Interview with soldier from local Guard unit provides glimpse into Afghanistan

EASTERN AFGHAN-ISTAN —Soldiers from Iowa National Guard’s Unit 1168 out of Red Oak have spent the last two months in Eastern Afghanistan, and were hoping for one thing this Christmas: a day off.
After a couple months of training in Camp Shelby, Miss., and Ft. Irwin, Calif., the members of the guard unit from Red Oak has spent a busy two months at an operating base called Fab-lightning.
“Down time has been a challenge, trying to find time for that,” Sgt. First Class Randy Burns said. “We are trying to schedule some around Christmas, which everyone is looking forward too.”
He said everyone from Company F will get together to have some fun watching movies, playing cards, and pool, as well as a white elephant gift exchange.
“We will spend a little time together and then cut everyone loose so they can contact their families,” he said.
The platoon sergeant and 1985 Essex High School graduate said members of the Red Bull Unit conduct Combat Logistic Patrols everyday, starting early in the morning.
“On mission days, the first thing we will do … is make sure the trucks are ready to go, load the trucks, and hit the road delivering supplies,” Burns said. “We deliver all type of supplies to line units like fuel, water, food, mail, anything to keep them going.”
And on days they aren’t running missions, Burns said the unit stays busy behind the scenes.
“We will be running maintenance on the trucks, cleaning weapons, making sure they are ready to go,” Burns said, adding a typical supply convoy includes 9 trucks, with as many as five gun trucks.
“Basically, they are there for security,” he said. “We have been lucky. So far, we haven’t run into any issues, and hopefully that will continue.”
He said the more frequent danger they face is improvised explosive devices, or IEDs.
Burns said while the days are long, he considers the unit’s living conditions to be outstanding compared to some.
“We have a good mess hall and a good place to sleep. Basically, our biggest problem is there isn’t enough time in the day,” he said. “There are guys out there who really have next to nothing.”
A father of six, ranging in ages from 5-20 years old, Burns said being away from his family is the hardest thing he confronts.
They have access to cell phones and the Internet, which they use to communicate with their loved ones, although video-conferencing remains unavailable.
“It’s pretty tough being away,” he said. “But my wife, she’s a trooper and is making sure everything gets done. That makes it easier.”
He added the family members back home might have day-to-day obstacles than the soldiers.
“We have the easy job. We have a job here to do and really don’t have to deal with the issues at home,” he said. “But the family members back home deal with everything.”
He also expressed appreciation from all the troops for the many care packages sent.
With just a small PX open a couple days a week, the extra supplies from home come in handy. He said ideal items include toiletries, wet wipes, germicide, and snack foods, especially chocolate.
Before ending the interview last week, Burns did have one more message he wanted to communicate to his wife, Kim.
“I want her to know that I love her and I appreciate everything she does,” Burns said. “She’s my hero.”