness weakened with the passing of time. Do we believe more in the strength of the universality of the fraternity or the rules and regulations of a particular jurisdiction?
In order for us to return to glory we need to get out of the apathetic rut we are in. It is time for a fresh perspective. What worked for our forefathers years ago doesn't necessarily work in today's world. I am certainly not suggesting we abandon our past; far from it. But I am contesting our organization and effectiveness in today's world. Do we want to be viewed as "custodian's of the past" or as a vibrant organization who plays a vital role on the world's stage? I know our younger Brothers and potential candidates are interested in the latter. Bottom-line, the Masonic Manifesto is saying "Shapeth up and geteth thine act together" for we will inevitably perish if we do not. Frankly, I do not believe we are up to the task of implementing a fraction of what I have proposed herein. But I do know this: we are beyond the point of making superficial changes; radical decisions and changes in policy are inevitable if we are going to survive. As any surgeon will tell you, do not try to apply a band-aid when a tourniquet is required to stop the bleeding. Let's move away from a reactive mode of operating to a pro-active philosophy with visionaries who want to see the fraternity evolve into a higher level of effectiveness. Let me leave you with one of my favorite quotes; something I have framed and hangs in my office. It is from President Calvin Coolidge who said:

"Nothing in the world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent. The slogan 'Press On' has solved and always will solve the problems of the human race."

EPILOGUE
Freemasonry
If this paper did nothing more than act as a catalyst to stimulate thinking and engage discussion in the welfare of the fraternity, then it has served its purpose, "But he doesn't have anything on!" said a small child. "Good Lord, let us hear the voice of an innocent child!" said the father, and whispered to another what the child had said. Finally everyone was saying, "He doesn't have anything on!" The emperor shuddered, for he knew that they were right, but he thought, "The procession must go on!" He carried himself even more proudly, and the chamberlains walked along behind carrying the train that wasn't there.

Original Article on Masons of Texas Website below:
masonsoftexas.com/showthread.php?8753-Masonic-Manifesto

Masonic Manifesto

Still looking for work

16 June 2001. The Ides of June plus one. No work.

King Solomon's Lodge

I have requested inclusion on King Solomon's Lodge. Blog code KSL074991933

There is a listing of many Masonic blogs on this website. I encourage all of my readers to check out:

King Solomon's Lodge and Masonic Blogs

Still looking for work

It is June 13, and I still have no job. Fortunately, the interviews and job leads, keep coming in. I had two phone interviews, and one personal interview last week. This economy is bad, with 9%+ unemployment. There are many applicants for every job. You must keep pressing on. When you interview for a job, and the answer is "NO", you must turn that "NO" around, and go ON!

I have been keeping myself occupied. We own a condo/town home, in Lorton, about 6 miles south of our primary home. We rented the place to a low-income person, and the rent was paid by Section 8, a welfare plan. Unhappily, the renter just tore the place up, door kicked in, dishwasher melted, rugs filthy. We kept her security deposit, but it will cost about 3x the deposit, to get the place liveable again.

Fortunately, we found a nice couple to move in. They decided to paint the entire interior. I replaced all of the electrical sockets, they were deteriorated. I also replaced wall switches, they were all disentigrated and filthy.

The June heat is here in WashDC. Hot and humid. Most people do not realize, that for the first 150 years, that WashDC was the capital of the USA, foreign diplomats posted here, got a hardship bonus, for the climate and living conditions. The summers are unbearable, and the winters are cold and snowy. Washington DC is an 'artificial' city, created just to be the capital of the USA.

It was located at the junction of the Anacostia and Potomac rivers, because it was a day's carriage ride, from George Washington's home (Mount Vernon). The traffic is getting so bad, that soon it will take a day to drive from Mt. Vernon to DC.

A new Masonic Discussion Forum.

There is a new Masonic discussion forum. Please check in and participate. Please tell your Masonic friends, and encourage them to participate. Thanks.

Masonic Talk Forum

10 June. RIchard Dreyfuss made a Mason, and I saw it!

I was in Washington DC on 10 June, and Mr. Richard Dreyfuss, the academy-award winning actor, was made a Master Mason, in due and ancient form. Then he was made a 32d degree Scottish Rite Mason.

How fabulous, to see this man join our Craft. He spoke briefly about his new project, The Dreyfuss Initiative, which will endeavour to promulgate the teaching of Civics in American Public Schools.

See

The Dreyfuss Initiative

I cannot imagine my life without Masonry!

