Battlefield Tourist

Here's the latest. This time in proper order!!
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(From Maj. Moon to me)

Ahmed visited Orgun-e, currently the closest area to the border possible for journalists embedded with Coalition Forces. It is exactly the same place from which the female reporter shot her video.

The Coalition's focus in Afghanistan is helping the Afghan people rebuild their country. Our main effort here is via the PRTs. Combat operations are infrequent and unpredictable. Additionally, the activities you desire may or may not occur while you are here.

I'm sure Ahmed shot the best action available for this forward operating base (FOB) while he was there. His experience while at Orgun-e could be characterized as the norm for journalists visiting our FOBs. Forces at the FOBs primarily conduct cordon searches, vehicle check points, security patrols and act on verifiable intelligence. They also conduct offensive operations when necessary to maintain security and stability or to capture anti-Coalition forces or their weapons. However, they are not in constant contact with anti-Coalition forces and if your expectation is such, you will be disappointed.

You are on the embed request list.

MAJ Steven R. Moon, Director

Kabul Press Center

Commander, 211th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment
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Major Moon,

Thanks for the clear up, Major. As I said, it is difficult for me to fathom what it is you are dealing with there. I seriously appreciate the lengthy explanation. I know you're busy as hell, so I'll not tie you up anymore. I look very much forward to meeting and working with you.
To clear up my end: I will be working overtime to produce original and under reported items about the Coalition efforts. In fact, I will bust my ass to outshine any other on the reconstruction efforts. Civil affairs and the like are very interesting to me and important to the world. Your mission is unique and must be properly portrayed from all directions. I just need to try to position myself the best I can. I do hope you understand.

Sincerely,

Dave Tate
IHA News Agency

Ma'am and Sir,

After reviewing the video sent back from Ahmed, it is clear that it is taken from an area that isn't in the current frontline situation. Mine clearing and weapons demolition is fine to a point. However, I am looking to be with a unit(s) that is involved in cave clearing and/or air assault as much as possible during my three months. These are the pictures I need more than anything. Understand that I take my job very serious and do not look at this situation as some gung ho idiot reporters do. I listen to orders and have excellent discipline.
I saw a GREAT piece by 60 Mınutes II where a female reporter and photographer was involved in frontline operations. I have also seen these pictures recently in TIME. This is what my goal is. These are the pictures I am being sent to Afghanistan to get. This is why I am putting my life on the line and leaving my family. This is the idea I have been working with Major Sater with. In fact, I have provided your command with a detailed 60 page proposal for a documentary about this very thing. It is a very specific mission that I have been working many months for and is the only way I'll keep my job.
With two fresh battalions of Marines deploying to the theater and being former Marine myself, these are the guys I'd love to attach to. I am not looking for a field trip. I'm looking to preserve history and my job.
Also understand that IHA is a 99% Muslim organazation. This could be an incredible opportunity for the coalition to ensure balanced reports make it into the Muslim world. All I need is a seat on a chopper. I can't imagine they are in short supply.
Obviously I will be able to get a better understanding once there, but I just wanted you to understand what it is I'm after in advance. This is what I've been planning. It has been no secret, and up until a few days ago, that is what I have been expecting.

Thanks for listening. See you Thursday.

Dave Tate
IHA News Agency

Yes... doing what I do is exciting and a pain in the ass at the same time. Understand that there is a battle behind the scenes before you even step foot in Afghanistan. This correspondence begins at the bottom of this post and works up. I know, it's backwards, so is life sometimes.
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Sir,

Thank you for you message. The Kabul Press Center located at the CFC-A Headquarters approximately ½ mile southwest of the U.S. Embassy in Kabul. When you arrive in Kabul I would suggest you come by our office in Kabul as soon as possible so we may complete our credentialing process and arrange for your visits to our facilities. We will credential you, discuss your visiting our facilities and make arrangements for those visits. You will need to bring 2 forms of identification and verification of your employment as a journalist.

Sir, I am quite aware of your needs and concerns. We will do our best to accommodate your needs and requests however transportation, weather, operational factors and the large influx of media into our area may impact when, where and if we can facilitate your visit.

