Off to Pakistan to help - August 3, 2010

3 August 2010

PAKISTAN FLOOD DEATH TOLL ‘PASSES 11000 - BBC

FOOD FEARS FOR PAKISTAN FLOOD SURVIVORS – AFP

FLOODS RAVAGE PAKISTAN VALLEY THAT ENDURED TALIBAN – AP

Hello from Afghanistan. I’m a Marine Corps broadcast journalist and I have the best job in the military: I get to report on what U.S. service members are doing night and day to answer those recent headlines above.

There’s a good chance I could be classified as the walking dead right now, but it’s completely worth it! I’ve been up three days straight with very little sleep. I got the awesome opportunity to report on a group of airmen in a C-17 that delivered relief, via food and shelter, to the people of Pakistan devastated by historic flooding.

At AFN (American Forces Network) Afghanistan, we cover everything from combat operations to humanitarian missions. I’m always amazed at how fast the American military can spin up to provide help to those most affected by natural disasters. The strength, determination and resolve of individual soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines make me proud to be a part of the brotherhood.

Always being ready is key to our job – you never know when news will break. It’s up to us to be there to cover and tell the public what happened. I was notified about a mission into Pakistan to deliver thousands of pounds of food, late one afternoon. After some scrambling and coordination, I had all my gear and was on the Bagram Air Field flight line covering U.S. soldiers taking boxes and boxes full of Halal (culturally sensitive) Meals Ready to Eat (or MRE’s) and creating huge pallets to load on to Air Force cargo aircraft.

I got to interview soldiers who had been working the last three nights to support the Pakistanis. Always

looking for the next best different shot, I climbed up a metal beam structure and shot some great angles. I even shot the stand-up for ABC Nightly News reporter, Nick Schifrin, for this video story that aired on ABC later that night. When he saw me hanging up there for a shot, he had to have the same. (Marines lead the way!!)

After some 75-thousand pounds of food was loaded into the Charleston, S.C. based C-17, we taxied down the Bagram flight line and started our trek. I was surprised the ride was so short. It only took us 45-minutes to get to Peshawar International Airport in Pakistan.

Tensions and excitement were high as none of us had ever stepped foot into Pakistan – but when we did, we felt it. Immediately the sweat started pouring; not from the 60 pounds of gear on me but the incredible humidity. I’ve been to the Philippines, and all around the Pacific, yet nothing compared

to the humidity in Pakistan. We definitely didn’t expect it, since we were so close to neighboring Afghanistan. What made things worse was the transition from a nice, cold, aircraft cargo bay to a ninety percent humidity, stuffy tarmac. My video camera lens fogged up so badly I couldn’t shoot any usable footage for nearly15-minutes until both myself and the camera got acclimated!

Once I did get ‘rolling’ again, it was great to see the interactions between the Pakistani reps and the Americans. No matter what language barriers exist, the thing I’ve always learned is that a smile can break down barriers and say it all. That’s what I saw a lot of this night.

After three hours on the ground we said our goodbyes, pulled up chalks and flew away. The magnitude of the disaster was great, but "hopefully" everyone thought this flight, our efforts, would help some. It was two in the morning by the time the plane even took off and I used the 45 minutes of travel time to execute a combat nap. I didn’t wake until we hit the 9-thousand feet of concrete back on Afghanistan on Bagram Air Field.

I must say, while the trip was short, it meant a lot to me to be able to go. Not only to say I’ve been to Pakistan, but to say I was involved in a humanitarian mission from the USA. While I didn’t fly the plane, load the supplies or unload the supplies – it was my mission to document and bring the great work of our troops back home. I was honored to be a part of it.

God Bless,

SSgt Jeremy Vought

Afghanistan Freedom Watch Update - July 16, 2010

Today's newscast hosted by Marine SSgt Jeremy Vought.

"HAPPY FATHERS DAY"

20 June 2010

It is Sunday here and I have much of the day off. I woke up late, went for my first run (felt like I haven't run in months) and here sitting on my rack. Today is my time to reflect as a father, son and grandson.

I thank God for my father. It was God who gave I him: God who gave he I; but he who introduced Jesus to I - the greatest gift a father can give his children. I didn't grow up in the richest family. He worked hard to provide for us and for that I'm grateful. Times may have been tough occasionally, but I always had food in my belly and a roof over my head. From an early age we knew the Bible stories and songs. I still have recordings of my father playing the guitar and me singing a Bible song - my mother helping me in the background. Memories like that stick. He gave me a love for music, the outdoors, family and sports.

Going through the rough adolescent years as I pushed away, I wish I would have learned more from him and stuck closer. For that I'm sorry Dad. He is the first person I call for advice and counsel. I would trust his word above just about everyone's. He has been a great Christian man in my life and I thank God for that gift. I recently heard a quote about the luck of a person: "Being lucky is being born in the United States to two loving, dedicated parents." I am lucky. Thank you Dad. I love you. Wish I could be there now to tell you in person.

