Troops return home from Afghanistan: MyFoxBOSTON.com

Troops return home from Afghanistan: MyFoxBOSTON.com

Troops return home from Afghanistan: MyFoxBOSTON.com






 

Troops return home from Afghanistan: MyFoxBOSTON.com

Troops return home from Afghanistan: MyFoxBOSTON.com

Take a look at Afghanistan from the air! I got to fly around the 'Ring of Steel' for about an hour, touring the bases, neighborhoods, and mountains that surround Kabul! Sometimes it's tough to figure out where you are because it looks like it could be anywhere... and other times, it can only be Afghanistan that you are looking at!

Thanks to the chopper pilots and the 26 MEB for setting this up for us!

Thanks to everyone at Fox 25 for having me on again this morning! You guys rock!

Mistress Carrie: Back from Afghanistan: MyFoxBOSTON.com

This was one of the most emotional days of the trip. We had to drive about an hour outside of Kabul, into the country. There was a pretty big group of us, because when a general goes out to check up on things, it's a big deal! Along the way we passed evidence of the difficulties that still face Afghanistan. Vehicles that fell victim to IED's are everywhere!

When we arrived at the school, the Afghan soldiers were already there, as were the construction supervisors, translators, tribal elders, and a few kids. We took a tour of the construction, and Gen. Hammond pointed out a few ventalation issues that remained in the construction. His concern was that the kids wouldn't be warm enough during the winter months. They also looked at the new well, and discussed the time table. Then it was time to meet the kids, who had already started to gather outside, as soon as they saw the 'American trucks' pull in.

The US soldiers that escorted me, had prepared boxes of toys, pens, chalk, and candy for us to give out. What surprised me, was that the Afghan soldiers, the little boys, and the little girls had to be put into separate groups. First, the soldiers were given some soccer balls to keep them from 'intervening' while we played with the kids. Soldiers in Afghanistan have 'on average' a 3rd grade education, which is part of the recruiting problem. The more people grow up uneducated in Afghanistan, the longer it is going to take us to get out, and leave the country to stand on it's own two feet. The most important part, is that we leave them as a ally, because we cannot afford to have Afghanistan raise another generation that is desperate, uneducated, and hating America! We all know what comes from that! So, once the soldiers were taken care of, the male US soldiers, started tending to the little boys, and LT. Sullivan and I were left to handle the 35-40 little girls who had bravely arrived. They are used to being ignored, or worse. So everyone thought that if American women spent some time with them, that they would come out of their shells a little bit. They sat quietly at first, organized in a row, and shy. I started handing out pieces of colored chalk, so they could write and draw. These girls will all be allowed to attend this school when it opens, since that is a requirement of the US military. All schools are open to all students in the community, even the girls! I wore gloves to hide my long fingernails, since my hair was enough for them to adjust to! They thought is was CRAZY! We handed out the pens, and then got to the good stuff... LIFESAVERS! They love them! Everyone got something, and they were so grateful for the smallest gift!

As we finished the line of little girls, the boys started to run over to us, and they were much more aggressive. They grabbed and demanded. At one point I was surrounded by kids, and the girls were starting to back away, giving in to the boys aggression! This made me VERY upset! I saw one boy, about 10 years old, hit a 5 year old girl, so that he could take what I had just given her... I SNAPPED! I grabbed the kid by the shoulder, and screamed at him. Even though he didn't understand what I was saying, he could tell what my message was. he looked at me, like "who is this woman telling me what to do"? and as you can imagine, that did not go over well with me! I grabbed the chalk, and candy from his hand, and pushed him out of the way so that I could return it to it's rightful owner. She looked at me with confusion and gratitude in her eyes. I don't think any woman had ever stood up to a 'man' in front of her before, and certainly not FOR her. I rubbed her hair, and face and tried to get her to understand that I cared. She took the candy and chalk, and ran for the safety of the larger group of girls. The boy, still dumbfounded, walked away glaring at me. He learned a valuable lesson that day! DO NOT piss off purple haired bitches from Boston! :)

As we were getting ready to leave, I approached the US soldiers, and talked to them about the incident. I asked if it could have a negative impact on community relations, and for that I was sorry. They said "Don't be sorry"! One soldier said "That little girl will never forget the day a woman stood up for her, and that little boy, the tribal elders, and the Afghan soldiers, will never forget seeing a tough woman stand up to a man like that... even if he was only 10" but, in Afghanistan nothing is easy... They also told me, that it was possible that the little girl will be beaten because of what I did. I cried the entire ride back to the base, thinking of that little girl. Progress is slow in Afghanistan for many reasons, but seeing that school, and those children gives me hope that someday things will get better!

1. Dunkin Donuts coffee! Everyone asks for it, especially the seasonal stuff that they miss.

2. Cleaning supplies like Clorox wipes, disinfectant sprays, Swiffers etc. Everything is DIRTY over there, and being able to keep things kinds clean is a HUGE plus.

3. video games and DVD's because they just can't get enough of them!

4. small toys, candy, and simple school supplies for the kids that they meet. This goes a long way with the elders in the communities where our guys are working. The more the locals trust our soldiers, the more valuable intel on the Taliban they are willing to share!

5. simple athletic equipmant wiffle ball stuff, soccer balls, basketballs, street hockey gear, playing cards and poker chips... any distraction during your off time, is a good one.

6. Canned air to clean electronics, night vision, and guns!

I only coughed 5 times today... That's down from my normal 20 or so, since I stepped foot in Afghanistan.

The cough started almost immediately and has been a reminder ever since that my trip was real!  Every night, I get off of the air, and sit in my office, trying to figure out how to get what is in my head... out. How to describe to the people back home, what it is like for our guys over there. That was my mission after all wasn't it? I'm just having a hard time putting the emotions that I feel into words. Maybe I should have paid better attention in college!

The night before I left for Afghanistan, I had a terrible dream. I dreamt that I died over there. On the Friday before my flight, I questioned whether I should go at all, wondering if I was the 'moth to the flame'. Then I questioned my fate, and maybe if I canceled the trip, I would die in a car accident on 495 or something. I tried to write 'the letter' that most soldiers write and leave for their loved one's just in case... I couldn't do it. I couldn't decide what my last words should be. I didn't know how to put my feelings into words, kinda like now! So, I did what I do best. I sat in a recording studio, and recorded a message for my family. I cried the entire way through.

Of course I was running late when my airport ride arrived to pick me up. I was frazzled, and still hadn't finished packing. I said my goodbyes quickly, and was filled with anxious and excited feelings. The anticipation on the flights kept me from napping, and I couldn't wait to get there.

When I arrived, it was a assault on my senses. The frenzy in the airport, and the inability to communicate with anyone when my luggage didn't arrive. The smell in the air, the sights in the streets, and cramped feeling in the M-ATV on the way to the base, told me right away that this trip was going to be unbelievable.

You can't imagine the ping pong of emotions that I was feeling, going from smiling and taking pictures, to attending briefings, and discussing worst case scenarios. Every minute has the option of going from good to bad and vice versa. There is a lot of waiting around in Afghanistan too. Waiting for something to happen, and then rushing around in a choreographed frenzy when it does. Going from a Spades game, to gunfire in minutes. I was enjoying a hot shower, at 6am one morning, and reacting to air raid sirens the next.

It's sensory overload in Afghanistan. And our guys have to put blinders on, and only pay attention to the mission in front of them. Now imagine that those blinders must block out abuse, starvation, suffering, anger, violence, and pure hate. They must ignore physical abuse happening on the sidewalk while they drive by. They are too busy looking for terrorists who may be trying to bomb them. They must ignore begging children, and search for IED's. Just complete the mission, and get back on base. Live to fight another day! We all talk about living each day as if it were our last... Well, these guys actually do it.

People always ask me what they need... Well, they don't need much. They have many of the comforts of home. The PX is filled with stuff that they can buy. They have free laundry services, and the Chow Hall is open 24/7. They need distractions, like we all do. Movies, Music, and video games are great for that. The Internet however, makes it tough to download those things over there. Many of the guys send external hard drives home, so they can be filled with stuff and sent back. The number of songs in your iPod is like a badge of honor, and it's not all what you would think.

One of my fondest memories with the guys, was on the road in the truck and we were arguing over what to listen to in the headsets. We let the shuffle feature decide and we spent 4 minutes in a convoy singing 'Call Me Al' by Paul Simon, complete with the Chevy Chase horn solo! Please press play and listen to the song while you read the rest of this...