Additionally, I'm not sure if you are aware of this fact but another IHA broadcast journalist, Ahmed, just returned from a week long media opportunity to Orgun that was not afforded to many others on the current embed request list.

Below is a suggested packing list that you should bring with you.

Embedded Media Packing Requirements/Checklist

1. All Media must have appropriate gear prior to being embedded into Coalition operations. Gear should include:

* Proper field gear for the weather conditions at the time of the embed:
* Sleeping bag
* Field pack
* Canteen
* Clothes (nothing that is brightly colored - soldiers wear camouflaged clothing and equipment for concealment and protection)(no military uniforms please)
* Water purification tablets
* Waterproof boots (your boots will be needed for hiking - they should be comfortable and durable for mountainous conditions)
* Wet weather gear
* Cold weather gear
* Flashlight with red lens (extra batteries)
* Flak jacket and Kevlar helmet
* Necessary reporting equipment

2. Media will fill our next of kin information on a 3x5 card to include:

* Name and address of nearest living relative
* Social Security number
* Age
* Blood Type
* Religion
* Any additional information or requests

3. Media will not bring anything that may compromise the security of operations or troops, i.e. satellite phones.

4. If you have any questions about what to bring, please ask.

Please contact me with your questions or concerns.

MAJ Steven R. Moon, Director
Kabul Press Center
Commander, 211th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment


Thank you for the reply.

I do understand the logistical situation, however, I have been working with Major Sater and Col. Davis since last August to operate out of an FOB (Forward Operating Base), long before this new throng of media attention. I am a bit troubled that I am now at the back of the line, so to say.

It is unfortunate that the command has changed just as I am set to come and I am a bit frustrated that the contacts and work I have been preparing for may not be realized.

I guess my thing is, that I wanted to help bring your story out when everyone else was in Iraq, now that I am coming, I feel that all of that has gone down the tubes because of this new wave of journalists. In my mind, I feel I should be granted this access because of the fact that I am not chasing a story, nor have my goals changed since the first day I contacted CENTCOM. I started this process long ago to avoid this problem and hope you understand my position. Of course I can only do what I can do, but it is very dissapointing none the less.

Also, we already have a team in Kabul. My sole mission is to be in the field, OUT of Kabul. Do I not get consideration for having been planning so long? I do appreciate the chance to be at your press briefings, but I am a videojournalist, which means I need pictures of coalition forces doing their job in the field.

As I mentioned before, my company supplies video and pictures to ALL stations worldwide. I do both. Nothing is exclusive, which makes my situation advantageous to you.

To understand: Major Sater told me, "All you need to do is get here and we'll embed you". His words and my expectation. I have been hired based on this premise, so you may see my desperation. However, I'll just do what I can with what you offer. Unfortunately, that means I will be forced to find another way, which is obviously very dangerous.

Also, if it is possible, please forward the guidelines again. Maj. Moon sent them when I was in the states and for whatever reason, it is no longer in my mailbox.

See you soon, Colonel.

Dave Tate
IHA News Agency


You're certainly welcome to attend our three-times-a-week news conferences in Kabul and to cover Afghan National Army training (in Kabul as well). You
are also welcome to cover our Provincial Reconstruction Team at Kandahar. We possibly can get you out to one of our forward operating sites where we have Infantry as well as Civil Affairs providing a long-term presence among the
population.
As I'm sure Maj Sater told you, one of the problems we face is that there
are only 13,000 coalition troops here and we are innundated with media on
the ground (though you may not have seen it on the networks, there has been numerous media from around the world on the ground here continuously since the beginning), so we cannot guarantee we can get you exacty where you want to go.
I assume since you've been in touch with Maj Sater, you've been in touch
with Major Steve Moon, the Coalition Press Information Center commander.
Maj Moon has sent you the information on accreditation etc. He has the site picture on the logistics of getting the numerous media out and about.



Subject: David Tate embed


Lt. Col.,

I will be flying into Kabul Tuesday night and spend a few days getting
acclimated to the new home. Again, I am looking to get into the field as
soon as possible (FOB). I realize you are busy, but some sort of response
would be appreciated.

Sincerely,

Dave Tate
IHA News Agency

ps - I travel light and will be alone.

