Dave L Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Mmm. I agree that ideology is important, it was a
> big thing with the Soviet issue - Tackling Marx
> etc....
>
> But, the problem the US had recentlyt was a
> shortage of reliable native speakers familiar with
> the culture at a ground level.
>
> Anyway, this is getting a bit political.
>
> Sounds like your dad had an interesting time.
>
> Dave L

From what he told me, yes. Heh, the funniest story involves the day the Russians invaded Kabul. The embassy told everybody to hole up there, rather than in their private residances, for obvious safety reasons. But my dad was late getting there (was having too much fun photographing stuff, like Russian troop transports filled with underaged soldiers), & they'd already closed the gate.... and since the embassy was being targeted by small arms fire, they were under strict orders NOT to open it.

At that time in his life (too much deskwork!), my dad had gained a few pounds & was a bit out of shape.... so after sprinting up to the gate under fire, he found himself "too out of breath" (if you go by HIS version of events, my personal interpretation is "too out of shape") to climb the gate. After several failed attempts, a marine guard took pity on him & courageously clambered OUT of the embassy compound, and "assisted" (via hand under backside) my dad over the gate before he lept (lithely, I'm sure) back over again.... being shot at all the while. (My dad recommended the man for a medal, I don't recall if he got it or not).

Hunh, anybody in the market for some vintage Afghan war photos? My dad even had the armed personal carrier shots blown up & printed out in poster size, I still have a number of them left.


Kenuchelover.