This song, combined with the terrible surroundings is quite the definition of contradiction!

Back on base, the guys and I had to decide if we have the 'energy' to call home and get caught up on the days events. Family and work drama like who's mad at who, and what didn't get done today, can really add mental stress that you can't handle when you haven't slept in 2 days, it's 100*, and you were just getting shot at. I wonder what is worse for our soldiers... to live through letters like they did in WWII, when you waited for them at the mailbox every month, or Skyping home to watch your daughter on the potty, and read her a story before bed, only to have her scream and cry when you try to say goodbye. My work emails, and instructions on the broadcast became background noise and it was nice to be able to say... "I'm sorry the Internet isn't working, you're going to have to handle it without me." Sure, it puts a burden on the people back home, but with everything else going on in your head, there just isn't room. You have to put your feelings in a box here, and lock them away. Emotions are too dangerous to have on a day to day basis. The guys were surprised at how I reacted to certain things, because I was still thinking like I was at home. I hadn't developed the callous of war that is required to survive a year long deployment, and I never would. I only had 2 weeks to cram as much experience as I could into it. The smells they said would go away in a few days, and they were right. You get used to the smell of burning poop in a few days, but you pay the price of not being able to smell anything. They've been there for 5 months already and the callouses were already there. They need them to survive the next 7 months. They can't focus on the birthdays, anniversaries, football games, bachelor parties, and quiet dinners with their soul mates that they will miss. They need to shut off their humanity, and just survive. Sometimes I think that I was a branch to that humanity, when I was one on one with them. They would let their guard down, and talk about their wives and kids. The guilt that they felt missing out on the small things. They talked about their mom's and the cards they would get, and how they would never be able to repay the sacrifices they are making at home, to help with the grand kids and the mortgages. They would talk about near death experiences, and fellow troops that didn't come home from the last deployment. I tried not to show too much emotion, and just sit quietly and listen to what they had to say. I would reach out with a hand on the shoulder, or a pat on the back, knowing that human contact over there is pretty uncommon. I knew some stuff already because of my Iraq trip, and thanks to my husband and his deployment experiences I've learned a little more. Sometimes it's easier to talk, when you aren't asked anything. The other person just has to be willing to listen, and not judge. The standards of conduct are different when you are at war, and they don't want to be judged on their actions. The blinders of war are necessary for survival. I know that none of those guys would drive by the things they have seen back in Massachusetts, but they are required to in Afghanistan. They are not eager to shoot people back home, but are ready, willing, and able to do it on a moments notice there. Even the definition of 'clean' is not the same there, I learned that myself. If you want to send them something, send them cleaning supplies. It's oppressive to feel dirty and disgusting all of the time. It's impossible to keep anything clean, especially your electronics. Being able to control something small like a clean room, makes you feel somewhat human.

The roller coaster of emotions that I rode for 2 weeks, is a tough ride to get off of. Fun one minute, fear the next. It's like I slammed on the brakes and I'm sitting in the middle of the road, unsure of what just happened, and what to do next. I went through a similar experience 5 years ago when I returned home from Iraq, but this time it's WAY worse. I spent more time with one group of guys, and I had WAY more interaction with the locals. In talking with the guys, they are all expecting to bond over this shared experience together, but are very aware that they will scatter with the wind when they return. Some of them plan on leaving the military, some are already talking about marriages and kids, and some plan on heading back overseas as a private contractor, so that they can make some 'real money'. Whatever they decide, those plans are going to take a little while to get going. They are all going to need time to downshift.

When I got home Sunday night, my family was waiting at my house, cooking a big dinner, and waiting to hear all about the trip. I just wanted to come home, take a shower, and sit alone in the peace and quiet. Of course I couldn't say that to them. The bevy of questions was too much for me. Where to sit, what to drink, what I felt like eating... these are not tough questions, but for me at that moment, they were. It was too much for me. I ate my dinner, unpacked my gross, dirty clothes and took a long and much needed shower. I found the disc that I left for my husband, and broke it. Thankfully he'll never have to hear what was on it. I fell asleep on the couch for a bit, but when it was time to go to bed, I couldn't sleep. Isn't that always the way? After a night of pacing around the house, it was time to go to work. I probably should have taken a few days off, but there was too much to do! I've been clinging to Skype, my email, and facebook waiting for updates from Kabul. The guys have been asking how we are doing, and sending us messages that they miss us. One guy told me that he "missed my face". He said I was a welcome distraction at the end of a tough day, and that he looked forward to our card games and ball busting. I'm sorry if these blogs seem melodramatic to some, or if people don't believe that you can develop this kind of love and respect for strangers in such a short time, but it's how I feel.  I worry about the families of these men, who may not understand why they are the way they are when they return. These loved one's who haven't experienced these soldiers, in the way that I have. I don't know them at home, in their jobs, with their kids... I only know them in their dirty uniforms, planning missions and playing Madden. Just a small part of who they really are, but a part that the rest of the people in their lives don't get to see. How lucky am I, that I got that chance?

I fear that as the days go by, and the more my cough fades away, the memories of my trip will fade along with them. The feelings that were so strong, will slowly slip into distant memories. I don't want to forget one moment, I want to feel every emotion just as strongly as the first time. With the invention of  'Social Networking' and the 'friend counter' that we all have on our facebook pages it's not easy to make REAL friends. I think that this trip has given me some lifelong friends, and I look forward to seeing them at home, surrounded by the one's that they love. I just hope that the callouses will fade away, and the blinders will eventually come off. That day can't come soon enough, and the date is circled on my calendar. Until then, I hope that I don't stop coughing!

Having to leave our guys in Afghanistan was tough form Mike and I. We got to see some old friends, and make some new ones! It's amazing how close you can become to people in just 2 weeks. Maybe it has something to do with the close quarters, or the long hours, or maybe it's the life and death circumstance that you are experiencing together. We walked around the QRF shack, and asked all of  the guys one simple question...

If you could have 1 drink right now... what would it be?

We got some interesting answers...

Jameson & Ginger for Noftle

Tangeray & Tonic for Tanguay

A 'Stunt Man' for McConvey (he's such a pain in the ass!) Just in case you didn't know what a Stunt Man is... It's a shot of tequila, but you snort the salt, and squeeze the lemon into your eye. Like I said... He's a pain in the ass!

Or the Brooklyn Hooker... Pickle juice and JD.

There were simple requests like the Rum & Coke for Torch, and the Jager bombs for Foucher, Dustin and Murphy!

My Spades partner Scot asked for a Capt. and Coke and so did Bourne.

There was the Johnny Walker for Ward, and the Guinness for 'Tall Murph', and the Irish Car Bomb for Farrell. I think he just wanted us to order that in London, so we would get arrested!

Bill just wanted a shot of Makers Mark, and Mussig just said "Something strong"

Vath asked for a Soco and Cran (which I thought would be gross, and was actually great!)

Valentin wanted a shot of Patron!

As you can see, the guys just wanted us to be a couple of drunk f*cks at the airport!

Mission ACCOMPLISHED!

Guys... These drinks are for you!

May you all make it home safely, so we can enjoy a round of drinks together! We miss you!

A week ago, I was in Afghanistan...

I was hunkered down with 'my guys' while the embassy and ISAF HQ were under attack. I had guys, who were total strangers the week before, making plans for my safety and thinking of my needs before their own.

2 weeks ago, I was on my way to Afghanistan having no idea what lay in front of me. I didn't know that I would make lifelong friends, I didn't know that I would witness life changing events, or see the worst that humanity has to offer.

Today, I am sitting in my climate controled office, eating microwaved food, and watching TV. My guys...? they are sleeping. Well, I hope they are sleeping... it's the middle of the night in Kabul. If they're not sleeping, it's because bad things are going on!

It took 9 months of planning to get this trip together, and in 2 weeks it's gone like a blur. If it weren't for the pictures, I would question whether it happened at all.  The people in the office, have been congratulating me (and Mike) on a job well done, and asking questions like "how crazy was it REALLY over there?" The truth? You don't want to know...  The stories that we've heard from the guys, the things that we've seen are not things that your brain allows you to forget, once you've heard and seen them. We got 2 weeks worth, 'my guys' get a years worth or more, if this isn't their first or last deployment. After 10 years of war, getting out with only one deployment is lucky.