So, a Saturday night in Istanbul... what to do. Well, I haven't heard from Elif, so I decided to head out to Taksim alone for a good old fashion pub crawl. I'll definately have to update this because although I took notes, I can't find them and by the time I got home, my memory had deteriorated into mush.

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Istanbul Pub Crawl

Taking a taxi toward Taksim, I saw a place called "Trouble". My type of place. An "Alternatıve Rock Bar". Very cool inside. What you would expect: Low light, loud musıc, a lot of couches, and beer. It was still kind of early, so there wasn't a lot of people. Up on the second floor where I had my beer was a couple that kissed forever. I have never seen two people kiss so long hat weren't ın a contest. Got tired of that and moved on.
Up the street a bit I went to a place called "Arsen Lüpen", after some French poet or something. It too was empty until I went out on the terrace, which was crammed with people. The open air was nice, musıc alternatıve, beer of choice was naturally Efes. Since my rule was one beer per bar with a goal of ten bars, I really didn't stay long. Besides, if you stay too long, you start checking out the nice looking Turk women, whıch of course, is a no no (being married and all).
Then it was off to a club called "Smash". Typical dance club type with VERY loud music and people dancing. The standout thing here was an old man, 70ish, putting out the moves not unlike Saturday Night Fever. This obviously wasn't normal because the young Turks thought it was funny too.
This is where everything starts getting fuzzy. The next place was another dance club type called "Cinema Bar and Grıll". Nothing special here except the guy at the bathroom who pours cologne in your hands and wants a tip. Sorry. I work for money, and so should he.
Next I was off to a place called "Legends". This place was packed and I got the feeling everything was set for couples and groups because the bouncer kept hearding me to toward the bar, when all I wanted was to watch a young blonde Turk doing a belly dance. I know what I'm getting Heidi one day: Belly dancing lessons!! That is some nice action!! All the fun was over a guy and girl doing Turkish karoke, which is popular here as well as the states.
Bars 6 - 10 will go down as anonymous because: A. I can't remember the name or B. I forgot to write it down. Anyway it boiled down to two more karoke clubs, a dance club (where I broke my one drink rule because I found two Turk girls, one an English teacher, and I was able to finally talk to someone for the first time that night), a club that had a live band playing shortened versions of American classics like La Bamba and Elvis, and finally, a GAY bar. So now you see the trouble with not kowing the language.
By now you can imagine, I'm a bit toasty when I walk in here. The first thing I notice are the big, burly bartenders dressed like women. A closer look around the bar revealed only a few "women" lıke this, the rest men. 2+2= GAY BAR. Seconds after some drunk tries to talk to me, then hugs me saying something like, I love you (perhaps my imagination?), the lights go out and it's completely dark. I make my way to the front door somehow without being gropped and jumped into the first taxi I see. "Merter, Green Park Ötel, please". What a night.
So how did I pick the bars I visited? In Taksim, as I mentioned the other day, the place is crammed with tens of thousands of people. I simply would make my way through the crowd and go toward loud music. Pretty simple, actually. Twice I was turned away because the club was full. That shows you how much is going on in Taksim. I absolutely cannot wait to bring Heidi here!
Unfortunately, it took until 2:00pm today to recover, followed by a promise to myself never to drink in excess again. We'll see.

Maybe jet lag is catching up, who knows, but I spent much of the day sleeping. Afterall, it is Saturday. I don't like spending too much time idle, so I'm off again to explore Taksim Square which is the place to be as I have earlıer mentioned.
Earlier I was fortunate enough to find an Apple store to replace my fried power supply. Very good news. I can't get it until Monday, so here I sit in an internet cafe.
Today's oddity is that few speak english here, but when Metallica or the Foo Fighters are on the radio, they know the lyrics. I wonder if they know what they're saying?
Enough about me. Please spend some time at the link below and I'll get back to you later.

