We are fighting for the people of this world

 

                                                                        -Sgt. Ranjan Sunuwar

 

Our valued member of this organization Sgt. Ranjan Sunuwar is currently deployed in Afghanistan. He shared his experiences of deployment with KRSA during his short visit in Denver, Colorado.

excerpt:

·                     What were you thinking when you landed in Afghanistan, one of the most dangerous place for American Troops?

Well it was extremely hot because we flew in military C17 plane from Manas, Kirgizstan to Bagram Air Base Afghanistan (main entry and exit point for all personnel related with military). Being at Combat Zone, definitely I was nervous but I was excited too for being part of N.A.T.O and U.S.ARMY to fight against Terrorism. I was proud of myself being in war like my Gurkha ancestors who fought in many historic wars of the world.

·                     Where were you stationed? What was your first assignment?

Well first I was stationed at FOB FENTY, Jalalabad with B Battery 2-77 Field Artillery. Later I was reassigned to Headquarters and Headquarter Battery 2-77 Field Artillery at FOB Kalagush. My first assignment was to support B Battery 2-77 Field Artillery with Property Book Management, Logistical Support, and of daily operational activities for the soldier in my Battery who were supporting Infantry guys and Afghan National Army (A.N.A) by shooting Artillery rounds at Taliban.

·                     Can you elaborate what you and your unit’s responsibility was?

We were deployed as 4th Infantry Division/ 4th Brigade Combat Team. My unit was B Battery 2-77 Field Artillery. While I was assigned to Bravo Battery 2-77 Filed Artillery I was managing the Property Book that my commander was signed along with logistical and operational activities. Later I was reassigned to Headquarters’ and Headquarter Battery 2-77 Field Artillery where I managed more property than prior unit for my commander plus logistical support for the all personnel assigned to FOB Kalagush. I usually work for commander so I was the one has to sign every piece of equipment coming in or going out to unit plus if any things sensitive material like weapons or night vision goggles was lost my commander  could go to jail and it could be end of his job as well from Army. So my job was very sensitive because I have to keep track of every single equipment of that unit.

·                     Being born and raised in Nepal , did you feel any similarities  in landscape, culture, weather and people? Or were you         surprised?

No, I wasn’t surprised in seeing landscape of Afghanistan. It reminds me of Humla, Jumla and Mustang district of Nepal. But lots of American fellow soldiers were surprised.

·                     What surprised you? Why?

There were very few educated people and the females above 15-50 years have to cover their face with Burkhas. Most of Afghan  people hated Pakistan and Taliban but they loved Bollywood  Movies and  T.V Dramas.

·                     Did you go to local markets, how was it? What good things you saw there?

Well I did go to local market few times, it kind a looks like bazaar in Nepal. Some places were crowded and dirty. The good things I saw was lots of Chinese electronic items which I never saw at U.S.A. They were cheaper and looked cool too.

·                     Do you communicate with local people? What was their reaction? Do you have to carry your arms wherever you go?

Well… I have to deal many times with Afghan local national; most of them do labor Jobs. Their main language is Pashtun and Farsi. Some of them speaks Urdu too, which is very similar like Hindi. They are very friendly so they don’t hesitate giving you hug and asking for Dollars. Well, I am at Combat Zone so I have to have my M4 Rifle 24/7 with me except inside shower room and gym.

 

·                     Have your station ever came under attack by the Taliban fighters?

While stationed at Jalalabad we were attacked by Mortars rounds like almost 10 times, and suicide guy blew up himself at the gate once, and at one time Taliban guys attacked with RPG and AK 47. Current station is more dangerous than Jalalabad.  So we have to be alert every time; whenever warning horn blows, we have to stop whatever we are doing and grab our Full Combat Gear and grab M240B Machinegun from Arms room and Take position at Designated Watch Tower.

·                      What’s your experience with Taliban, have you seen them?

I never got chance to see Taliban face to face but at my new FOB looks like I am going to see, and I am very ready for that moment.

·                     Any tragic incident happened to you or your unit?

The tragic incident was when one of the soldiers from my unit got hit by RPG shrapnel in his head. I knew him very closely because I used to pick on him because of his loud snoring problem.

·                     Thousands more American troops are being deployed there, is it worth for America?

Yes I believe it is worth, we need to bring as more troops needed and finish up this war. Because this war is getting very long so we need to clean sweep as soon as possible.

·                     Are you satisfied with your job?

Yes am very satisfied with my job and I am proud of things that I have been doing.

·                     You seem pretty happy!

Well I am very happy and proud of myself and I believe my families are too. Most of the family members get worried when we get deployed to war zone because they love us very much.

·                     Are you a proud American soldier?

100%  Yes. I am proud American Soldier.

·                     Usually soldiers carry their very dearest personal item (e.g. Photo of family, or their kids,) when they go to war zone, do   you have any such thing?  

Yes, soldiers always carry their dearest personal items when they go to war; esp. family, wives and kids photo. Well for me I have always been carrying my loving Mom and Dad photo and during this deployment I have carried flag of Nepal too.

 

·                     What is your answer to your family and friends who worry about you being in war zone?

            Honestly I always lied even when it was dangerous mission and when we got attacked. I have always told them that I am in        very safe place and everything is fine.

            It's because I don’t want my family to worry about me and this way they can focus on their daily life.

·                     The most valuable lesson you learned from this deployment?

Never trust anyone except he is your Battle Buddy. Not even Afghan National Army and Afghan National Police.

·                     The things that you hated being there,

I hated food over here, and dust. I missed Nepali food very much esp. MOMO.

·                     Do you meet real Gurkhas from British Army?

Yes I met couple guys at Bagram Air Base. It was very fun when I get chance to talk in Nepali with other fellow from Nepal.

·                     Did you see or meet other Nepalese working in Afghanistan,?

Yes there are lots of Nepalese worker in Afghanistan, but the one I was very close was from Dharan his name was Nirmal, he was very cool and he used to work at Green Beans Coffee Shop kind of like Starbucks coffee shop.

 

·                     Do you sometimes boast about your Gurkha heritage to your fellow American soldiers?

Well most of the officers in my unit and my CSM (Command Sergeant Major) know very well about Gurkhas because they are very well educated. Sometimes they come and talk to me. My CSM loves talking about Gurkhas all the time whenever he sees me.

·                     Can you tell us what’s the benefit of joining US Army ? Are you thinking of staying in it    as a long term career?

Well of course medical, dental, education for me, for my future wives and kids, regular paycheck, hard to get fired unless you do some stupid mistakes, VA loans , Secured Job after retirement and Retirement Benefits (Pension). Yes I am staying long term as a career, because I love being soldier.

·                     What do you want to say to other young Nepalese in USA who wish to join US military    service (army, navy, marine, AF etc?)

U.S Military has outstanding benefits in this whole wide world, be it short term or long term (Short term is min 3 yrs and long term is 20yrs).  Military makes you very disciplined. Discipline, team work and trust are key word in Military. I would like to say:- come and join it, utilize the benefits,  grab the opportunities and have fun  traveling around the world.

·                     As an US army in Afghanistan, What’s your message to all Nepalese around the world?

We are not just fighting against terrorism for USA. We are fighting for the people of this world to keep the heavenly earth safe and secure from the hands of terrorist.

·                     When are you returning, what’s you plan in future.

I am returning back by end of May of 2010 – June 2010. My plan in future is to finish my unfinished undergraduate degree.

 

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