First impressions don't show the whole picture

Afghan children are hopeful sign for country's struggle for peace, stability Friday, May 06, 2005 Full Story >>>

Guardsmen find their battle rhythm despite challenges of a long deployment

Year-long duty puts strain on families, Oregonians serving in Afghanistan “Bunks, sir, bunks – tell your guys to clean up the bunks!” Major Rob Fraser is trying his best to maintain his composure as he pressures Col. Mangul, chief of staff of the Afghan National Army’s 2nd Brigade, to get his troops to tackle a simple task – picking up and assembling some metal-frame bunk beds for the unit’s new barracks in Jalalabad. Tuesday, May 03, 2005 Full Story >>>

Attacks could come at any time

U.S. soldiers in Afghanistan are reminded the front line can be anywhere On the road into Kabul, Dean Perez spots a motorcycle coming in the opposite direction. The bike’s passenger is carrying what looks like a hunting rifle. “If he had an RPG we would have to stop him,” he says. Thursday, April 28, 2005 Full Story >>>

Shafiqa captures a soldier’s heart

“Jagran Perez! Jagran Perez!” The boys’ faces light up as they recognize the man in the khaki uniform and sunglasses driving the white pickup into their village. A few weeks ago, just before his new deployment, “Jagran,” or Major Dean Perez had said his goodbyes to the children of Pol-e-Charki village outside his former home at Camp Blackhorse, east of Kabul. Friday, April 22, 2005 Full Story >>>

Astorian reporter granted interview with Afghan vice president

Afghanistan government is in no hurry for U.S. coalition to leave It's all about connections. Thursday, April 21, 2005 Full Story >>>

Minor jobs are major successes

“I got one of my jobs done – it’s been a good day,” Dean Perez said. Success is measured differently in a place like Afghanistan, where even the simplest task can be a challenge. Thursday, April 21, 2005 Full Story >>>