http://www.geocities.com/sethleonard30000/poverty_relief

Travel rule #3: Be careful of the different power outlets and NEVER use your computer on a 1600 volt adapter.
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Now... I've been to a few places in life, actually, more than a few. I can tell you some storıes about traffic that would make Dale Jr. cringe. In fact, if you ask anyone who has driven with me, that it is quite the white knuckle experience. With that said, I have to report that the craziest drivers I have EVER seen, are the drivers here in Turkey. Not neccesarily the Kurds out east
(in fact, taxi driver after taxi driver was 100% afraid of speeding and getting a ticket), but the ones here in Istanbul. I'm not joking either: These people are nuts! There are no lanes here in Istanbul. The rule of the road is, "As many cars that will fit, is the way it works". I mean on the freeway, using on ramps, in the parkıng lot... it just doesn't matter. A regular highway has cars and trucks five and six across. If there's a hole, it isn't there long. Cars zipping here, cutting off there, honking everywhere. Just absolutely crazy. To make matters worse, there's more than 13 million people here and the traffic is horrible. Washington and LA are nothing!! On the roads of Istanbul, you snooze, you lose. On top of that, people park anywhere they want, including in the middle of the street, have little regard for traffic signals, and they think ONE WAY means BOTH ways. Absolutely nuts.
Now saying all of this doesn,t mean I get white knuckle rides. In fact, they're such scary ordeals that I just laugh half the time I'm in the car, out of disbelief of course.
An interesting note to this is that I have seen very few fender benders (two at the same location) and next to no road rage. People honk and move on. No yelling, no finger talk, no threats... just the way it is.
In addition to all of this, people walk here like they drive: With NO regard for anyone. People do not say excuse me, they do not work to avoid you, and they always seem completely oblivious to the fact that they are "sharing" a sidewalk with hundreds of others. Very hard to explain... so just imagine friendly chaos and multiply by 10. After covering the War on Terror now for more than a year, I finally saw first hand the work of Al Queda. During this afternoon's tour of Istanbul (I need to find an Apple computer store because I fried my laptop power supply), we passed one of the two bombing sights from a few months back. It was the British bank that took a massive hit. Right in the middle of town. Several buildings with major damage. The bank itself looked lıke the end result of the federal building in Oklahoma City. All this next to the mall where we were unsuccessful in our search. It kind of brought things a little more into perspective.
Anyway, my Afghan visa didn't come through yet, so I won't be leaving until late Tuesday night. No problem, gives me a chance to see this city a little better (It's VERY beautiful) and to hang with Elif one more time. Besides, if I don't find an Apple dıstributor... I'm screwed. I need my laptop more than you can know. Not only that, but I still need to finish my Roanoke Catholic project before I head to Kabul. Can't do that until I get that power supply. My friend Burhan and I are going out looking again tommorow. This ıs definately stressing me out. One thing about Apple: Great computer, lousy support. This city is HUGE and I can't find a simple thing like a power supply for one of most recognized brands around. Amazing.

I'm not sure how much I can write... very hungover, don't have my glasses, and I think ye ol' vomit train is near. On a fresher note:
IHA has offered me a contract which I plan to accept. The money is good, not great, but the percentage commission I've been offered should make up for it. Looks like I'm flying to Kabul at 1 am Saturday. Yipee. Didn't even know planes took off that late. Unfortunately, that kind of screws things up because I dicovered the night life of Istanbul last night and I want more!!!
I met my friend, Elif last night in Taksim Square. This is the main action area of Istanbul. What a cool place. Dozens of blocks of pedestrian roads filled with shops, clubs, and thousands of people. A great blast! It was so good to see Elif. Hadn't seen her since the war more than a year ago. She seems to be doing well.
While I waited for her at the Maramar hotel Cafe, I was entertained by a dog just outside the window from where I sat. I first noticed the mangy thing as it walked toward me with a chunk of meat in his mouth. He ended up sitting on a piece of carpet in the corner that appeared to be it!s normal sitting place. Definately out of place consideing I was at a five star hotel. Once he was done eating, he would wag his tail and roll around; completely oblivious to what was going on around him. I can only assume he is a hotel fixture.
After Elif arrived, she took me into the square where I ran into one of the coolest nightlife areas I'd ever seen. The word "bustling" is an understatement. We ended up at another cafe where I met some of her journalist friends. In this cafe, there was also a resident animal. This time a cat. Imagine this little cafe filled with people and an old cat just sitting there sleeping on the bench next to me. Very sweet. Turned out to be a great night for sure. Too bad I got too drunk and couldn't sleep because right now I have the worst headache and simply feel like crap. That's OK, I guess... there isn't any drinking in Kabul, so I had to get in one last doozy (and boy did I).
Looks like IHA doesn't want me in Kabul too much. I was told to go "get my bearings", but that my main job is to work with the US Army in the hunt for bin Laden. Unfortunately, I haven't heard from the military in a few days and am starting to worry I will not be able to produce like they want me to. We'll see. Right now, everyone is running around trying to get all of my things together so I can fly out tommorow night... but to be honest, I wish I could stay until Tuesday. Afterall, I STILL have my Roanoke Catholic project to complete and it needs to be sent before I go. Unfortunately, my computer charger isn't working properly, so I am definately worried I'll not get it done in time.
I'd love to write more, but I feel like crap and am truly not in the mood.