New Masonic magazine (digital)

See

Living Stones Magazine

There is supposed to be an article about the Canadian lodge in Afghanistan, but I have not yet found it.

22 April. Still no job

Well, I have been back in the USA for six weeks. Sadly, no job. However, I do keep applying. I applied for a job with a major firm, in Afghanistan. I was instructed to call a 1-800 number on Thursday Morning. I assumed the number was here in the USA. The phone rang, and it was the project manager in Afghanistan. We had a very good conversation, and he indicated that I would be getting an additional interview (hoo-ray). If I can clear this next interview, I should get an offer, and I can go back to Afghanistan.

Here in the USA, it is strange how little has changed. I keep seeing people with I-phones, and I am amazed at how many there are. I have not even turned my ordinary cell phone back on. Don't see the need for one, just now. I stay home most days, sitting on the computer, looking for work.

I would like to have more activities, when I am home. I am aghast at $3.97 a gallon for gasoline. In the District (of Columbia), gas is way over $4 per gallon. I prefer to eat my meals at home, and I do not go out for food, even fast food. I did get some Chinese at the greasy-chopsticks across the street. They have excellent egg rolls.

Been doing some projects around the house. We got a deck, and Larisa decided to paint it. (BIG mistake). Gray and white, and it looks awful. Not much point in arguing. She got a privacy screen, and when I get some decent weather, I will mount it.

Boy is it great to watch TV. I never get tired of it. Yesterday, there was a "Law and Order SVU" marathon. Great show. This morning, I saw "Mackennas Gold" a western from 1969. Love those old films.

Larisa has been screaming a lot. I have to wear foam rubber ear plugs at the breakfast table. Sux.

Back home in the USA. And without a job

I was told that I was returning to the USA, for additional training, and to work in the lab in Lorton VA. The firm was not truthful to me. When I arrived at the office, on Tuesday, I was informed that my services were no longer needed. I am therefore, without a job. It makes me very sad, that the firm has no more integrity than that.

I am now seeking work, and I hope to find something soon. I would like to return to Iraq or Afghanistan. If anyone knows of any work in the NorthernVA Area (Telecommunications, Computer Systems,etc). Please email me.

Leaving early

I was able to get an earlier flight. Terrific. I can't wait to get back home. I am going to over-dose on Big Macs, and Baskin-Robbins. Maybe I can get a couple of days off, to chill out. I work 7am to 7pm 7 days a week. That is a lot of work. I wish the firm could spread out the work, and let us have some time off.

A big wind, blew down the tree in neighbor's yard (at my home in Alexandria VA). The fence is blown down, and I must get another one.

I am tired of so much work, and I need this time off. Thanks for this job, but there is a limit.

I am going to celebrate the Kentucky Derby, May 7.

Friday morning

Well, the days are passing, until I can fly back home. I finally got my ticketing straightened out. I have a flight from Kandahar to Dubai, and then I will stay in Dubai for about a day, then get a direct flight to Washington DC. I will get into Dulles early in the morning, and get a shuttle out to my house, then climb in the rack. Glad to be rid of Afghanistan.

I went to the Canadian Lodge tonight. It is a regular lodge, recognized by the GL of Kentucky, and I will not get suspended for attending the meeting. I wish that I could attend other lodges, but I can't.

I got back to the office, after the chow hall closed. So I went to TGI Fridays, and I got a chicken caesar salad, and chicken primavera with pasta. I ate the whole meal up, nothing left but grease on the plate. When I get back to the USA, I am going to over-dose on Big Macs, and home made biscuits. My cholesterol is going to shoot up 90points. I can't wait to feast on barbecue, and pasta, and chili, and omelettes. I am going to use the slow cooker and eat fast. Also Wendy',s and I will eat Chinese food, until I pass out. I am so sick of this chow hall food.

It has been fairly dry the last couple of days. I opened the door at the lab, and the wind caught it, and BANG, the door was torn off. There it is, sitting on the floor. I just picked it up, and leaned it against the wall. My co-worker will call in a work order tomorrow, and get it fixed I hope. It has gotten cool, and it just started to rain. What a hassle. I am so glad to be going home.

It is now 5:38. If it was not raining, I would mosey over to the chow hall, and attempt to eat some cold cereal with milk. But I just don't feel like making the trip.

