The mission in Afghanistan was a great mission and it was great to be a part of history. Supporting the orphanage and building the Afghan Army--which is building their future. Being a woman in that environment in a leadership position, dealing with the Afghan warlords and dealing with special forces was a challenge for them and I, because most of them, at that time--I'm sure things have changed now--didn't deal with female officers, because they just aren't part of special forces.

The most rewarding part of being there was supporting one of the orphanages. We would write home and request our family members send clothes, and school supplies and we would deliver the items to the orphange. Being able to have contact with the young boys and young girls was a pleasant break from the daily combat mission. It was good being able to participate in humanitarian effort. It was awesome having, an opportunity to be part of the building process. Teaching the young girls in the local village was an opportunity for the young girls to see women in leadership positions--because its a real big deal being an officer to them. I think it was just as rewarding to me as it was to them, having that kind of contact.

I was really taken aback by the generosity of the Afghani people. They have very little materially, but they are very generous.

My time away form home was a life long lesson to my children to see that freedom isn't free. This is a lesson many need to remember because we take a lot for granted in America.