A good companion entry to “Ghost Wars.” Just remember to keep your Cougar out of the Cave!

Best,
Chris

I looked you up to find out the latest in your continuing saga–or should I say, “bloga”?–and I found a review you did a couple of years ago. Good job on Buda’s Wagon!

Best,
Chris

I’m sorry your leave was so short. I’m going to a conference next week, and I was going to send you a post card. I’ll do it anyway–something to look forward to when you’re on leave again!

I was surprised by your pictures. For some reason, I assumed that you and your troops lived in communal tents like in M*A*S*H*, or set up one-person tents with sleeping bags inside. Shows you what I know about military bivouacs–zilch! Until now!

I’ll have to add “stay dry” to my usual “stay safe”!

Best,
Chris

Thanks for your love and support–no trip to Indiana this time around, unfortunately, but next fall/winter for sure.

-Pete

That has got to be one of the more pointed (yet fair, I think) critiques of Martin Van Buren in all of the military blogosphere. It’s good to know that your expertise on all things 19-C American is still serving you well. Any chance that you’re going to be swinging by the Bloomington area while you’re at home on leave? I imagine that they’re keeping you pretty busy here on the home front as well.

Jon

I’m so happy to hear that you’re home on leave for a little while. I’m glad to see that the top half of your face is safe and unscathed after the first part of your tour of duty in Afghanistan! Enjoy your break. Rest: you deserve it!

Best,
Chris

Glad you’re back in the blogging saddle!

You have an interesting clash of times in this picture!

In the main frame, you have a portrait that (I assume) probably could have taken place at any time in the past. An image as sure and unchanging as the seasons.

Intruding ever so slightly at the bottom, however, looks like the twenty-first century armored vehicle that houses you. A vehicle that will date and be superceded as quickly as the rusted vehicle that you helped to excavate in the last entry.

Fascinating contrasts. Thanks for the update!

Best,
Chris

This entry also shows the diference between the American presense and that of the Russians. Whereas they fight next to the Americans they idolize the mujahedeen who would fight to the death against the Russians.

Fascinating stuff! I think this is the first time you’ve mentioned the Soviet era of Afghanistan. Your references to the ghost war and the Soviets made me automatically think, “The Return of the Repressed.”

It occurs to me that when you return to West Point to teach, you have in this blog and photo an incredibly rich semiotic approach for your theory class. I can see the week’s topic, “Roland Barthes and Mythologies for the Twenty-first Century.”

Best,
Chris