Saturday morning. Ready to go home

The last two days, have been pretty awful. The rains have come, and they have come hard. It has been raining, almost constantly for the last two days. This is a desert, and there is not adequate drainage for the rains. Consequently, there are pools and lakes every where. This is Afghanistan, either a pile of dust, or a lake of mud. I hate this place.

There is a huge lake, in front of the tent. I have to go in/out through the back door. At least the tent is still dry, inside. I hope that the rains will cease, and there will not be a flood in my tent.

The chow hall served some decent food tonight. Boneless chicken in a tomato sauce, and rice. Every day there is rice. The desert was a fruit compote. Still no coca-cola, only sprite and orange pop.

The shower trailer had no hot water, so I went to three other shower trailers, and finally found one with hot water. I got an excellent shower. I have not been to the laundry for a week, and there are two bundles of clean laundry to pick up.

At least the internet is fairly serviceable. I can listen to some streaming audio, and I like the BBC. I have a short-wave radio, but it is almost useless. There are not many English language programs, beamed into this part of the world, on shortwave.

I have been going round and round, with the travel agency, and I finally got a ticket to travel home. I will be leaving around the end of the month. I will fly to Dubai, and then get a direct non-stop flight from Dubai, straight to Dulles field. I am so glad to be going home.

I keep fantasizing about the food I am going to eat. I love Huevos Rancheros! You fry some corn tortillas, and then put them on a plate. Then you fry a couple of eggs. You put some mild salsa on the tortillas, and then you put the eggs on the salsa. Then you put some shredded cheese on the eggs, then you put them under the broiler, until the cheese melts. Delicious.

I may overdose on Mexican food, when I get home. I am going to eat a lot of ice cream as well. The biggest thing I am going to do is SLEEP! I will be in a real bed, that does not jam wires into my back. And there will be no aircraft noise.

Sunday night

The lodge had a coffee break at the coffee shop. I ate donuts and drank some coffee with the Masons. How terrific it is , to have a lodge here. Fortunately the lodge is Canadian, and it is recognized by the Grand Lodges, which I am member of.

I am ready to go home. I am ready to sleep in a bed, and get a hot bath in a tub. I am ready to cook my own meals. I am getting tired of this chow hall food. Some nights they have spaghetti and burgers. Some nights they have burgers and spaghetti. Two nights ago, they had some decent boneless chicken. They only have that soft-serve machine ice cream. I miss Baskin-Robbins, when I get home, I will probably over-dose on Baskin-Robbins.

I will not go home to rest. I am going to be cleaning and doing yard work, and all kinds of chores. I do not mind, I like to have a clean house. And cleaning the house, is the price of having a clean house.

Going home

My official orders expire at the end of this month. I will be heading back to the USA around 1 March. I am glad to be going home. I am looking forward to the USA food, and getting a bath (in a tub).

There is a lot of work here in Afghanistan, the work is not over yet. This war is going to go on for a long time. The date of 2014, is tossed around, but that is only an estimate.

I am still on night duty, which I prefer. I have really enjoyed meeting the other Masons here. I enjoy our coffee breaks the best. There are Masons here from Canada, the USA, England, even South Africa.

When I get back to the USA, Larisa is keen to go to Miami. I want to go to Orlando. We will probably do both. Frankly, there is not much in Miami, that I am interested in. I went to Walt Disney World, in 1980. I would like to see it again.

A typical day

What is it like here at Kandahar, Afghanistan? Most people have no idea. Here is what I do 7 days a week.

I get up at 5:30pm. I crawl out of bed, and put on my walking shorts, and shower shoes. I go to the shower house, and take a shower. Fortunately, the water is very hot, and the pressure is high. I need that shower. I dry off, and walk back to the tent. I grab a khaki uniform (not a US army uniform, just a khaki suit). I get my ID card, and cell phone, and go to the front of the tent.

The carpool arrives about 6:30, and I ride to the office. The day crew is finishing up, and I get a briefing on what is going down on the night shift. I check to see if anything is urgent, and if not, I walk to the chow hall.

The food is institutional, steam table food. Rice every day. Pork steaks, fish, broiled chicken, vegetables, salad, dessert. The bread is very good here.

I walk back to the office, and get on the cases. I analyze the cases, and write them up. I stop at 9:00pm, and go watch "Jeapordy" on the TV. I am pretty good at it.

I go back to the office, and continue to do the cases. I usually finish about 0100am.

Then I can read, or study some other cases. I am working on a Civil War book now.

I drink some coffee, and sometimes I will make a bowl of dehydrated noodles.