Hot dog!! Im here!! First though, a disclaimer: In Turkey they have turkish keyboards. That means there may be some seriouss spelling problems as I work through thıs. For example: ş ç ö ğ ü annd so on. I apologıze now for any problems in the future.
So the trip over wasn`t all that exciting. It felt better than the last time. I`m sure that won`t be the case coming home. Never is really. Think about being on vacation for a week and as you start gettinng closer to home, you realıze that not only are you running out of gas, but you`re also startıng to speed as you get more and more anxious. Now, imagine being on a plane flight that runs nearly 20 hours. Not only that, but you`re stuck sitting next to people you don`t know AND you have just spent 3 months in Afghanistan. That plane trip is gonnna suck. Enough about planes.
So I got to Istanbul around 4pm whıch was an hour and a half late. I have to say, from the air, Istanbul is HUGE. In fact, the 13 or so million that live here makes it that much bigger when on the ground.
IHA sent a driver for me who picked me up at the airport. He took me straight to the hotel (Green Park Hotel), which is very nice. I did alll the normal stuff lıke unpack, and soon realized that I had forgot three things: My two ``How to speak Turkish``books and my power converter. Not sure how that happened because I recall packing them. Wierd thing is, I forgot my Turkish books last time too. Hmmm... At least I have my Farsi tapes (primary Afghan language).
So once at the hotel, I left for my typical ``local exploratıon``. I found a pizza joint that serves Turkish pizza. Good stuff. Different, but good. Next door, an internet cafe - always an important locale. The neighborhood itself looks european as expected: Cobblestone streets, markets, lots of traffic with miniature cars, etc... The country is also preparing for local elections so everywhere you look, there`s colorful banners, posters, etc... I mean EVERYWHERE. I cannot imagine who put them up and how long it must`ve taken. Gonna be a fulltime job takking it all down, that`s for sure.
Now, after a long flight, one must assume you`ll get jet lag. I planned accordingly (at thıs very moment, I`m about to kill. This keyboard is so sensitive, I keep double typing letters and I`m getting pissed). Once back to my hotel, I drank an Efies (Turk beer) and took 10 mg of Valium. I was out by 8:00.
I woke around 5:00 to the wailing prayers coming from a nearby Mosque and was unable to get back to sleep. No problem. I had 9 hours of sleep and was ready to go: Jet lag defeated.
So a driver picked me up at the hotel around 10 and took me to IHA HQ. Decent sized building, maybe 10 stories. IHA itself is a hugge companny. Just in this building are a number of the company`s holdings. The entire fourth floor is for news.
Here I finally meet Ismail. He`s one of the men I`ve been talking to via email. Turns out, he`s the equivelant of a news dırector. Very nice man. We met with the GM, Omer, who is also one of the guys I`ve been talking to. We have yet to hammer out the details of what I`ll be doing, but we were able to make some decisions that helps me understandd a little better what I`ll be doing here.
First off, I am definately going to Afghanistan. They`ll be sending me off as soon as we get the paperwork done. Flıghts leave out of Istanbul for Kabul just twıce a week, Wednesdays and Saturdays. Rıght now ıt`s unclear when I`ll be on my way, but ıt should be no more than 10 days. If you ask me, it`s too long. After that, they will send me either to Iraq or Israel. They seem to be hıgh on me here. If I understand right, they`re interested in making me a type of ``go to `` guy for international spot news. I have to say... this is geetting excitıng.
So as I type this entry, a Turk woman here asked for my transslatıon help on some video and script for a story about Swedes being killed in Iraq. Her name is Gülner. Nıce lady. She says that in the six months she`s been here, today has been the most difficult. To be honest, her assignment would`ve taken me just minutes. For her, an all day and frustrating affair. Soon after her request, another young lady was askıng for english advice. Beıng the only natıve-Englısh speaker in the newsroom seems to make me a bit valuable... either that, or they just like me. I have to say, the ladies here, all wearing head scarves, look at me sheepishly; the kind of look you used to get in middle school when you could tell someone liked you. As for the guys: All nıce too, just no ``I want you`` looks! At least not yet!!

