Living at an airshow, the story of my absense from this forum

[MPicciotto]

*Moderators please forgive my posting here, but this is my "home" within the lounge and those who miss me would look here first

The reason I haven't been around lately is I took a new job. With DynCorp International, a defense contractor. For the last month I've been living in a tent about 400ft from the runway at Kandahar Air Field, Kandahar, Afghanistan. It's like living at an airshow continuously...

Live in a tent
Dust everywhere
Aircraft take off and land constantly, several flights an hour, every hour day and night.
The food is mediocre and you have to wait in line to get it.
Speed limit is usually walking speed.
You have to walk across the camp to use the bathroom, and if your lucky the water is still working so you can take a shower.
Think security at Reading is bad? Try dealing with the International Military Police.
There are a variety of food vendors down on the boardwalk.
Lots of souvenier stands selling all the same thing.
Lots of Farby people walking around in PT gear carrying weapons

There are a few differences though. The pyro demonstrations by the A-10's are real, and so are the rockets and mortars from the enemy.

Anyway now that I have regular internet (at 180 a month) I thought I'd get back into visiting with everyone here in the lounge.

Matt Picciotto
Living the ultimate AAF reeanctor experience

 

[J.W.]

Matt, stay safe out there!

 

[SHOWSOMECLASS]

I work w/ a number of ex military guys who have served in the air force fire suppression division in the middle east. One said, in Egypt he would get into a hot truck w/ the windows rolled to eat lunch because the flys were so bad.

 

[cco23i]

OUTSTANDING Matt! Been there done that and GOT THE T shirt!! Stay safe brother and Might see ya in a few months. :0

 

[Story]

Sounds about as fun as BIAP.

 

[MPicciotto]

Nah, not nearly as hot as BIAP reportedly is. I've never been there, they tell me it's hot (subtle song reference). Not much in the fly department around here, at least not this time of year. Generally life is good. I'm scrounging up stuff, recently acquired a US Army field table 1-78 dated.

Matt

 

[Phantomfixer]

aside from the war...you are in a great postion to scrounge..and must assume you are tax free also!!!! must be tons o stuff laying around at least there used to be..stay away from the green pie plate covers ; ) stay safe Matt remember how Hawkeye feels about souvenier hunters LOL
John

 

[DeaconKC]

Praying for you here!

 

[Miss Stella]

Glad to meet your acquaintance
Looking forward to keeping up with your 'airshow'!
Maybe we could somehow get you a care package together??
As always, keep on your toes and watch for incoming

 

[PADDY]

Good to hear from you Matt. Your absence was noted, so marvellous to have you back 'home' here again at TFL. Best Wishes, Paddy.

 

[MPicciotto]

Thanks everybody for the well wishes and prayers. Had another rocket attack this morning, a little one. I'm starting to pick up some stuff from the bazaar, working specifically with one vendor. Baz is his name. I'll post pictures here of the relevant pieces soon. I can't say that I'm wanting for anything specific to be in a care package. But I wouldn't object to it. Always nice to get mail. My address is


Matthew Picciotto
DynCorp Intl.
LOGCAP IV
APO AE 09355


Thanks again everyone
Matt

 

[Otter]

Just remember to keep your head lower than your a$$ when those mortars come in! :eeek: If you need anyting from the UK just pm me.