Randall Pinkston: Afghanistan Diary

Make Yourselves At Home — RANDALL PINKSTON/CBS

There are 7,000 American soldiers, airmen and marines currently stationed in Afghanistan. Most are headquartered at Bagram Air Base, approximately 60 miles north of Kabul. With hot, dusty weather, the living is not easy.

Desert Doormen

Sgt. Haynes and his partner, Danny, at a check point at Bagram Air Base. No one gets in without a thorough screening. In addition to soldiers, translators are also on duty for Afghans who must be cleared to make deliveries and/or work.

Extended Tour

Army Reservists Sgt. Jason Rice, Specialist Adam Huckabee, and Specialist John Woodridge were activated in December and thought they would be headed home by now. They are assigned to the 211th Military Police/30th Engineering Brigade.

The Daily Show

Col. Roger King at daily "stand-up" at Bagram Air Base. Much of what we report of U. S. military operations in Afghanistan is released to journalists from public affairs officers who provide information via email and news conferences.

On Medical Duty

Lt. Tina Kroske has been in the military for 20 years, with two years active duty. In 1996, she received a direct commission in the Army Reserve Medical Service Corps. In civilian life, she works for a medical technologies firm.

She Knows The Drill

Gunnery Sgt. Patricia Hernandez , U.S. Marine Corps, is also a Public Affairs Officer. She's been a Marine for 15 years. The job she most enjoyed was serving as a drill instructor for women recruits, to show them that they could overcome the difficult training and become Marines. Eventually, she hopes to train drill instructors.

Two For Service

Staff Sgt. Zelda Thomas-Gates is assigned to the 301 Mobile Public Affairs Detachment. She's been in the Army 17 years, in Afghanistan two months. Major Tony King is also making the military his career with 18 years of service. He is currently assigned to 377 Theatre Support Command.

Kids Keep It Real

Sgt. Sam McLarty has been most impressed by Afghan children. "They don't have anything, but they're well-behaved, very interested in school. They have nothing but make the most of what they have." Captain Christa D'Andrea's most memorable moment was visiting wounded soldiers. "It reminds you that everything going on here is real."

What's Cooking?

These three would know; they're all cooks, assigned to the 769th Engineering Battallion from Ft. Polk, Louisiana. Specialists Jeremy Blunt(r) and Sherry Jasmin(c), and Sgt Willie Tyler (l) say, "Don't blame us for the food." They cook what their commanding officer gives them.