I've been told by more than one veteran, that it's easier over there. The mission is clearly in front of you. You know who the bad guys are. You know what you're doing, and where you need to be. You're trained, and ready. It's simple. That is NOT the case back home. It's complicated, and messy at home. It's trivial. Lines at Dunkin Donuts, traffic, office gossip, laundry... these are all things that seem like a GIANT waste of time.

2 weeks ago, we were strangers.

 A week ago, I was asked by a soldier to pass along a message to his wife, if he didn't come back from a mission. Before I left on Saturday, another soldier asked me to visit his sick and pregnant wife in the hospital, because he wasn't going to be home to do it.

2 weeks ago, I was the DJ.

 A week ago, someone said "she's not in the Unit" and the response from one of my guys? "She may as well be!"

It's impossible for anyone to understand what our soldiers go through when they are sent to war. We've all had the experience with a family member from WWII or Vietnam. We've heard the stories that they are willing to tell. We've witnessed the dark places that they go to find those stories. It's called the 1000 yard stare, shell shocked, or more recently PTSD and TBI. I would never say that I understand them, or what they have been through. What I can say is this... I have been allowed not once, but twice in my life, to see behind the curtain. I've been given this gift, to peer briefly into a world, that most people will never understand. As an Army wife, it's an interesting perspective that I know most wives will never have. I have a new found respect for my husband and every other person that has worn a uniform for this country, and had to defend it's honor, in the face of hate and evil.

How will they be when they get home? How will they 'get back to normal'? Is that even possible? How will their families and friends react to the new person in the old body? How will this generation change the direction of our country as they age? What lessons can be learned from their sacrifice? How do you say 'thank you' for what they have given up, because they signed a blank check in service to our country, and we cashed it.

How do you say goodbye?

Here are some numbers for you...

1 in 4 children will die in Afghanistan before the age of 5.

the average life span in Afghanistan is 48

A M-ATV up armored vehicle costs approximately $450,000

A new school costs $150,000

Digging a well to supply a village with fresh water costs $5,000

The war in Afghanistan costs $9.8 BILLION dollars a month

The average education of an Afghan soldier is the 3rd grade.

These numbers surprised me, for several reasons, especially the mortality rate of the children here. I'm not sure why I was surprised, after driving through the country and witnessing the things that I did.

Now I am not claiming to have all of the answers... As a matter of fact, I don't have ANY of the answers! But, I have seen many people comment on facebook saying that we should pull all of our troops out of Afghanistan, and just drop bombs... After looking into the eyes of this countries people, I can't imagine feeling that way. The children have such an innocence about them, and they're eyes almost beg for help. We saw a woman laying in the road so that she could stop traffic and get her kids to beg to the people in the stopped cars. We saw people buying raw meat on the side of the road from 'butchers' who were slicing in *100 degree heat, with no refrigeration or sanitary facilities. People just stop on the sidewalk and squat down to go to the bathroom. I've seen people do that while drunk, in an alley after a Sox game, but never like this. In this day and age, how can people still live like this? This country is such a contradition.

How can a military convoy get passed in a  rotary by a guy on a donkey, talking on a cell phone?

How can people punish their infants by burning them, and then drop them off at the front gate of a military base knowing that the US soldiers will get the child medical care? Only to have the children returned home after?

How can grown men, who have sworn to protect their country, steal supplies from children that they receive from US troops?

How can women walk on gravel roads, with 2 small children, wearing full burkas, carrying firewood, and wearing HEELS?

In the last 10 years, the # of children in school in Afghanistan has increased 500% and the number of girls in school has tripled. I heard that part of the recruiting issue with the Afghan National Army is the fact that they are illiterate, and most only have a 3rd grade education. So before they can join, they have to learn to read and write. Imagine our country run by 3rd graders... Oh wait a minute, sometimes it feels like it is!

The only thing that makes me feel better about the financial drain of this war, is that education and healthy water is cheaper than trucks and guns... Maybe someday the nation of Afghanistan will have different problems, and maybe they won't, only they can decide their own path. But, after seeing what I saw, I can't imagine pulling our troops out of there and leaving that nation prey for the Taliban. They would never have a chance.

I still think about those kids every day, and I can't imagine how our troops will be coming home after a year in that country, witnessing what they have. If you think our country has problems, take a trip to Afghanistan...

Yes, I said it... I love Afghanistan.

The weather is amazing most days, even though it rained yesterday for the first time since we arrived. The scenery is unlike anything that I have ever seen. The mountains are majestic like the Rockies in the U.S. The fabrics and the clothing are so exotic and beautiful. There is a tangible optimism amongst the people that I've met, which would surprise most people back at home. Now, make no mistake... I am very well aware of the fact that I am in a war zone. This country is like walking around an episode of the Flintstones sometimes. The images of the dirty children playing in the streets rather than learning in school, the puppies that I know will never be loved like they would back home, the women in the burkas walking behind their husbands who are desperate for civil rights, and the buildings that were once beautiful, and are now blown apart remind me that the world is less than perfect. There is so much work to be done here, and it's going to take the Afghan people generations to move forward as a society.

But, the reason why I am writing this blog is our guys... Well, actually they are my guys now! I've been accepted into this group with open arms. As a woman, being allowed this kind of access to an Infantry unit in a war zone, is a special thing. They are not used to having a girl around. The long walk to the woman’s latrine is evidence of that. The guys were shocked from day 1, when they saw that I didn't pack suitcases, and that all of my stuff was in Army issue duffel bags. I traveled light here, since I knew I was going to be moving around a lot. I packed stuff that I knew I would need, and nothing more. 'Acting like a girl' is not going to win me any points here. I knew that before I arrived. It's a lesson that I learned 5 years ago in Iraq. From minute #1, they guys have treated me with respect, and have taken me under their wings. I'm always trying to stay out of the way, apologizing when someone needs to get by. I try to keep my stuff out of the way, and keep from making their lives any more difficult. But, I always here the same thing... "You're fine, you're not in the way, relax".

To the people back home who have loved ones over here, I can tell you this... You're loved ones are brave, well trained, hard working, and very special human beings. It's been an honor getting to know them. They miss home, and they long for the days that they can hang out at the bar and watch the Sox and the Pats... But they also love it here. They are understood here. They are surrounded by people who relate to them, and don't question why they do what they do. I try to imagine these guys, back at home, working 'regular' jobs and it's hard for me. I only know them this way. I know that reintegration is a tough thing for our troops that have seen combat overseas. The suicide rate for our veterans is scary, the divorce rate is well above the average, the incidents of alcoholism, drug abuse, and violence is evidence of this issue too. It's tough to imagine what they are going through, until you witness it firsthand.

The events that occurred in Kabul yesterday are a perfect example.

Yesterday the ISAF headquarters came under attack by the Taliban. I was there the night before, taking pictures and handing out T-shirts to the local troops that are stationed there.

When the word came down that the attacks were happening, the sirens went off on Camp Phoenix. The QRF (Quick Response Force) that we have been embedded with, were activated and told to get ready. 'My guys' started preparing for whatever may come their way. They began packing up the trucks with ammo, and water. They programmed the radios and cleaned their weapons. They had classified briefings to go over intel, and made plans based on possible scenarios. I was asked by one soldier to use my SAT phone, so that he could call his wife. He knew that she would be watching the news at home, and he wanted her to know that he loved her, before he 'rolled out'. He asked me to keep her number, and to call her if there was bad news. Remember that I just me him a week ago! I was told by Nick, my 'body guard' to get my stuff together, and stick close to 'the shack'. I'm safer around all of the troops and all of the weapons, than I would be in my room alone, Mike too. The guys were pacing around, waiting on the 'go ahead' to go and do their jobs. There is nothing they hate more, than sitting around when they know there is work to be done! They went through the training, and they want to be the ones to make a difference.

The war in Afghanistan is so different than Iraq. Here, they are fighting with a scalpel, not a machete. Most Afghans are good, and our troops are not here to hurt them, or destroy their way of life. They are here to root out, the select few insurgents that are hell bent on destruction and terrorism. This makes fighting a war very complicated. They have to worry about civilian casualties, and collateral damage, while hunting down and killing the enemy. It's a tough job, and they are doing their best. When innocent people are hurt and killed, it's used against the allied forces, to try and convince the populous that the troops are bad and that they don't care. Progress is slow. The guys waited around all day, 'all dressed up and no place to go'. The word came down that intel was sketchy and that while CNN was reporting rocket fire and attacks down town, it was possible that it was a plan to get the bases to deploy the fighting forces off of the major bases, thus leaving them weakened and easy targets. The question of how many resources to deploy, was the question to answer.

