Our Report From Afghanistan series begins with four audio journal pieces recorded by VPR commentator and Vermont Guard Captain Larry Doane.
They're snapshots of Larry’s work leading the members of his guard unit as they patrol, train security personnel and get to know the Afghan men they serve with. They even attend a ‘bachelor party', which features something Larry calls the ‘Afghan Man Dance'.
In one sobering piece he talks about coming face-to-face with an insurgent captured by his unit, and he reflects on his hopes for what his year in Afghanistan will accomplish.
Larry's audio journal will air Tuesday – Friday (9/7-10) on Vermont Edition at noon and 7pm and in Morning Edition.
I plan to file my first story from Afghanistan for Weekend Edition Saturday, on the ninth anniversary of 9/11.
Steve Zind ReportFromAfghanistan@gmail.com
Reporter's Journal
VPR's Steve Zind is spending three weeks in Afghanistan, covering some of the 1,500 members of the Vermont National Guard who are deployed there.
He'll provide a close-up view of the Guard's mission and how things are going from their perspective.
The Reporter
Steve has been with VPR since 1994, first serving as host of VPR’s public affairs program and then as a reporter, based in Central Vermont. Many VPR listeners recognize Steve for his special reports from Iran, providing a glimpse of this country that is usually hidden from the rest of the world.