I finish at 0615. I go downstairs ,and meet the carpool. I ride back to the tent, take off my clothes, and crawl into the bed.

And that is what I do, seven days a week, from 7 am to 7pm . I will be finished with this portion of the work, in April. I may go back earlier, I may leave later.

I would love to hear from my readers. Feel free to email me at cemab4y@hotmail.com

Two months in Afghanistan

I have been in Afghanistan for two months.

Two months in Afghanistan

I have been in Afghanistan for two months.

NO discussion of military Freemasonry.

The masonic society, closed down a discussion I started about getting Masonry underway in Iraq and Afghanistan.

(material removed at request of author)




[
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I am sorry that you have seen fit to close this topic. I will NEVER give up, trying to get a mainstream, F&AM, USA Grand Lodge sponsored, Masonic lodge in Iraq and/or Afghanistan.

If you think there is a regular, F&AM, USA Grand Lodge sponsored, working masonic lodge in south-west Asia, (OTHER THAN Prince Hall or Canadian), you are wrong. Why do you think there are regular lodges operating in SWA? If there is one (other than Prince Hall or Canadian), please let me know. I get emails every day, asking me if there a lodge here.

quote

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end quote.

I agree. I have done no such thing. I have made no request to any lodge, to change anything in any lodge. I cannot go to a USA lodge, I am in Afghanistan. This admonition is meaningless.

I belong to three (3) Grand Lodges. Kentucky, New York, and Massachusetts. I have not made a request to GLKY to charter a lodge here.

The Grand Lodge of New York, came to me, and asked me to take over the lodge project. Even though I was not a member of the GLNY at that time, I was delighted, and agreed. I later joined a NY lodge, so that I could contribute more directly, and also serve as an officer in LSA#1.

The only direct request I ever made of a USA Grand Lodge, to set up a lodge in Iraq, was to the Grand Lodge of Nebraska. The GL Neb, has a program called "swisher kits", where they provide a complete "lodge-in-a-box" to ANY mason, (provided the requesting mason is a member of a GL in communications with Nebraska). The GL Neb ignored my request. I have found out, that no swisher kit, has ever been issued. I also found out, that no USA Grand Lodge will agree to accept any of the degree work, performed in any of these temporary lodges.

Other than this one(1) request, I have NEVER made a direct request to any USA Grand Lodge, to charter a lodge in SWA.

I did make a request from the United American-Canadian Grand Lodge of Germany, which charters lodges in Germany, and other countries (including Saudi Arabia). The UACGL charters lodges on USA/Canadian military bases in Germany (and elsewhere). They also charter lodges in Saudi, for the oil workers. The UACGL told me, they were not interested, and suggested that I try my home Grand Lodges. (When I lived in Saudi in 1991, I was a member of Arabian Lodge, Dharhan Saudi Arabia, chatered by the UACGL). The lodge uses Minnesota ritual.

Masons from other jurisdictions, often work with other Grand Lodges, to get lodges underway. A group of Masons in Huntsville ALA, requested the Grand Lodge of Kentucky, to charter a lodge in Huntsville. (This was back in the early part of the 19th century, there was no Grand Lodge of Alabama). Huntsville Ala lodge #1, was chartered by GL of KY, until the GL of Alabama was formed later.

A group of Masons in Hawaii, requested the GL of Calif, to sponsor a lodge in Hawaii. The early lodges in Hawaii were sponsored by the GL of California, until Hawaii got their own Grand Lodge in 1989.

Freemasonry was formally established in Hawaii by Joseph Marie Le Tellier, Captain of the French whaling barque "Ajax" when he warranted Lodge Le Progres de l'Oceanie No. 124, of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of the Supreme Council of France on April 8, 1843, in Honolulu. This was a French lodge, operating in a Pacific island kingdom, which would later be an American territory, and then a US state. No one seemed to lose any sleep over jurisdictional lines.

The first operating lodges in the American Colonies, were British military traveling lodges. During the revolutionary war, lodges operated on American military camps. Military traveling lodges have operated on military camps both in the USA, and overseas. Land, Sea, and Air lodge #1 (new York) operated in WW1, WW2, Korea, Vietnam, and Iraq. It could operate anytime, if the GL of NY would issue a new operating charter. The charter now hangs in a museum in New York City.

quote:

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end quote.

