Hello from Jalalabad, Afghanistan! I just wanted to send a quick note to tell everyone hi. This has been my only contact with the outside world in a couple of days. Phones, Internet, and power outlets are few and far between.

I have lots to tell you and lots of pictures to share but this short note will have to do for now. We have been constantly on the go traveling to different military bases within Afghanistan. After we left Qatar we flew to to Bagram Air Force Base which is near Kabul, then we went to FOB Sharana in the Southeast, and now we are at FOB Jalalabad. This base is close to the Pakistani border. We stay one night at each place.

We don't do any ground travel outside of the base. They did let me drive a Humvee on the base, but I just couldn't talk them into letting me take one for a spin in one of their convoys. Our only travel off the bases is via air. I have met so many people: pilots, mortuary directors, maintenance crew, Afghani tailors, cooks, gunners, and on and on. All the military personnel are so respectful. I don't think they care what kind of car I drive or how fast; they are just appreciative to have people from the U.S. coming to visit them. It seems like they are just thankful that we care and thankful that their country is showing support to them.

I really have so much to say, but I better go because this e-mail will take 10 minutes to send and there are other people waiting in line for this computer who have been away from home far longer than I have. We have at least two more bases to visit, so I'll try and write again soon.

Oh, and HAPPY BIRTHDAY GRANDPA!