Live from Afghanistan: We have arrived at Camp Wright

By 2nd Lt. Stephen Montgomery

82nd Agribusiness Development Team

It was a long journey for some of us, but the entire 82nd Agribusiness Development Team has arrived at our current location of Camp Wright, in Kunar Province, Afghanistan.

Everyone is settling in and we are well into the RIPTOA (Relief in Place, Transfer of Authority) with the Illinois National Guard’s 1-14th Agribusiness Development Team. We can’t thank them enough for all the support they have given us, not just in these last few weeks, but this entire last year.

This has to be one of the nicest bases in Afghanistan — and from what I have been told from numerous people, it is. Nestled up against the side of a mountain, it affords dramatic views both across and up and down the Kunar Valley. Landscaped with trees, shrubbery and even a few rose gardens, the scenery on base is almost as nice as the scenery off base.

Even by Air Force standards, the living accommodations here are more than adequate. B-huts, tents and open-bay barracks are a thing of the past for us as we are now in dorm rooms; many team members are able to enjoy a room to themselves. While the nearest Post Exchange is at least a 30-minute ride by helicopter, just about everything you need — emphasis on need — can be found here on base. There are multiple local shops selling everything from fresh baked bread, handmade rugs, trinkets and souvenirs to an assortment of energy drinks and tobacco — the two things the U.S. Army seems to run on here.

Until next time, wishing everyone well back home.