We passed the time with a card game, a movie, and video games depending on your poison. Some guys took the time to get a few minute nap in, while others just paced around counting the seconds until it was time to go. I just waited to be told what to do, and in the mean time... I took pictures. I figure that they guys would like to have these photos later on, to remember this experience.

They kept their senses of humor, and goofed around with me. Asking which weapon I wanted to take with me, and if I was ready for my first firefight. I knew very well that I would not be hitting the road with them, but if I could have gone, I would have been in that MATV so fast, it would have made their heads spin! I feel safer around them on the road, than I do on the base in my room alone. Its sounds stupid I know, but it's the way that I feel. I napped briefly on a chair in the middle of the chaos, and it was the best sleep I've had since I arrived.

In the middle of the night, some of the guys rolled out, leaving another team back on base 'just in case'. I was told to get some rest, and given specific safety instructions about what I should do if the base sirens went off again. While I struggled to get to sleep in my room, the guys in the shack waited to get the call, and the guys sent to ISAF earned their CIB's (Combat Infantry Badges) when they were shot at, and when a grenade was thrown at their vehicles. One minute they were joking around with me, and the next minute they had shrapnel hitting the sides of their trucks. That's how it is here... You never know what the next minute will bring, but whatever it is... they are ready for it.

I'm sitting here, trying to figure out what makes these guys tick. What makes a person run towards danger, when most people scatter away from it. They are not 'super heroes like in the comic books. They are mortal men, with flaws. They know that they are not perfect, but somehow together, when the sh*t hits the fan, they become perfect together. I am so grateful for the opportunity that they have given me, and I just don't feel worthy enough to accept this gift of friendship and loyalty that they have presented to me. I know that in a few days, I'll have to say goodbye and I don't know how I am going to do that. Soon enough, I will be at Logan, ordering an iced coffee, and heading home to my family, while 'my guys' are still here, waiting to go to work when they are needed. I'm not sure how I'll say goodbye, or how I'll feel. I just hope that I leave them with a little love from home, and the understanding that they have changed my life forever. One SGT. told me that I was 'breath of fresh air here' and another wrote home saying 'that the opportunity to just sit around and talk about Boston with someone from home was appreciated'.

It's not the scenery, or the culture, or the weather... it's the guys! That's why I love Afghanistan!

I've been spending a lot of time over the last few days, just hanging with the guys here in Afghanistan... It's amazing the conversations that you can have, while you are sitting at a picnic table praying to the internet gods! It takes so long to load pics, audio, and video that you have nothing better to do, than ask questions of anyone that comes your way. There is such a cross section of people here, it's amazing. There are over 15 countries involved in the allied forces in Afghanistan. The number of private contractors is amazing, and I cannot believe the number of locals that are walking around on base. Local Afghan civilians cook on base, they clean on base, and the build everything on base. Obviously they are supervised, but I NEVER had this kind of access to the local Iraqi's 5 years ago. It's culture shock times 10! Here are some of my observations so far.

1. burning tires and poop is bad for your sense of smell, and your lungs.

2. the sound of a Blackhawk hovering over your bedroom is something that you get used to, and amazingly makes you feel relaxed.

3. people with purple hair (especially women) in Afghanistan get stared at constantly. It's actually quite funny now!

4. there is such a thing as a 'brass magnet' and I am that person! It's UNREAL! The guys in my unit think it's out of control. They can never relax, you never know when a General is going to pop out and surprise us!

5. there is no other place that a dedicated soldier wants to be, than with 'his guys'. No matter the injury or illness, they just want to get back to work. I've never seen dedication like I have seen here.

6. bureaucracy is everywhere, even in a war zone. 

7. there are certain things that our troops cannot live without...  video games,  movies, music, and Skype. Skype is the greatest  for these guys. I'm watching a few soldiers Skype with their kids right now, and it makes me want to cry.

8. if you are tired enough, you can fall asleep anywhere!

9. DO NOT leave your Facebook page open in a room full of soldiers! BAD things can happen!

10. ball busting is he same in any language!

11. you could make a fortune selling frozen margaritas here. I would pay $1000 for one right now!

12. Army coffee and hot chocolate is a great way to start the day... waking up at 0500 to drink it is NOT a great way to start the day.

13. it is possible that the biggest and toughest looking guy in Kabul, is an accountant. I'm not kidding, his name is Donald, and he is HUGE!!!

14. anything can become normal, even people carrying automatic weapons into the cafeteria to eat breakfast!

15. having a private security detail and up armored vehicles drive you everywhere makes you feel like the President!

16. you can tell 'dick jokes' in front of the pastor, and not feel bad. He may even laugh!

17. jello is awesome

18. It's a small world. We keep bumping into people that we grew up with! My producer Mike is going to run from Mayor of Camp Phoenix soon, he knows everyone!

19. grown men, no matter how tough, LOVE to make ice cream sundaes!

20. "If you can win a war with Matchbox cars, why would you use a gun?"

Click here to listen!

This is an Afghan interpreter, that works with our soldiers every day. He is from Kabul, and he's not afraid to speak out against the Taliban. What he is doing is very brave, but also very dangerous. This makes him a target. I told him that I would not use his name or take his picture. He insisted that I do both! He wants people to know what Afghan citizens think about the Americans, and the job that they are doing overseas. If there is a definition of bravery, his picture should be with it!

click here to listen

Click here to listen

When we thought about putting the AAF to Afghanistan trip together, we had a clear vision of what we wanted to accomplish. We wanted our troops to know that after 10 years, we still support them. We wanted to make sure that they knew, that we recognized all of the sacrifices that they have made, and that their families have made. On that fateful morning thousands of lives were lost. Thousands more were changed forever, because they lost a loved one. We learned the true meaning of bravery when the first responders ran in, when everone else ran out. We also learned what a difference a few people could make when they banned together, to stand against a common enemy on Flight 93. Their American spirit has been felt every day since. The lives of many others changed that day too. The image of our beloved country, under attack, inspired thousands to enlist in the armed forces, knowing that war was soon to follow, and those who were already enlisted volunteered to extend immediately because they knew that they would be needed. In the 10 years since September 11, 2001 our nation has seen it's share of ups and downs. The economy has suffered, and our resolve has been tested. The one thing that has remained the same, is the spirit of our troops. They have endured multiple deployments, months and years away from home. They have seen the worst that humanity has to offer when faced with the enemy, and they have seen the hope for the future in the children who will hopefully grow into the generation that  finally fixes the worlds problems. In my opinion there are no better human beings on Earth, than our soldiers. They work so hard, are not paid enough, they are used as political pawns in Washington, and they pay the price for the policies that they follow. They deserve all of of love and support, but they don't always get it. Today, I carry with me all of the love and support from the WAAF listeners to Afghanistan, where are troops are hard at work rebuilding a nation, and forging alliances with a people who will one day stand on their own two feet, and defend themselves.

Here are some of the pictures from the memorial service this morning, where members of all of the allied forces joined together this morning to pay tribute to every soldier who has died since September 11, 2011. Every name from every nation was read out loud. It took 2 1/2 hours just to read the American names. Another hour to read the names of the UK soldiers, and the rest of the day to go through the names of every other country involved in Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Enduring Freedom, and Operation New Dawn.

The flags of the allied forces, at half staff in Patriot Square.

Members of the allied forces during the memorial ceremony.

The US and Afghan flags flying together.

General Hammond from the Mass Army National Guard speaking during the memorial service.

A member of the Canadian Army photographs members of the Mass Army National Guard during the memorial service.

The bunker gear tribute outside of the fire station on Camp Phoenix.

With members of the base fire department on Camp Phoenix

The patches from all of the fire houses that have been represented on base.

Click here to listen

Click here to listen

Click here to listen

I called into Dennis & Callahan yesterday morning, while I was at Bala Hissar, in Kabul Afghanistan. I couldn't tell the guys where I was at the time, for security reasons.

Click here to see more pictures and to get more info on the area and the mission that our guys have here.

If you missed the interview on WEEI & NESN CLICK HERE to listen!

The third base that we visited yesterday, was by far the craziest.

Camp Bala Hissar has one mission, to monitor and protect the Aerostat balloon. It looks like a small blimp that hovers over Kabul, and is fixed with high res cameras and surveillance equipment that is operated by civilian defense contractors. This 'balloon' helps our troops keep track of possible targets, and allows an overview of the city day and night. I heard that it's a 25 million dollar balloon! You should see how big the helium tanks are for this thing!!!

