With two armored vehicles and four additional soldiers as security we left the airport for the International Area.
The road in Kabul to the billeting area was well secured passing through several checkpoints and numerous roadblock barriers.
After
the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan, on December 24, 1979, the Red Army
occupied the capital. They turned the city into their command center during
the 10-year conflict between the Soviet-allied government and the Mujahideen
rebels. The American Embassy in Kabul closed on January 30, 1989. The
city fell into the hands of local militias after the 1992 collapse of
Mohamad Najibullah's pro-communist government. As these forces divided
into warring factions, the city increasingly suffered.
Approximately 50.000 were killed.
In 1996 the Taliban took over. After the beginning of the war against
terrorism the US, together with Allied Forces, attacked Afghanistan. Since
2001the City is controlled by the United Nations and is military supported
by ISAF.
Driving through the City
we experienced destruction. Destroyed roads and buildings.
Kabul Airport is situated about 10 miles from the Town Center and was build in 1970. Due to International sanctions under Taliban administration it was closed for almost all aircraft except a very few International flights,
Since the US attack after 9-11 the Airport is open again. In the beginning for military purpose only but since 2002 also for civilian flights. The Belgium forces take care for the security while US forces are in charge for traffic control.
Very well secured James was taken to the armored vehicles for a ride from KABUL Airport to ISAF-headquarters.
epilogue:
During 8 days I had the privilege to accompany James
'Maggie" Megellas.
I already had read his book before but during these 8 days he has impressed
me so much that I read it again and again since.
Reading it now it feels like I hear him tell it in person to me.
Every medal his was decorated with he has earned for sure and, reading
the book, you will ask your selves how it is possible he survived.
Now I'm able to understand why his bond with the 82nd is so tremendous
strong and that he preferred to be with the troops in a war zone during
Christmas instead of being with his family.
I think it is that same feeling our young veterans have after they returned
from Libanon, Bosnië and now Afghanistan. Now I can imagine they need
time to spend with each other after an experience like that. They all
have that same frame of reference they can't share with people who don't.
I think a lot of people in our society should realize that.
These photos were taken by Peter van de Wal. I assert the moral right to be recognized as the photographer and the owner of these images in any form. If you wish to use these photos for noncommercial purposes I consent to such use as long as the source of the photos is clearly acknowledged in the same publication as the photos you wish to reproduce.
"Band of Brothers" & all related marks & media are TM
& © 2001 Dreamworks Television & HBO. This site is in no way affiliated
with any entity involved in the production of this film. All opinions
contained here in are not intended to infringe on any copyrights. For
remarks or comments please mail
me.
Peter van de Wal ©