WHERE? Where are these lodges? I have been working in Iraq and Afghanistan since February 2004. I serviced computers at every base in Anbar province (Iraq), and I worked in Baghdad and Kabul. I have installed video cameras at every base in Khost province (Afghanistan). I have met masons all over these two countries, and I have made hundreds of inquiries. In six (6) years, I have never found an operating regular lodge anywhere in SWA. I have lived in Kabul and Baghdad. I have flown about 130 missions to different bases all over SWA. I have never found an operating lodge, anywhere, other than Prince Hall or Canadian.

Why do you, who live in the USA, think there are regular lodges operating here, when I, who have been to about seventy different bases, in the past six years, tell you there are not?

quote

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end quote.

This happens all the time. Masons who were living in Alabama, from many different jurisdictions, got the GL of KY, to charter a lodge in Huntsville ALA. A French Mason set up a lodge in Hawaii, and later the Grand Lodge of California chartered lodges in Hawaii, until Hawaii got their own Grand Lodge in 1989, thirty years after Hawaii became a state.

Masons work across jurisdictional lines, all the time, for the benefit of Masonry. The Grand Lodge of Massachusetts charters Stability/Concorde Lodge number 19/42 in Paris France. The lodge meets in the building of the National Grand Lodge of France. The lodge uses the California ritual. If masons did not work together, across jurisdictional lines, there would be no American lodge operating in Paris France. ( I was a member of this lodge, when I lived in Paris, France).

Please listen to me, and you can take this to the bank: I will NEVER give up trying to establish a working lodge in South-West Asia. I was stationed at Al-Asad Iraq, and a mason there was killed by a roadside bomb. He was torn in half from the crotch to the neck. We wanted to have a lodge of sorrow, but because our charter was hanging in a museum in New York City, we could not.

I will continue to work with Masons both here in SWA, and in the USA, and in other countries, to establish a working military traveling lodge. I will work with any Mason, anywhere, from any jurisdiction, who is willing to extend the Gentle Craft, to our soldiers and civilians here.

The soil of Iraq and Afghanistan, is red with the blood of Masons, who have died here in the war on terror.

Traveling military lodges have existed on military camps and bases, almost since the beginning of Masonry. People attack me, like I am starting some radical new idea, that is contrary to the landmarks of Masonry. All I want to do, is to continue in our splendid tradition.

I even dare to dream, that Masonry could take root in Iraq and Afghanistan, and remain here, and thrive, once the military action is completed. The establishment of working lodges on the bases here, even though local nationals are forbidden entrance to the bases, and cannot participate in the lodges, might help in the future, for masonry to have a permanent presence here.

I am sad, that the forum has chosen to stifle discussion, on this important topic. No matter. I will continue to work to establish a masonic lodge in SWA, with anyone who cares to assist. I am continually astounded, that the Grand Lodges in the USA, choose to let Prince Hall and the Grand Lodge of Ontario, take the lead.

You must realize, that not all Masons here in SWA, belong to Grand Lodges, that have fraternal relations, with Prince Hall masonry. If a mason (like myself) even goes to a masonic dinner, and does not attend a tyled meeting, he is in danger of being brought up on Masonic charges, and could get suspended or expelled from Masonry. If a KY mason attends a tyled meeting, he will be permanently expelled from Masonry. If a man takes the degrees here at a PH lodge, when he returns to the USA, he might not be able to join a non-PH lodge.

Some have suggested that I request my own Grand Lodge, to get a charter. Well, I can tell you, that ain't gonna happen. I once set up a Square and Compasses club, just to have fellowship. The word got back to some Masons in my home state, and they were furious. I got word back, that I was going to be brought up on Masonic charges. If you think that the Grand Lodge of Kentucky, would consider setting up a lodge in SWA, you are in fantasy-land.

The Grand Lodge of New York, asked me to work with them to continue with their lodge in Iraq. Then they asked me to send the charter back, to be displayed in a museum in New York City. I sent it back in December 2005. The charter is still in the museum. I asked for a replacement, but it will never come.

I have never requested a charter from the GL of Massachusetts. Maybe I should.

So, in closing, I will continue to work, to establish Masonry here in SWA. (Outside of Prince Hall and Canadian). I believe that the USA Masons here, military and civilian, have the right to enjoy Masonic labor and fellowship. Of course, we can have our Square and Compasses clubs, and our cigar clubs, but it is not the same, as a working, chartered, degree-granting lodge.

I have met several men of good will, both here, and on other forums, who have given me some good counsel and advice and assistance. I was once disciplined, just for making a phone call to a New Jersey Mason, to get some advice. I was accused of using the Grand Lodge of New jersey , to solicit money. The charge was ludicrous, but I got "spanked" anyway.