This base is built into the side of a mountain in Kabul.  The top of the mountain is protected by Afghan National Army troops, who work hand in hand with the US soldiers.

Let's just say, they are not used to having a woman around... Especially a woman like me!

The US troops that are in Bala Hissar right now, are half Mass troops and half from Alabama! This place is a cultural melting pot, and it works! They are very isolated fro the other bases, and are completely self contained. They build everything on base themselves, including the basketball court!

The hoop is a perfectly bent piece of rebar! These guys have skills.

The most amazing part of this base, is what it's named after. Bala Hissar, is a 1000 year old fort that was designed and built by Genghis Kahn, and the ruins of this fort still stand right above the camp! Check out some of these pictures. It's so amazing here. With the amount of unrest that this area has seen over the last 1000 years, it is unbelievable that these walls still stand! They just don't build things like this anymore!

We had to take the toursist shot! The views here are unlike anything that I have ever seen!

And even though you are surrounded by beauty, there are still obvious reminders of the destruction that this area has seen over the years!

This is where you would have lived, if you were a high ranking officer in the time of Kahn! Not too bad!

This is a lake bed, that is filled naturally at certain times of the year by runoff from the mountains. This entire area, was designed by Genghis Kahn himself. There is irrigation tunnels, and aqueducts that move the water around the village. And we spent 15 billion on the Big Dig???

And even thought this is a 'War Zone' the kids still play like every other kid, in any country in the world.

Here are some more pics of the surrounding area.

Click here for more historical informationn on this amazing area of the world!

Thanks to the guys of Task Force Yankee for a great day!

Yesterday, I had the chance to visit 3 bases around Kabul. Camp Eggers, NKC (New Kabul Complex), and Bala Hassir.

Here are some of the poeple that I met!

CAMP EGGERS!

I took this picture for the Boston Firefighters Local 716, who sponsored the trip! I wanted to make sure that I tracked down the firefighters while I was here!

YUP! There's a GREEN Monster in Kabul!

AKC

Yeah, WAAF is takaing over Kabul... One 'jingle bus' at a time!

I'e been trying to call in several times a day, but I never know where i'll be, and whether the SAT phone will work.

Just in case you've missed some of my calls, here you go!

Click here to listen

Even in Afghanistan, you can find a pink flamingo! The pride of Leominster!!!

The 'terps'! These guys do an amazing job! I think, that they think, I am crazy! BTW, the Dari word for 'Crazy' is pronounced "Dah-Wah-Nee". I learned something new today! :)

The 1-182 Infantry. We are filming something 'special' in this picture! It's a secreet for now... But, not for long.

Girls with guns!!! A very dangerous thing!

Filming for waaf.com. This is just before we got on a Blackhawk, and took a tour of Kabul. Amazing video on the way!

Mistress Carrie with her bodyguard SGT Noftle, and LTCOL Stewart.

The 182 Welcome party!

When a group of heavily armed MP's tell you to hold the gun... You say YES!

There is a mustache competition happening here!

The Afghan kids that we taught to say Yankees SUCK!

Yoou don't have to look very far to find Boston themed tattoos on Camp Phoenix!

Hockey fans are everywhere here!

So, I finally had some time to sit down in front of a computer and try to explain what the last 48 hours have been like! In one word... CRAZY!

Mike (my producer and I) got to Logan airport at 6am on Saturday 9/3. We were allowed to park in the 'super secret' parking lot close to the gate. Our friends Tim and Barbara served as chaueffers, so we didn't have to take out a loan to keep our cars there for 2 weeks. We were met curbside by a "friend with a really awesome badge" who helped us navigate the check in process, and airport security. Our trip was a complicated one... Boston to London, London to Bahrain, Bahrain to Kabul. Total travel time 27 hours!  We got upgraded to 1st class for the first leg of the journey, but after that... Let's just say Mike and I were close, very close in coach!

In London, we had barely enough time to get across the airport to make our connection. Those shuttle bus drivers are nuts. In Bahrain, Mike and I found an Irish Pub to toast the guys before we got into Afghanistan. Once we landed, we went through immigration in just a few minutes, and headed to baggage claim. It turns out that my bags were flagged by security in London because of the body armor, and they never made the Bahrain flight. I got the #'s for the airline, and headed through immigration. As soon as we left the airport doors, we were loaded into MATV's and driven through downtown Kabul, to Camp Phoenix.

Here are some of the lessons that we learned along the way.

Getting through security at Logan is a hell of a lot easier, when you are accompanied by a guy with a REALLY cool badge!

When checking bags, if you have military orders, present them in the beginning of the process. It will save you time and lots of money. (especially when checking body armor)

Savor every Dunkin Iced coffee, you never know how long you will be without one.

Flying First Class is awesome, PERIOD!

Jack N Coke at 9am is OK, when your final destination is Afghanistan.

Fruit cups RULE!

London drivers are FAR WORSE than Boston drivers.

In flight entertainment on Gulf Air includes Cheers, Happy Days, NCIS LA, and Barney... in Arabic.

Watching the sunrise over Baghdad from the window of a plane, is pretty damn cool.

People in Bahrain appreciate Linkin Park. It was playing in the airport upon arrival.

Fanny packs are all the rage in Bahrain.

Bostonians will find an Irish Pub anywhere one can be found. Even in Bahrain.

Malibu & Pineapple is good for breakfast.

There is NO ONE with purple hair in Afghanstan. Correction, there WAS no one with purple hair in Afghansistan!

The reason why we beat the Brits during the revolution... Their bags didn't make their connecting flight!

More to come...

A BIG thank you to John Dennis, Dale Arnold, Chach, Meter, and everyone at WEEI for having me on this morning to talk about AAF to Afghanistan! Just in case you missed the interview, you can listen to it here!

Click here to listen!

Well, the official announcement has been made, and my departure is coming up fast! Once again, this trip is the culmination of months of work, hours of phone calls and forms, and calling in every favor that I could think of! I am so thankful to everyone who is involved with this project, and believe me... there are a lot of people on that list!

There's the obvious... everyone here at WAAF, Mike my producer, who volunteered to go with me. Without him, there would be no trip! Believe it or not, there was not a HUGE line of people begging to head into a war zone! The staff at the Mass Army National Guard have been amazing. They've been coordinating from which units I will visit, to printing T-shirts, and helping me track down the necessary gear. The EMBED office in Afghanistan, has been amazing as well, leading me through the paperwork process. I can tell you that after 2 trips to the Middle East, my record is CLEAN! I must include the Commanders and the members of the 182 Infantry, and the 26th MEB for accepting my EMBED application, and taking on the added responsibility of having a purple haired, rock DJ tag along during their deployment. If they felt that it would have a negative impact on their safety or impede their performance, they had the right to say NO. Thankfully, they didn't. I also have to thank the list of sponsors who stepped up to help cover the costs, of such an ordeal. Since the list of things provided to EMBEDS is very short (shelter, food, protection, and emergency medical) there are a lot of expenses involved. Flights, armor, medical costs, equipment,  and fees, just to name a few. Thanks to the Mass Association of Realtors, Porter & Chester Institute, Manchester/Nashua Harley Davidson, DCU, Boston Firefighters Union Local 718/Boston Fireman's Post #94, Vater Drumsticks, Lane Printing, New Balance, and of course the Mass Army National Guard have all played a part in getting this trip off the ground! To all of them, I am eternally grateful!

Once the paperwork process began, and the expenses started to be taken care of... The uncomfortable conversations begin. There is nothing more 'fun' than having meetings about worst case scenarios. Sitting down with my bosses here at WAAF, to discuss injury, kidnapping, and death is no way to spend your lunch break. These meetings are enough to keep any boss from letting an employee head overseas. Thankfully, this was just an uncomfortable meeting and we've moved on. They know that I will be with the best, brightest, and bravest!  I understand that everyone here is worried, but there are hundreds of families going through those very emotions everyday while their loved ones are deployed.

I spent the last couple of days making sure that I have everything on the 'required pack list', washing all of the gear, and going through my personal paperwork to make sure that everything is in order before we leave. All this, for 2 weeks! Now just imagine being one of these brave soldiers, or married to one! How do you plan to have your spouse be away for over a year? It's just mind boggling to think of everything you would need to do before they leave! How do you say "I love you" to the people in your life enough, to take care of an entire year of being away? The answer? You can't.

This is the reason for this trip! AAF to Afghanistan, is all of our way to say "Thank You" for everything that our troops go through to protect us, and everything that they give up to do their job! There is no way to say "Thank You" enough, but we'll try!

