| Jim Saunders reports in from southern Afghanistan
A few months ago, Jim Saunders, who's overseas in Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, emailed Gayle because he'd really liked THE PARIS OPTION. She enjoyed him and his evocative notes, and they continued to correspond. When Jim wrote, "As you might imagine in a combat zone, bookstores are hard to come by," she instantly sent copies of her books for Jim to distribute.
Here are some excerpts from Jim's letters to accompany photos he's sent Gayle and that are now posted here. You'll notice how his evaluation of the level of danger in Afghanistan has changed:
March 2006
I myself am a civilian contractor who works side by side with other contractors and U.S. military personnel. I need to point out that, honestly, things aren't that bad here. I find some people back home think what a terrible ordeal some of us are going through, but the truth is that we enjoy what we do.
Yes, this part of the world is dangerous, but each of us, military or civilian contractor, volunteered for this type of work fully knowing what hazards lay ahead. I guess I only say this because I don't think anyone needs to feel sorry for us because many of us wouldn't choose any other job or lifestyle. I know I enjoy most days (not all, by any means — nothing is perfect, especially not over here — ha.)
We have two "libraries" — one on a shelf in a bombed-out building we partially remodeled for base operations (there's loads of history in that building), and the other in a fest tent (a big events type of tent) having a coffee shop, a couple of pool tables, etc.
May 2006
A flight came in today with your very generous gift of books. This is just like Christmas! You're now my all-time favorite author! Let me know if you need anything from Afghanistan. What could a person possibly need from here??? I can't think of anything. ha.
Here's a picture of some base support troops and me with your books. I'm the guy not in uniform. Your books are now at a FOB — short for Forward Operating Base. FOBs are small outposts having infantry, special ops, and others engaging the enemy. This particular FOB has a very sparse library, and the soldiers often complain about a lack of books. So, your gift is very appreciated.
We call the building the TLS — short for "Taliban Last Stand." I'm at a location in southern Afghanistan which was a former Taliban stronghold (unfortunately, not all of the Taliban have been rooted out — yet — but they will be with time :)) The building saw numerous close contact engagements as evidenced by the pockmarked walls. Rangers and Army Delta engaged the enemy in late 2001 here, and the building has largely been left like it was then.
The other photos are of monuments behind the TLS building, to all those who have died during the War on Terror.
It's actually gotten more dangerous here since I arrived. We believe the bad guys have learned techniques from Iraq, and they are now trying them out on us — suicide bombings, etc. And of course the rocket attacks are always interesting. It's big-time dangerous outside the wire now.
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