Masonry will come to the troops and civilians here. If I can help, I will. Trust me on one thing, I will never give up. When my time is concluded here, I will continue to work with anyone, who wants to bring mainstream USA masonry to the heroes and civilians here.

I have been pushing to get Mainstream, USA Masonry, to set up a lodge for our heroes, for almost six years. I have found some support and encouragement. Mostly I have met with indifference, discouragement, criticism, and outright hatred. Some even claim that I have "set back" the cause. These men never get specific.

"Never Give up. Never, never, never, give up". Winston Churchill, Freemason

"The opposite of love is not hate. The opposite of love is indifference". Elie Wiesel, Holocaust survivor, Nobel Prize winner.

"If you do nothing, you get nothing" Aung San Suu Kyi. Nobel Peace Prize winner. (20 years under house arrest).

"It does not require a majority to prevail, but rather an irate, tireless minority keen to set brush fires in people's minds." Samuel Adams, revolutionary.

DO not ask me to give up. Do not ask me to be indifferent, Do not ask me to do nothing. Do not ask me to stop setting brush fires.

Respectfully Submitted,

Charles E. Martin
Kandahar, Afghanistan.

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.

My father has passed to the Celestial Lodge

Last Monday, October 25, my father passed to the Celestial Lodge. I was with him in Bowling Green, KY. We put him in the Hospice, after 30 days in the hospital. He was in the Hospice for four days. I stayed in the room, with him, that final night. I got up at 0400am, and I could not hear him breathing. I reached over, and checked the carotid pulse. He was gone.

I shall miss him terribly. He was 80, and he had a full long life. He had a laugh, like roaring thunder. He would not want us to cry.

I will be leaving for Afghanistan, next week. I will be too busy to miss him.

Traveling on to Afghanistan

I have been assigned to Kandahar, Afghanistan. I will depart next week. I am grateful to be working, and this is a fine company. I am grateful for all of the wonderful comments and e-mails sent by the readers, these past years. I hope that my blog has brought you some enjoyment. I am flabbergasted, that I am approaching the 10,000 hits mark! I can't believe that 10,000 times, someone has read this blog.

I will be doing unclassified work, documenting electronic circuits. I am excited about this project, we are saving lives.

I will try to keep you informed of what I see and do there. The schedule is rough, 12 hours a day, 7 days a week, but I should be able to get some blogging time in.

At work

I started this new job on Monday August 9. I have doing my in-processing, and getting my ID badge, etc. There is always a lot of paperwork and procedures, when starting a new job.

I will be here in Lorton VA, for some weeks, and then I will be returning to South-West Asia. This assignment looks to be challenging and rewarding. For the time being, I will be learning, and getting my orientation, and getting up to speed on the project.

The people here seem to be fantastic. I must say that my first impressions have been extremely positive.

August 2, 2010 Alexandria VA

I was working in Afghanistan, and the contract ended. I got back home 18 Jun, but I just never got around to making any new blog posts. I interviewed with a firm, and the firm hired me. I will begin work August 9, if the paperwork is all in order, and the employment is approved. I signed the offer letter today.

I have been working in Iraq/Afghanistan for 6 (six) years, and it is a long time. I have not been there continuously, of course, but it is a hard grind.

I have been spending the past several weeks, relaxing, watching TV, cooking my own meals, and taking long relaxing baths. It is great to sit down in a tub.

I do not have my assignment yet, but I will be going back to South-West Asia.

Monday night in Afghanistan.

Went to work this morning, 12noon. The chow hall served chicken fillets, and french fries, also chili. Supper was fried chicken, rice, green beans. I am eating so much less here, no ice cream, my belt is down two notches already.

I am running out of clean clothes, so I will do laundry tonight, when I get off work at midnite.

Work today was unusual. I had to go up on the elevator truck, and I get vertigo real bad. I guess that I will get used to it. I took a spray jar of soapsuds, and sprayed some inflated plastic, to check for leaks. I found some, and marked them with a felt tip pen. Tonight in the wind, I went out with adhesive and patches, and patched the pinhole leaks. Similar to patching a bicycle tire.

I am on garbage detail this week. Two days ago, I put on rubber gloves, and got on my knees, and scrubbed out the bathroom. This, after 5 1/2 years in college.

This is undoubtedly, the worst contract I have ever had.