I'll start checking in, on the air from Afghanistan on Tuesday September 6!

BIG thanks to The Morning Show at NECN for having me on!

Click here to read the online article.

Thanks to the Worcester Telegram & Gazette for the nice article about AAF to Afghanistan!

The countdown in on!

I'll start checking in on WAAF from Afghanistan on Tuesday, September 6!

Click here to check it out!

Visiting Our Troops: Mistress Carrie: MyFoxBOSTON.com

A HUGE thank you to Gene Lavanchy and the Fox 25 Morning Show staff for having me on the show this morning! AAF to Afghanistan is a very personal journey for me, and it means a lot that you guys were willing to have me on! I will definitley come back with great pictures and stories when I return from Afghanistan!

Check out the full article here!

Pictured:

CAPT Glen Kernusky, Mistress Carrie, SSG Jamie Gaiten, SGT Brian Kilgore  and AAF to Afghanistan producer Mike Saia. 

97.7/107.3 WAAF Honors the 10^th Anniversary of the September 11^th Terrorist Attacks

Boston, MA (August 23, 2011) As the 10^th anniversary of September 11^th approaches, 97.7/107.3 WAAF will pay tribute to the loss and sacrifice that has been endured by our country’s military, first responders and their families since the catastrophic attacks of September 11, 2001.  

In an ongoing effort to share the stories of the servicemen and women overseas, WAAF is sending afternoon drive personality, Mistress Carrie, on a mission to Afghanistan, “AAF To Afghanistan.” She will not only lift the spirits of the soldiers, but also share with WAAF listeners what life is like on the front lines. From her home base of Kabul, Carrie will send back photos and video of life in Afghanistan. She will bring soldiers with her on the radio, reuniting them with loved ones via telephone.

Preparations for the trip are underway and include rounds of shots to ward off disease and wearing heavy body armor on a daily basis to become accustomed to carrying around the extra fifty pounds of weight. Gifts for the soldiers – custom t-shirts and signed Red Sox memorabilia – are being collected and shipped ahead of time to Afghanistan.

 WAAF is committed to honoring the memory of those lost in the ongoing war on terror as well as all who continue to fight on the front lines.

 Keep your eyes on my blog for updates throughout our trip! -Mistress Carrie

Check out my interview with the GM/VP of the New Hampshire Motor Speedway Jerry Gappens! What a great guy! Very cool!

Click the link below!

nascar.mp3

Get info on the drivers, the parties, the ladies, and the 'lobster'!

And, if you comment on this blog (BEFORE TUESDAY JULY 5 AT 7PM), you'll be entered to WIN VIP treatment at the LENOX Industrial Tools 301 on July 17th!

Prize includes: Suite Tix, VIP parking pass, Pit passes, and passes to the drivers pre race meeting!

Click here for all of the info on the New Hampshire Motor Speedway!

www.nhms.com

Here's the picture of Mike Hsu and I with NASCAR driver Matt Kenseth backstage at a Metallica concert, that we talk about during the interview!

Matt Cameron may be the busiest man in music! He was the drummer in Soundgarden, and the band broke up. So, Matt got a job with another legandary band that you may know... Pearl Jam! Then in 2010, Soundgarden announced that they were getting back together. Rather than leave Pearl Jam, Matt is somehow balancing 2 bands, while being married with kids! 2 bands, 2 tours... and lots to talk about! What about a Pearl Jam, Soundgarden tour with Temple of the Dog? Is Pearl Jam playing Fenway Park in September? What clubs did Matt love to play in Boston? When is the new Soundgarden album coming out?

Click below to listen to the interview and find out the answers to those questions and more!

Interview

I'm heading up to Bike Week in Laconia NH for the weekend, starting on Friday 6/17.

Here's where I'll be, so please coma and hang out with me!

Who: Mistress Carrie, the WAAF crew, and TRU TV's hit series Full Throttle Saloon

What: Live broadcast from the Full Throttle Saloon

When: Friday June 17  3p-7p

Where: Full Throttle Saloon (in the 'Heat' parking lot across from The Fun Spot)

                   594 Endicott Street North, Laconia, NH. 03246

Why: Do I really need a reason to come up to Bike Week?

Details: YES, it's the same Full Throttle Saloon from Sturgis, and from Tru TV's hit series. You can even get on TV!

The Full Throttle Saloon TV cameras will be there all afternoon filming for the hit series!

http://www.trutv.com/shows/full_throttle_saloon/index.html

Jesse James Dupree and the gang will be there too!

Blow off work, and come hang out with me!

'Shiny side up, Dirty Side Down!'

 

Who: Mistress Carrie, Miller Lite, and the WAAF crew

What: Laconia Bike Week Party

When: Saturday June 18 3p-5p

Where: The Broken Spoke

                   1072 Scenic Road, Laconia, NH 03246

Why: Bikes, Beer, and 1 purple haired BITCH!

http://www.brokenspokesaloon.com/laconia.php

Who: Mistress Carrie, Miller Lite, and the WAAF crew

What: Laconia Bike Week Party

When: Saturday June 18 7p-9p

Where: M/S Mt. Washington

                  211 Lakeside Ave. Weirs Beach, Laconia, NH 03246 

                   1072 Scenic Road, Laconia, NH 03246

Why: Beer, Bikes, Bands, 1 purple haired BITCH and a BIG BOAT!

http://www.cruisenh.com/index.html

The Marine Corps liason to the House of Representatives confirmed Corporal William Woitowicz's death with Rep. Niki Tsongas at about 4:45 p.m. Wednesday.

 Woitowicz, 23, was killed Tuesday in combat in Baghis Province. He was assigned to 2nd Marine Special Operations Battalion, Marine Special Operations Regiment, U.S. Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command, Camp Lejeune, N.C.

 Woitowicz graduated from the Groton-Dunstable Regional High School in 2007. Read more: http://www.thebostonchannel.com/news/28174412/detail.html#ixzz1Oj0xhtdc

I don't know much... But I do know this... Our troops should not be paying to bring their Army issued weapons home from Afghanistan! And after the video below, surfaced online... Delta now agrees with me! They have 'modified' their baggage policy for our troops returning from overseas! Why does it take public outrage to get the right thing done?

A suggestion for Delta, change your slogan to "Delta Airlines, our troops M4's and Grenade Launchers fly free"!

What do you think their new slogan should be?

	(1) Comments

Now that a few days have passed, the people of western Massachusetts have had a chance to survey the damage and come up with a plan to rebuild. I was asked by my friends at the 104th Fighter Wing in Westfield, to post this volunteer information. When the tornados hit, we got tons of calls here at WAAF, from people looking to help. But, these small towns didn't have the means to organize a huge volunteer effort on NO NOTICE. But, they are now asking for help. If you feel compelled to do something, and you don't have the extra money to donate to the relief effort... Maybe this is a better alternative. A list of requests and contact information is below! Thank you for being so generous with your time, money, and resources! You guys are the best! 

The following notification is being sent per request of Jim Wiggs, Emergency Management

If you wish to volunteer your services to assist in getting Westfield back to normal operations, please contact us at (413)642.9359 and indicate you would like to volunteer.  Please let us know what you may be capable of assisting us with and how many volunteers you have.  We can use experienced chain saw operators, landscaping type assistance, people to rake, people to drag items out, people to feed volunteers, provide water, etc.  We can use trucks, ATVs, wheel barrows, and other items to remove debris.  You may also email us at  WEMAHELP@CityofWestfield.Org

 Thanks for your support for the City of Westfield in this time of need.

 Sincerely Jim Wiggs, Director, Westfield Emergency Management Agency

I got this press release today. There are lots of troops that live in the areas destroyed by the tornados. Here's how we can help them!

Military Friends Foundation to Offer Support to Local Military Families Impacted by Tornado Disaster 

The Military Friends Foundation, a non-profit organization serving Massachusetts National Guard, Reserve and Gold Star Families, is offering emergency financial support for local families of deployed Guard and Reserve and families of Fallen Service Members who were impacted by Wednesday night’s tornado. 

“We are grateful that while our service members are sacrificing for the greater good of our Commonwealth, especially our Guardsmen who are serving our Nation overseas, the Military Friends Foundation is there to assist our military families in their own time of crisis,” said Major General Joseph C. Carter, the Adjutant General of the Massachusetts National Guard. Preliminary estimates indicate that more than a hundred families of deployed Citizen Service Members may be impacted. 