There is a ton to say... only problem is that my plane is leaving soon, so I have to go. Thanks to all and keep an eye out for the continuation of what is undoubtedly going to be one hell of a story.

See ya

I'm not sure how anyone else gets ready to do what I'm about to do, but I am quite sure, it's not like the way I go about it. Right now, I'm trying to finish two MAJOR freelance projects, get my taxes done, prepare to leave for four months, and somehow spend time with my wife.
Yesterday's doctor appointment led to more for my plate. I went there to find out about what type of shots I may need. I was pretty sure I was up to date, but had to double check. He really couldn't give me an answer right away, so I asked him for a prescription of Valium, just in case. Last time I went for pain killers. The difference is, last time I thought I would be in the field with refugees and no medical assistance. Won't be the case this time. I'll be more concerned with sleeping.
A few hours after seeing the doctor, he called to let me know I needed a plethora of vaccinations and malaria medicine. So Friday I need to head to the health clinic for Hep A, polio, and diphtheria-tetanus updates. WooHoo!
I'm also trying to figure out more about what I'm walking into. There really aren't a lot of answers coming from the Turks yet. That has me a bit nervous. The good part is that I know we can come to an agreement for this first trip. After that, we'll see. Unfortunately, their lack of answers is causing undo stress because I do not know how to dress, what to bring, etc... I've also been trying to figure out if I'm allowed a weapon while in Afghanistan. The current fave seems to be pulling over cars full of people and executing them. Don't like that much, so I'd rather be armed personally.

To and from the Army:

Thanks. I was actually referring more to when I am in the population and not with troops. Can I have a sidearm? Can we have a Kalashnikov in our office? Just curious. We are not discussing this, but the current trend is to kill journos and workers en route to work, etc... and I'd like to know my options.

Dave Tate
IHA


If you mean firearms, they are not permitted while traveling with US forces. You need to bring protective gear, however -- a flak vest and kevlar helmet. And you can certainly carry something like a Leatherman or other similar multi-tool.

// Maj Sater //
-----Original Message-----
From: Dave Tate [mailto:dtate38@cox.net]
Sent: Thursday, March 18, 2004 6:10 PM
To: Sater, Richard MAJ
Cc: MoonSR
Subject: Weapons


Gents,

I was hoping you could tell me what the Coalition law is in regards to journalists carrying weapons while in Afghanistan.

Thanks.

Dave Tate

So many things to do.

Back here I'm knocking out a project today. Roanoke Catholic is supposed to get with me about finishing their project, but that doesn't seem to be a possibility at this point. We'll see.

There are many lessons one learns whilst traveling. Now, I am, by no means, a "seasoned" traveler. I am definitely above the average person, I'd say... But I do have a long way to go. Regardless, there are lessons learned and rules are formulated to prevent any recurrence or, any problem in general.

Lesson #1

This lesson comes from a simple fusion of smaller life lessons: Never consider anything good a done deal until you have a plane ticket, and even then, you are only 95% there.

Lesson #2

You are never really there, until you're there.