As a father now, it is my duty to do all the things and provide for my daughter just like my father raised me. I have so much room to grow, but with God's (and my beautiful wife's) helpI will get there. To my, Alyssa. I love you and am so proud to be your father. Everything changed the day I first saw her. It is truly a transforming experience.

Also, to my Grandfathers. You men have both shaped me, guided me and loved me. The memories I have with each of you will stick for a lifetime. Thank you for those. You've both been an integral part of my life as well.

I love you all.

"IT IS WELL" - Aftermath of a Miscarriage - Video

13 June 2010

Last night Toni was at the emergency room. The doctors confirmed what we feared - a miscarriage. We were so excited to have another child. Our first child, Alyssa, has been a true blessing from the Lord. The worst part about the whole thing was I couldn't be there for my wife, hold her close and comfort her. I felt totally inempt, stuck here in Afghanistan. I wanted to hold her.

I called my parents and I will continue to thank them for traveling last minute from PA to VA to help, comfort, babysit, and bring Toni's mother down. I will forever remember that gesture. They didn't ask me why, they just went. I am so lucky to have parents like them. They are a blessing. Thank you Mom and Dad.



The next morning was rough, but I was glad it was Sunday. My first church service in country. "Is it well" was the subject of the chaplain's message. It was hard to sing the first verse of the hymn "It is well" without welling up. It was the message I needed to hear. I don't blame God, my wife or anyone else. God is good and his plan for us is supreme, even when we don't understand why.

I love you Dear. God continues to bless our family.

Watch a short video blog of the service: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MNxhF6nGJJE

(Full blog at www.jeremyvought.blogspot.com)

The Path to Victory - Part II - Gunshot to the Head - Army Pathfinders Swoop to Afghanistan/Pakistan Border and Help - HD

"OPERATION RASOL ASGHARI" - Video

9 June 2010

My first broadcast story from Afghanistan. Shot, edited, and sent out in HD.



Located here: http://www.dvidshub.net/?script=video/video_show.php&id=87867

"ROCKET ATTACK IN AFGHANISTAN" - Video

6 June 2010
Here's a new video blog from Afghanistan. First night at FOB Wolverine and the Taliban throws a rocket at us. Here's the first hand experience from the bunker.

Video on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-pxSA6Zn8gM



Check out the full blog @ http://jeremyvought.blogspot.com

"ARRIVED IN AFGHANISTAN" - Video

30-31 May 2010

Arrived in Bagram, Afghanistan. Moving down to Kandahar for a while.

"THE WAITING GAME IN KUWAIT"

29 May 2010 Well hello again. Just off the 11 hour flight from D.C. and a 45 minute drive through the desert and I'm now officially in Kuwait. Oh yes, it is HOT! Clocked in at 113 degrees today. Basically to illustrate - stand in front of ten hairdryers on high. That's what it feels like.

I'll probably be here for a day or two. Currently living in tent city. Line after line of tents with servicemembers just waiting for a flight to Afghanistan or Iraq - mainly Afghanistan these days.

So the flight over here, well, this was the first time I've ever upgraded a ticket with my miles and I must say - totally worth it! I've done this flight a few times now, but this time was cake. Great food, great drinks, able to lie down and actually get some sleep. I will definitely be upgrading on my way home.

Mainly just checked in here, did a travel claim for my expenses and received my M4 Carbine and security rounds. Finally getting closer.

Writing to you from the USO here on Ali Al Salem Airbase in Kuwait. Gotta give the USO a huge shout-out. They've been really good to us. We had a 6 hour layover in D.C. so they took care of us with free chow, drinks and a comfy place to sit.

The layover was actually a blessing in disguise because Toni and Alyssa drove up to the airport to hang out. What a blessing! I met them in the airport parking lot and we sat in the van and spent some time together. It was hilarious because Alyssa was sound asleep when I showed up. After a while she finally woke up - you should have seen the look on her face. Her eyes spread wide and she was definitely surprised to see Daddy.

After about an hour we went inside to pay the parking fee and had to say our goodbyes...again. That was no fun. Even though Toni and I shed a few tears the first time we said goodbye last Sunday, Alyssa did very well. This time, however, was completely different. She kept holding me saying, "but I don't want you to go." No matter what I tried to say, she just keep repeating, "but I don't want you to go." That was really hard. Finally Toni had to carry Alyssa out of the airport crying, "I want my Daddy." I took a lot of discipline to just stand there and hear her yell for me.

I just got off the phone and Skype with them, so it was great seeing my girls on the computer. I think it really helped Alyssa too.

That's all for now. My next update should be from Afghanistan.

Did I mention it's hot.......

"LAST FAMILY DAY" - Video

22 May 2010

We had been planning on this day for a while. Alyssa was ready and excited. It was my last Saturday and I'd fly out Sunday, so we decided to go to the National Zoo in Washington D.C. as a family. We also told her that we were going to ride the train so she was extra excited. We drove up to the Metro and jumped on board. She had a fun ride looking out the window and holding on to the rails - she did not want to sit.

After the long Metro ride (should have drove in closer), we took a short walk and ended up at the zoo. It was a really special day to just spend time with my girls looking at the gorillas, elephants, lion and monkeys (Alyssa loved the monkeys).



