We work with a lot of contractors here at Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan.  They provide continuity that we just can’t get with with military folks rotating in and out, and expertise that military and government civilians like me can’t provide.  One of contractors I’ve been privileged to work with these last three months is Mr. Bill:

A retired civil servant who’s been on multiple deployments to places including Saudi Arabia, China, and South Korea, Mr. Bill can tackle any environmental job in anywhere in the world.  He’s performed environmental surveys at about 50 locations around Afghanistan.  Here’s a brief tour of a trip he took to Jalalabad (text and photos courtesy of Mr. Bill):

My corner office, it’s a beauty, commensurate with experience of course.

Waiting for transport, hope I get a window seat.

The commute, uh oh I have to use the bathroom, I’m in trouble.

Hope I can find cheap parking.

Made it to Jalalabad, where is the subway station?

Hotel Afghanistan, room with a view please, do I get frequent flyer points here?

The shopping mall, picture says it all.

The view!

Mr. Bill knows how to find his way around the installations, and he’s been a great resource for institutional knowledge, as well as a lot of fun.  He’s always got a big grin on his face and is up for whatever good times are to be had, even if it means Christmas wishes from a porta-potty (with coworker Mr. Art):

Unfortunately, we’ll be saying goodbye to Mr. Bill in a few days.  His company’s contract renewal included cutting some positions, so he’ll be heading home.  We’ll all miss him, and I will especially miss his bright smile, great stories, practical jokes, and professional contributions to the environmental mission here at BAF.

Take care, Mr. Bill, and Godspeed!

MM