I do feel much better today. In fact, I actually believe that I am not sleeping and I am going to Europe. I picked up the tickets from Delta today... Pretty big investment if this is a no go. Either way, I get to go to one of the coolest towns in Europe: Istanbul. Regardless, I'm preparing like this is the real deal. I just have to assume the Turks have a different way of doing business. I guess we'll see when I get there.
Today was better than yesterday. Since I missed the deadline to get the tape to the Byrd basketball team, I have time to finish it right, which I am now. Actually I'm finally reproducing it after making some changes that the coach suggested.
Should be fun giving him his tapes tomorrow. He'll probably be hard pressed to pay. People have no clue what it takes to make certain things happen. Now I only have two projects to finish before I leave. I'm never going to get to my taxes.
I got a final client payment for some other work which allowed me to pay off the furnace that crapped out a few months ago. Also able to stick some extra money in the wife's account in preparation to my departure. That really helps out. If there's one thing I don't want on my mind in Afghanistan, is whether the bills are being paid. Heidi's a great woman, but she's not made of money!
The battles in Afghanistan and Pakistan are really picking up. That really is my only idea as to why I'm on the fast track to Afghanistan. What luck.

So even when things are supposed to slow down, they don't. For me, at least, it seems to speed up. Maybe it's just because I still feel like I'm in limbo. Facing the prospects I do, that alone could be causing the stress. In all reality, the job with IHA seems like the real deal. However, having been burned before and sensing a little weirdness, I'm not counting anything in. The good part is that if IHA falls through, I have a nice job waiting for me up in Washington. Wow, that day was nuts.
So why am I stressing. Considering the size of the company IHA is, I can't imagine why I am going through all this fuss to get a plane ticket. They want to buy it, but they want to pay me back. No can do. So here I wait for the ticket. Being the pessimist I am, I'm not going to be satisfied this is really happening until I'm leaving Istanbul for Kabul.
The ticket thing isn't the only oddity. Now you have to remember, I haven't even had an interview nor sent a tape. They are genuinely interested in me based on my picture and resume. I suspect being an American is a bonus somewhere. Netting this job like I have has a few people wondering about the company itself. I assure you, IHA is a good sized company with good resources. I can't wait to work with them.
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My Theory:

IHA has been in the news business for just over 10 years now. They primarily cover hot spots of Central Asia and the Middle East. From what I gather, they have done well, but are just realizing a new market: English-speaking networks. I'm guessing they are adding native-English speakers to various positions. Being an American is probably different, so that may have helped. I also think with my resume including recent work in Turkey helped. Most importantly, they need someone in Kabul now, so when you consider I have been planning a trip to Kabul for six months, it would make sense I would qualify for this position.

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What's so wild about all of this is that the resume to IHA was the last one I would send out. I had a job interview at WJLA in DC and was confident I would get an offer, then BANG - the day before - I get an email saying they want me for a job that I have only dreamed about. It's so crazy how this is happening. We'll just have to see where it goes.

Well, it is late and I'm pulling an all nighter. This short notice about Afghanistan... ****BREAKING NEWS****

From Turkey

Everything ok Dave
My travel agency is working to make the payment...in about one hour they'll finish it..And then you'll pick up your tickets...
Ismail

That's definitely a good sign.

Where was I... oh yeah. I have to pull an all nighter to get a project done that's due tommorow (or today that is). I also have to work my last shift at the radio station and I have a doctor's appointment... hence the all-nighter. ack!

And finally, if you didn't see this before, here it is. The picture is one I took in Iraq last year!

http://www.reliefweb.int/appeals/2003/files/irq03flash2.pdf

LOCAL JOURNALIST AGREES TO LETTER OF INTENT WITH IHA

Roanoke-based freelance journalist, David Tate, has tentatively agreed to a 110 day contract with the international news agency, IHA, as a war correspondent covering the War in Afghanistan. Tate will leave the US for Istanbul on March 21st to finalize the deal, then travel directly to Kabul to report on events related to the spring offensive and the Afghani elections. Tate's last day at WFIR NewsRadio will be Monday, March 15th.
Tate, 36, was born in Keego Harbor, Michigan and is a 1985 graduate of West Bloomfield High School in Oakland County, Michigan. After studying Political Science and Public & Environmental Affairs at IU-Bloomington, Tate has spent the last ten years in Roanoke. Five of those years at the NBC affiliate, WSLS. Tate's wife, Heidi Krummert-Tate, 28, is the mid-day jock at 96.3 WROV. She plans to continue her duties as Asst. Program Director/Music Director. David's parents, Robert and Diana, reside in Grant County, Indiana.