Where Masonry stands in Iraq and Afghanistan

There is both good news, and bad news about Masonry in Iraq and Afghanistan. (I have been working in South-west Asia for six years). The bad news, is that after all these years, there is not one working F&AM lodge, chartered by any mainstream Grand Lodge, anywhere in South-West Asia. Not one.

There are a number of working Prince Hall lodges, operating on the various military bases in Iraq/Afghanistan. Most of these are chartered by MW Prince Hall Grand Lodges of Oklahoma and Texas. Victory Base Complex (Baghdad), has four working lodges, and two Eastern Star chapters, all Prince Hall affiliated.

The Grand Lodge of New York F&AM, holds the charter for Land, Sea, and Air Lodge #1 (UD). This lodge was first chartered in 1917 (World War I). The lodge was de-activated, and then brought back for WW2, Korea, Vietnam, and its most recent activation was Sep-Oct-Nov 2005. (Send me a PM, and I will send you the link). I volunteered to assist in the administration and activation of LSA#1, in November 2005. I had the traveling charter with me, at Al Asad Air Base, Iraq. In December 2005, the Grand Lodge of New York, directed me to return the charter to New York, so that it could be displayed in a museum in New York City. I was promised, that a new traveling charter would be issued, next year (2006). I never received a new charter.

If a military or civilian Mason, serving in this part of the world, wishes to participate in Freemasonry, the only route is through Prince Hall Masonry. If a man holds membership in a Grand Lodge, which does not recognize Prince Hall Masonry, he risks suspension or expulsion. If a man holds membership in more than one Grand Lodge, and all of his memberships are not in communication with Prince Hall Masonry, he risks suspension or expulsion.

There are a number of informal Masonic assemblies here in SWA. I started a “Masonic Square and Compasses Club”, at Al Asad. It was not a working lodge, just a bi-weekly meeting, where we would drink a soda, and fellowship.

The Grand Lodge of Nebraska F&AM, developed a program, to enable Masonry to be practiced in Iraq/Afghanistan. They produced a “Lodge in a box”, which included all of the working tools necessary for Craft Masonry, including a charter. They called these portable lodges “Swisher Kits”, named after the first Nebraska Freemason to be killed in Iraq. The program never got off the ground, because several Grand Lodges made it known, that they would not accept degree work, from any of these temporary lodges.

It has been a real disappointment to me, that I have been working in Iraq/Afghanistan since 2004, and I have never been able to attend a lodge meeting. I am also disappointed, that not one Grand Lodge in the USA, has shown any initiative to issue a traveling charter, for a military lodge in this part of the world.

“The opposite of love, is not hate. The opposite of love, is indifference"- Elie Wiesel. Nobel Prize winner, and holocaust survivor

Saturday afternoon

I work 12 hours a day, 7 days a week. We have our slow periods, but Thursday was awful. The food in the military dining hall is usually pretty good, but today was a loser. For lunch they had hot dogs and macaroni and cheese. I ate a bowl of Special K cereal. For lunch, it was shepherd's pie, shredded lamb with mashed potatoes on top. I ate a salad, with ranch dressing, and a bagel with cream cheese.



The nights are still cold in Afghanistan. I feel like I will never be clean again. This place is so dusty, and the garbage pit, where the garbage is burned produces smoke.



May 20, was the bloodiest day for dead soldiers in 2010. A contractor was killed at Bagram (I was stationed there for three months).



Today was not too bad, I drove the forklift truck, and moved some lumber and building supplies around. I also helped on a project, where we prepared a cable for shipment to the USA. I had to wear rubber gloves, and smear epoxy sealant on the work. I enjoyed it.



There was a new pair of boots that no one wanted, so I latched on to them myself.



Keep up with my progress on the blog!

Saturday night in Zormat

The day started out quite beautiful. I got up, and walked down to the chow hall. The lunch was four tortillas, with ground beef, and salsa. I made a couple of enchiladas. I walked back to the office. The sky was clear and blue. The sky in Afghanistan can be quite spectacular.

I watched the TV screen for a while. Then I helped haul the balloon down. The sky looked a bit threatening.

Supper was unusual. The chow hall served meat loaf. It was little blocks of ground beef, about 2 inches per side. I ate some with strawberry soda.

Evening is quiet. When the balloon is down, there is little to do. My co-worker is refurbishing an old motorcycle. He also does some carpentry work. When the Army needs something sawed or cut, he is always there to volunteer.