“I commend the Military Friends for their efforts to aid military families who have been affected by these devastating storms. Their quick response to help these families will go far in the recovery efforts for the Commonwealth,” said State Representative Harold P. Naughton Jr., House Chair of the state’s Public Safety and Homeland Security Committee. “As a veteran of the Iraq War, I can say with confidence that the efforts of the Military Friends Foundation will be a great comfort to those overseas who are worried about loved ones at home. As we rely on members of the National Guard to protect us in times like these, it is important that we follow the example of the Military Friends Foundation and do our part to help protect their families as well.”

Immediate family members who face damages from the storm and live in Hampden, Hampshire, Franklin and Worcester Counties – areas deemed disaster zones by the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency - are encouraged to contact the Military Friends Foundation at (617) 733-7994, via email at info@militaryfriends.org or online at militaryfriends.org/911.

“The initiative being shown by the Military Friends Foundation is an excellent example of how Massachusetts citizens come together to help each other quickly during times of need,” said Treasurer Steven Grossman, who oversees the state’s Veterans Welcome Home Bonus Program and manages the Mass. Military Family Relief Fund. “I offer my deepest condolences to all families that have been impacted by the recent storm and extend my sincerest wishes that these funds can play a small part towards getting veterans families back on their feet.”

Support for this emergency relief program and other Military Friends Foundation programs for local military families comes from thousands of citizens across the Commonwealth who make a voluntary contribution through Question 32e – Mass. Military Relief Fund - on their Mass. State Tax Form.

“We are pleased to be able to partner with state and local agencies to assist families of deployed service members who are struggling to deal with the aftermath of the tornadoes,” said Military Friends Director Richard Girard, an Air Force veteran, of Agawam, an area impacted by the recent storms.

For more information on how to apply for assistance or to make a donation to support a local military family, please visit www.militaryfriends.org.

 

The Natick Veterans Council is honored to bring the only replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial located in Washington, D.C.   known as "The Moving Wall" to Natick on June 9th - 12th  2011. They are bringing the wall to our community to honor and respect those that  made the ultimate sacrifice through remembrance and education and to give our community an opportunity that they would never otherwise have.

The Natick Veterans Council is a local non-profit,all volunteer organization; it does not receive any funding from the town of Natick. They cannot bring The Moving Wall to our community without your support. They need to rely on private/corporate sponsors to raise approximately

 $50,000 that is required in order  to bring this memorial display to our community.

Go to http://www.movingwallnatick.org/  for more info!

Friday, while billions of people around the world were transfixed on the Royal Wedding, President Obama was in Tuscaloosa, Alabama visiting the families who lost everything in the tornado's... What we all didn't know was that he had just ordered a super secret mission to kill Osama bin Laden. It's a good thing that he didn't get invited to the wedding after all huh?

And Saturday night, while at the White House 'Correspondence Dinner', The President was laughing and joking with a room full of press, and behind the smile, he knew the SEALS were hours away from capturing and/or killing the #1 man on the FBI's most wanted list. Public Enemy #1!  A man with a 25 million dollar bounty on his head, that no one has been able to find!

And on Sunday night while we were all going about our lives,  The President was in the 'Sit Room' watching the Seals invade a $1 million dollar compound in Pakistan.

When it was over, The President broke into every network to tell us the amazing news!

And we weren't the only people watching the President on TV. Our own troops in Afghanistan were hearing the news at the same time!

And just like that... he's gone.

Sometimes you don't realize that you are living through a moment that will go down in history, and other times... You are very aware! Time slows down. You remember exactly where you were and what you were doing when it happened.

I was shopping with my mother when the news broke about John Lennon.

I was in class when the Space Shuttle exploded.

I was in the WAAF studio, when the towers fell. 

And I was on my couch, with my dogs when I heard the news about Osama bin Laden.

I couldn't run to wake my husband up fast enough. He's an Army veteran, who fought in the War On Terror in Iraq for almost 2 years. I couldn't believe that I could actually say the words "They Got Him!"

The world changed again this weekend. The country was united in celebration and people are once again waving flags and chanting USA! USA! USA! Just like they were after 9/11.

I just wish that this 'euphoric' state would last.  I wish that people were this vocal with their patriotism every day.

If there is anything positive that we can take from the last 9 1/2 years, It's this...

On 9/12/01 and today... Americans came together, united in their love of this country.

Today was a good day!

To our troops... You have made me proud once again! Job well done.

Sully Erna, lead singer of Godsmack, is coming up to the studio to hang out and play acoustic this Thursday!

He and I will be together on Saturday, February 12 at the new daddy's Junky Music in Dedham.

Click here for more info! 

He'll be talking about his new solo album AVALON along with Lisa Guyer

I know we'll be talking about his new music, what's next for Godsmack, and what it's like to sing the National Anthem at Gillette Stadium! (yes Christina, he got the words right!)

What would you like me to ask him?

 

I'm not really sure how it happened yet, the nerds around here are working on it. On Friday, my Mistress Carrie Facebook page, which had almost 10,000 of you joined together, was deleted from Facebook.

So, after several emails sent to Facebook, pleading my case... I have decided to build a new one!

Here it is!

http://www.facebook.com/mistresscarrierocks

So, if you were a fan or "liked" the old page... Please come back and check out the new one!

I've loaded tons of pictures up from years of artist interviews, Mantown pictures, skydiving, motorcycle, and shooting pics too!

Here are some other links you may be interested in!

http://www.twitter.com/mistresscarrie

http://www.myspace.com/mistress_carrie

Every Sunday starts mixed up here at WAAF! That's because Skratch N Sniff is on from Midnight-2am every Sunday.

Click here to find out more about Skratch N Sniff!

Below is a FREE download of the SNS Music As A Weapon 5 mixtape featuring Disturbed and Korn!

You want it? Click below and it's yours! Enjoy!

 

 

So, am I the only person that has never watched an episode of American Idol? Judging by the ratings, I just might be! Well, the show is relaunching tonight with 2 new judges... Jennifer Lopez and Aerosmith's own, STEVEN TYLER!

With all of the Aerosmith drama over the last couple of years, with Steven's addiction relapse, the band looking for a new singer, the fighting backstage at Fenway etc... Idol didn't come at a great time. Or did it?

The argument can be made (and has been by Kid Rock) that there is NOTHING Rock 'n' Roll about being a judge on American Idol. It's a glorified karaoke night, but with no egg rolls. But, with the success of some of the artists that have come off of that show like Carrie Underwood, Jennifer Hudson, Chris Daughtry and Kelly Clarkson it's obvious that there is SOME talent on this show.

On the other hand, this could be good for Aerosmith. They could be introduced to an entire new fan base, with Steven Tyler now in millions of homes every week on one of the most popular TV shows in the US. That could help the band set up the new album that they are supposedly working on while American Idol is taping in LA, and could help them sell more concert tickets and downloads of their older music, to this new found fan base.

But, what if it doesn't work? What if no one tunes in? What if they tune in and Steven and J-LO suck? What then? Does it hurt Aerosmith? Does anyone care either way? I guess we'll find out tonight when the new season premieres, won't we? Does this mean that I have to watch it now? I just may have to tune in... UGH! What does that say about me? Do I lose my 'rock credibility' if I watch 'Idol' tonight?

What do you think?

The good thing about this, is that Steven Tyler has been doing tons of press for the show, including this from last night on Jimmy Fallon. Jimmy has been doing these skits with all different types of artists, and they have all been great... Including this one. It's Jimmy with The Roots and Steven Tyler doing 'Walk This Way' RUN DMC style! Enjoy!

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Tags :   Social : aerosmith, American Idol, jimmy fallon, run dmc, Steven Tyler, the roots

 

According to Rolling Stone:

"The Dropkick Murphys' seventh album Going Out In Style is the story of Cornelius, an Irish immigrant in America. The record begins with the character's raucous Irish wake and then flashes back to the beginning of his story, covering all the major moments in his extraordinary life along the way. That may sound a bit dry, but the music itself is exactly the sort of high-energy sing-along punk fans have come to expect from this long-running Boston band."

Click here to listen to Memorial Day!

Wanna see them play this St. Patrick's Day? Click here for the details!

What do you think? Would you like to hear Memorial Day on WAAF?

 

"This is a call to all aspiring filmmakers.

Foo Fighters want YOU to direct their next music video.