Information on IHA can be found at this link: http://www.iha.com.tr/english

For more information, contact David Tate at 540/556-2853

Well, it's all but official: I am stepping into the big leagues and will soon be a war correspondent. The best part, as painful as it's been, I've done it my way and I couldn't be any more thrilled than I am today. More to follow.

There are a few reasons why I write a blog. The first is so that I have a place just to sit and write. I lead a somewhat interesting life and thought others may think so as well. Another reason is so that one day, I can just sit down and print my Blog... WAHLLA! I have a journal of the things I've done. The final reason is to show aspiring freelancers and journos in general, the hard knocks process of getting what you want. Obviously my approach is not your typical "freelance" approach. Nor am I a typical guy. That's what makes good reading, no? I want to show how dizzying this journey can be. From major highs to major lows. The worst type of roller coaster ride imaginable. This is no more evident in my life than right now.

When I was in the Marines, I learned many valuable life lessons. One such epiphany happened while I was standing at the bus stop in the 1400 area of Camp Pendleton back in 1987 or so. Wait and wait. Watch the brush fires get bigger, then wait some more. Finally, I decide to light a cigarette (I USED to smoke) and wouldn't you know, a bus shows up. Turns out, this would happen 90% of the time. Now you can say coincidence, I say it's a sign.
So how does that relate? As you may know, I have slowly begun to abandon my hopes of going to Afghanistan to jump back into the corporate grind. The reasons are primarily financial. So using the epiphany above, you can understand that I am elated, but not surprised to tell you I have a job interview in Istanbul, Turkey. I am currently being courted by an international news agency to cover the "Spring Offensive" in Afghanistan and the ensuing elections. You are now experiencing my high....
So now we have a problem: Job interview in DC tomorrow, job interview in Istanbul next week. What to do? What to say? Feast or famine. When it rains it pours. When you want a bus, light a cigarette.
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Email from Turkey:

Our truck is in Kabul. We have a bureau there. we have four men crew in Kabul right now. Two Afganese and Two Turkish. Two cameraman (sx and sp) and a technician and a producer. We will have three more people with the fly away. Size of flay - away is average. 1 diameter dish and around 200 kg equipment.
For revenue estimation. It is hard to say, because it depends on our and your performance. I am sure if we produce everyday an exclusive story, our daily revenue will be more than 10,000 us dollar. It means at the end revenue will be enourmous. But I advice to look this issue for long period. Because *** is always at the hot points of the world. We can cover your transportation expenses. I can provide you a digital camera. if it is possible you can use our cameraman tim to time.
I believe also we can reach an agreement. Lets come Istanbul and speak other details here. Please inform your flight time to us

Your flight and accomodation expenses will be our responsibility.

regards

Well... Adventure is about to travel again. I guess my self imposed deadline is about up. Barring a miracle, I will return to the grind of TV news. This time, though, It'll be in a bigger place. Should be interesting. Good news is that I have an interview in Washington DC Wednesday at one of the affiliates. The prospect sounds promising, except the pay. Although decent, it's far below what I'm looking for, considering the area. The shop I'm looking at has 40 shooters. Run and gun... A whole new experience. I have to believe that news in DC is pretty crazy. Considering it can get crazy in Roanoke, I'd assume DC will be just nuts. Hope I land something there.
In the meantime, Heidi will be looking for a job there as well. That means we'll be apart for at least a few months, maybe more. It's definitely going to be a testament. Never been one to shy from such situations. We'll see. Nothing new on the grant front. Just need to get ready to deliver some pizza. After that, a party at the Tiledivers. WooHoo! About time I tell everyone it's just a matter of time now before we leave. Been here 10 years. Seems like forever.

Saturday I was happy to see that PBS in Washington has chosen NOT to support my project. I cannot believe this. Not so much that no one will fork out wads of money, but that I can actually be a part of the operation that will almost certainly bring an end to Osama bin Laden. Crying in my coffee.

Well, I drew a line in the sand: March 15th. Nothing promising by then and I'm in full tilt job search mode. I may not make it that far. Friday I sent out 6 tapes: Three to Charlotte, one to Raleigh, and two to DC. I already heard back from Raleigh. Unfortunately, this particular job, albeit perfect, doesn't pay close to what I'm looking for based on experience and market size. Tic, tock....