I wish I had some leisure activity. I work 12 noon to 12 midnite, 7 days a week. When I get up in the morning, it is all I can do to, put my clothes on, and go to the office (about 100 yards away). This morning, there was some gunfire, the Army must test their big guns, so BOOM every 15 minutes or so.

Got my first paycheck with the overseas bonus. I got no serious issue with the pay. I am certainly no expert on this technology. What the hell do I know about balloons? And the weather? and how to spot wind drafts at 1000 feet? I feel like a real idiot, bending my neck back and staring at the sky.

I am only here for my in-country orientation, Then I will be transferred to another base. It will probably be another small base like this one. I just hope that all of their equipment is installed, I dread having to take a set of this equipment from the crates, and then installing everything.

Wednesday night in Zormat

Like the film "Ground Hog Day", this place never changes. I work from 12 noon to 12 midnite. We have busy periods, and slow periods. Today, I took an air compressor, and blew the dust out of the air conditioner. Somehow, the filters were installed backwards. I cleaned the same air conditioner last week, and the filters were installed properly.

I had to assist in filling the balloon with more helium today. It was interesting, to haul the hoses, and assist. We brought the balloon down, and it was about my fifth time here, helping on a down-haul. I am getting the hang of it, I wish was more expert.

After completing the re-fill, I helped hang some protective blankets on the balloon platform. The blankets are industrial plastic, with metal fillings, imagine a bullet-proof vest that is 20 square feet. The blankets are heavy, I strained by hands, holding them.

I am charged with garbage removal, and it is amazing, how much garbage 6 men can generate. I collect it during the day, and then at 1000pm, I haul it to the base dump, to be burned.

I don't know if I can stand 12 months in this dump. I am at Zormat for training, and then I will be pushed on to another base. It will probably be a small forward operating base, like here. If it is really terrible, I will have to re-think my employment situation. There are a lot of jobs in the USA, they do not pay so much money, and they do not have the tax-free status of overseas work.

Food here is about what I expected. I was in the chow hall at 1130, exactly when they open up. For lunch, there was chicken nuggets, cold, and french fries, also cold. I ate some, and they felt like lead bricks in my gut.

Dinner was good roast beef. Thoroughly marbled and stringy, with big globs of fat hanging off it. Also mashed potatoes and peas and carrots. A decent salad, also. Dessert was sara lee pecan pie, and M&M candies.

Back to the office after dinner, slow today. I did a cross word puzzle and a cryptogram. This base is entirely gravel. The rocks do a job on my feet, I must wear combat boots. Someone left a brand new pair of boots in the office, so I decided to "glom" them. ("glom" is a Yiddish word for "take"). I used to live with a Jewish woman, and she taught me a bunch of Yiddish words.

Saturday night in Zormat

Fairly pleasant day here in Zormat. The guys decided to grill some burgers, and I had two, and they were delicious. The weather was clear, so we flew the balloon for some hours. In the afternoon, we hauled it down. I am getting more practice with raising and lowering the balloon.

Dinner tonight, was cajun rice, and fish fillets in spicy sauce. I ate some salad. I could really use some decent desserts. I will lose weight here, I always do.

Biggest hassle, is the depression. I am working 12 hours a day, 7 days a week. When I get off at midnight, all I can do, is go back to the trailer, and try to sleep. I get up around 1100am, and get dressed. The dining hall opens at 1130, so I eat, and the get to work at 1200noon.

Summer is coming to Afghanistan. At least I will not freeze, working outside.

Three days on the site

I am at Zormat, Afghanistan. Possibly the bleakest outpost I have been assigned to since I have been working in Iraq/Afghanistan. I flew in by chopper, on May 1. I have a decent trailer, clean and quiet. One other man is in the trailer, he works 12 midnite to 12 noon. I work 12 noon to 12 midnite, so I have the trailer all to myself when I am off duty.

This is a rough assignment. I have to learn new technology, I work the balloon. I also work the electronics and cameras. I never even saw a balloon until 13 April in Akron Ohio. I now must be proficient in operations.

I also have to learn how to work on a lift-truck. Today,I drove the lift-truck around the camp, and ran the elevator up 40 feet. I am not used to heights. We were caught in a cloudburst, and I was soaked, the rain was like needles. We brought it down, and I got in out of the rain, and changed my clothing.

I enjoy hearing from readers, if you have anything you wish to comment on, please feel free.

Charles E. Martin
Forward Operating Base Zormat
Afghanistan