Foo Fighters have worked with some of the top directors in the business including Michel Gondry, Mark Pellington, Jesse Peretz, Sam Brown & The Malloys. But now it’s your turn. The band is giving 11 aspiring directors the opportunity to create a music video for a song from their new album which drops this spring. The videos will premiere on Fuse.

This could be your big break. So what are you waiting for? Upload your reel and show us what you’ve got!"

Click here to enter!

According to Nielson, Americans are watching more TV than EVER before... On average we watch 34 hours of TV a week. Click here for more details. 

What the hell are you watching anyway???

Well, if you're looking for some new music on TV late night...

Let me help you out.

Tonight 1/4 Alter Bridge is performing on the Tonight Show.

Click here for more info.

And next Tuesday 1/11 Cage the Elephant will be on the Late Show with David Letterman

Click here for more info.

 

 

 

Yup, the year is almost over. And you just got over the hangover from LAST New Years Eve!

It's that time when people start making lists... Best album of the year, best song of the year, best video... and so on. And instead of giving you my list, I want yours!

It's open to anything...

Best album of the year!

Favorite song of the year (please add studip, drunken memory associated with the song, so we can all laugh at you)

Best concert of the year.

Hottest girl!

Best sports moment!

You get the idea...

C'mon lets hear it!

 

I just wanted to share this with you!

"The Massachusetts Iraq and Afghanistan Fallen Heroes Memorial Fund was founded by local decorated military members, veterans and Gold Star Families. Dedicated to honoring Bay State men and women who served in Iraq and Afghanistan and gave their lives to our nation, our group is working with the state officials to create a permanent Memorial to our fallen heroes. Since the state can not fundraise for the Memorial, our group has been selected as the nonprofit partner that will take on the official fundraising role. We have filed the required paperwork needed and our request for 501c3 nonprofit status is currently pending. In the meantime, we are honored to be working with Groton-based Veterans Advocacy Services. So any donation to the memorial will be tax-deductible."

This is an amazing organization that is raising money, to honor those who have given the ultimate sacrifice. These heroes were members of our community, and their families and loved one's should know how much their community appreciates their sacrifices.

 

Click here for more info on the memorial.

 

"THE MASSACHUSETTS IRAQ AND AFGHANISTAN FALLEN HEROES MEMORIAL FUND’s first fundraising dinner is on THURSDAY DECEMBER 2, 2010 at the Boston Convention and Exhibitors Center. We hope that you will join us as a sponsor or in supporting this cause by purchasing a table or tickets. Funds raised at the dinner will be used to support the permanent Memorial to our fallen heroes here in Massachusetts. Dinner sponsorships will also allow some Massachusetts Gold Star Family members who have lost a loved one to attend the dinner free of charge. "

 

Click here for more details on the dinner and to buy tickets.

 

I'll see you at the dinner!

OK, I have a question for you... If a member of ROCK royalty does a song with one of the biggest POP stars in the world, should we play it? As WAAF's Music Director, this is something that I'm not sure about. Yes,  we play the Beastie Boys, and Cypress Hill, and House of Pain but those artists and songs have become classic Rock party songs over the years...

But when a guy like Slash does a song with Fergie, and the song ROCKS... Should we play it?

She made a name for herself as a Black Eyed Pea, and then she became 'The Dutchess' for he solo career... But when she's with Slash, she becomes one scary, badass bitch! A woman after my own heart!

Check out this video, and then tell me what you think... Should WAAF play 'Beautiful Dangerous'?

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I'm still trying to recover from 48 hours in a rock stars life! It's hard work! Planes, limos, parties, courtside seats, political rallies and Jessica Rabbit. DAMN!

Here's what I can remember!

Kid Rock invited a few radio people from around the country, that have been there "since the beginning", to attend his private Halloween party. I was honored to be included in that group. We've been friends for a very long time. Since the Warped Tour before Devil Without A Cause came out. It's been a crazy ride... more crazy for him than me... But anyway.

I took off from Logan on Friday afternoon around 2pm.

Landed in Detroit around 4...

After battling Downtown Detroit traffic for almost 2 hours, we checked into the hotel, dropped our bags, and headed to the Pistons Game. Kid Rock was being presented with a banner for selling out the arena 21 times! He was also given permanent court side seats!

We were escorted into the Presidents club (very fancy) for drinks and food before the game. Drinks included Kid's very own beer,Badass American Lagar!

We were also given gift bags from the Pistons with t-shirts, hats, sweatshirts etc. I felt a little dirty thinking about putting on a Pistons shirt... I have to be honest! But, they say... "When In Rome" right?

I don't want to hear that I am a traitor! I am a Celtics fan to the CORE!!! I put it on, with the agreement that Kid Rock would sign it, and take a picture, so that we could auction it off for charity! Which he did!

Hopefully we'll raise some money for charity with this!

After all of the American Badass beer and Jim Beam that we could drink, we were escorted COURTSIDE for the game!

These seats don't suck!!!!

After the game (which they lost by 1 point with 2.5 seconds left in the game) we headed back to the hotel... to close down the bar and take in a little local culture!

Kid Rock headed to DC for the Daily Show's Rally to Restore Sanity!

While he was hanging with Jon Stewart and Cheryl Crow, I went shopping and bought this KILLER hat!

Before I knew it, it was time to hit the party! I went dressed as the 'Corpse Bride' in my old wedding dress!

A big change from my wedding day just a couple of years ago huh?

The party was in this HUGE warehouse where the band practices, and where he keeps all of his gear and cars!

I took some car pics for you!

He's got one of the General Lee's from the Dukes of hazard TV show!

And a Ford GT

And this BADASS Firebird!

After I spent the first 30 minutes drinking and checking out his cars, someone went on stage and introduced the Village People! It was Kid Rock (as the cop) and the Twisted Brown Trucker band in costumes!

They wouldn't let me video the performance... But I got some great photos!

Did i forget to mention the 'dancers'???

The band played the entire new album 'Born Free' which is coming out on November 16.

And it's exactly what you would expect! It's got something in there for everybody! Especially if you are a 40 year old guy! Since he turned 40, he wanted to write a song about that, it's called F*ckin' Forty and it's funny!

After the band finished, it was time to party!!!

And we did a lot of that! I think I was dancing!!! And I NEVER DANCE! EVER!

Before long it was time to get in the photo booth!

Then I got some company! (after he finished hanging out with some HOT redhead dressed like Jessica Rabbit! She wasn't bad, she was just drawn that way!)

The next morning I needed something to eat before my flight home!

YUMMY!

48 hours in the life of Kid Rock, and I am still recovering!

He is in Europe for the MTV awards and I am just trying to figure out how he does it!

Best Halloween EVER!

The video is here!!! Check it out!

 

 

And check out the new video for Born Free! See the car? Look familiar? :)

October is my favorite month of the year... It starts with my Birthday on the 1st, and ends with my favorite 'holiday' HALLOWEEN!

You've known me long enough to know that I LOVE HALLOWEEN! Everything about it is great! Candy, scary music, costumes, skulls and spiders everywhere and there is no pressure of gift giving!

It's the only time of year that I look "normal"! :)

And of course, every November 1, I get asked "What did you go as for Halloween? Why is your hair purple? Have you tried to get it out?" It's like I'm in costume every day!

 

In years past, I've had some great costumes... Most of them custom made by Angela Zampell at Mode Merr. She is awesome! 

But this year, there is an added pressure!!!

I just got invited to Kid Rock's Halloween Party in Detroit! It's a weekend long bash that, I hear, is going to be INSANE!!!

So, what do I do now??? What the hell am I supposed to be? What should I wear?

I have 2 weeks before I take off for Michigan, and I am desperate.!

So, I thought that I would turn to you!!!

I've been Marilyn Monroe (both dead and alive), a skydiver, a librarian (nobody even knew it was me! HA!), a samurai warrior, Medusa, and I've even had people dress as ME!

 

I was thinking of taking my red wedding dress, and turiing it into a 'Vampire Bride' costume...

Plus, it's a great excuse to wear it again! :)

 

What do you think??? I need some ideas and I need them FAST! This party is going to be NUTS, and I can only imagine what people are going to be dressing like...

By the way, I am taking a camera and video gear with me... I'll have a full recap of this bash when I get back... IF I get back!

HELP!!!

Jacoby from Papa Roach called in today to talk about the Palladium show this weekend. Click here for the details and ticket info.

He's a Red Sox fan now, and is a HUGE Big Papi fan... And he's even practicing his Boston accent!

Check out the interview below!

Jacoby from Papa Roach