I had turned in my government Blackberry a few days earlier. It was liberating and strange at the same time to not have it on my waist constantly buzzing. I know Toni liked it and I started to like it as well. I didn't check my email once that day. Kinda nice. I had gotten so use to having it around, but I do know it ate into my personal time with the family. For that, I'm sorry dear.

Anyway we had a rather fun time and went back home completely exhausted - not looking forward to the next day.

"GOODBYE MARINES"

21 May 2010
Today was my last day at work. It was a little hectic, but definitely good to see and say bye to the Marines in my shop. They're all combat correspondents and television broadcasters. We make up Marine Corps News. For a send off, they treated me to lunch at a Chinese buffet in Crystal City near our building. Man, it was good and we all probably gained 15 pounds from the food. I'll sweat it off later.

During lunch, I told them all two things before I left: To take care of each other and never settle. It seems like the past year, their care was in my hands and I've really enjoyed working with and mentoring them. Now they were going to have to take care of each other. As a Marine broadcaster, I'm a big quality nut, so I wanted them to remember to never settle in their work - something could always be changed/tweaked/edited to make a story, video, photo better. Our unit just came off an incredible wining year in Department of Defense media awards, and I think that mentality of never settling helped put us over the top. I want other Marines around the Corps to look at our shop as the beacon in what we do.

We've been sending Marines from our unit to Afghanistan for the past couple years to fill these AFN (American Forces Network) TV billets. SSgt Clint Firstbrook just came home and Cpls. Bryan Lett and AJ Lugo are currently there - they're doing an awesome job, I'm so proud of them as a leader. The nice thing about having/managing these billets is that we get a little more say than the average Marine into when we want to go. This was my turn, I'm excited about the opportunity - especially now that I'll be in a leadership billet. Last time I deployed to Iraq in '03, I was low man on the totem. This time I'll have more of an opportunity to lead - I'm looking forward to it. I chose this rotation during much of the Summer and Fall so Toni and Alyssa can keep busy with all the family vacations to Ocean City, Md., and Assateague Island, Md. I hope that should help pass the time for them in my absence.

"DADDY HAS TO GO AWAY"

20 May 2010

Today was one of my hardest days as a father - it was the day I had to fully in depth tell my beautiful daughter, Alyssa, that I was going away on a trip for a long time. I'd be deploying to Afghanistan for six months. She'll be three in August.

After work in D.C. I came home to eat dinner with Toni and Alyssa. When we finished up dinner, Toni left to go out with a few girlfriends from our church's MOPs (Mothers of Preschoolers) group. It was a night for Alyssa and I to spend time together, break the news to her and communicate as father and daughter.
The weeks leading up to this night I had told her little things about me leaving, but I don't think it ever fully sunk in - for her as well as for me. It wasn't real - yet.
During bath time, I started doing some explaining about leaving for Afghanistan and being away for a while. Still fresh on her mind, I had just come home from a two-week trip for Marine Week Boston, so she understands what it's like to have Dad gone. I could tell she was getting a little upset. After bath time, I put Alyssa in her pajamas and we headed downstairs. A while back we all attended a Sesame Street show geared toward military families on Andrews Air Force Base. Each family received a DVD set with the characters that told a story about deployments. Alyssa and I would watch that tonight for the first time.

Cozy in the finished basement, we dimmed the lights, snuggled on the futon and popped in the disc. The basis of the story was Elmo's father leaving on a long trip. All the little talks we had started to sink in for her as she watched the different emotions her furry red friend faced and expressed. Reality was now sinking in. At times it seemed like she was purposely moving a laying away from me in defense. (That could also be me over analyzing her).
If you were watching, you'd probably see my eyes starts welling up before Alyssa's (most have told me deployments are harder on the parents than the children - I didn't believe them, but I'm fast reconsidering). Elmo and his father talked on the computer, wrote letters and said goodnight to the moon each night. It was good for Alyssa to see all the ways we could stay connected. By the end of the 30 minutes we were both hugging kissing and, yes, crying. I wasn't sure how much she would understand, but she understood enough - we were about to go through something tough.

Also within the film Elmo and his father exchange something special. I had an idea. We went upstairs and I sat her on our bed and I gave her my woodland boonie cover. I told her that she could wear it whenever so she could remember me. She started crying and was hesitant to take it - I think because she understood what it meant. I then gave her something special that was between Toni and I when I went off to Iraq in 2003. We had a medallion that on one side had the Marine Corps emblem and the other the words: "The Lord watch me and thee while we are apart." It was split in two and placed on two chains. Now each of us would have a side and when I returned the necklace would be complete again, much like our family. She really liked it.

It's funny because I think she and I grew much closer that night. In between the hugs, kisses and cries she would hold me and tell me things I never heard: "I'm going to miss you Daddy. I don't want you to leave. I love you so much." It seem liked every time she reached over and place herself in my arms I'd lose it. I guess I didn't realize how much I'd miss her when we were separated.

So when I'm out there in the middle of nowhere missing my wife and little girl - this too shall pass.

And to Alyssa: "I love you too....."