By Rick Dandes
MIDDLEBURG — A surge in troop strength in Afghanistan would have the same positive effect as the surge in Iraq, a 21-year-old Middleburg soldier said Tuesday from Forward Operating Base Sharanah in eastern Afghanistan.
Army Spc. Shawn Dyer and his fellow soldiers are very aware of the debate going on in Washington about whether to send more troops into Afghanistan.
“This is a big issue and needs to be addressed,” he said. “In my opinion, sending more troops to Afghanistan will take some of the burden off those of us who are already here.
“An extra 40,000 or 60,000 troops would ease the workload of units that are already stretched thin from patrolling and fighting in their regions.”
Think of having a group of 500 men patrolling an area the size of Pennsylvania, he continued.
“That battalion would have a hell of a time keeping the peace, but if that same battalion patrolled an area of the size of Union, Snyder and Northumberland counties, you would be able to fight back and help all of the problems of the people in that area.
“Now, picture having battalions all over Pennsylvania taking three or four counties each, depending on the population. This is the way to quell the insurgency in Afghanistan and help the local populace.”
Dyer has been in Afghanistan for 10 months.
“The war has changed my life,” he said. “I’ve been in some difficult situations, under fire. I’ve lost friends over here. I lost them on missions and seen the horrors of war.”
On this Veterans Day, he wanted to honor their sacrifices.
“To give your life for your country or your comrades is an ultimate price they have paid, and for that I am humbled by their bravery,” he said.
Travels with infantry
Dyer is a specialist in intelligence analysis. He finds patterns, conducts analyses and travels with the infantry on missions.
“I help them to collect evidence and speak with the locals,” he said. “I don’t speak very much Pastun (the language of the area) so I use an interpreter.”
Dyer said he often questions whether Americans are seen as liberators or oppressors.
“It depends where you go and who you talk to,” Dyer said. “People who support the insurgency see us as occupiers, and it’s the job of coalition forces to win their respect and show them we are not occupiers. We are here for them, and it shows from the schools being built for the children and the hospitals and care we give to the local populace.”
Dyer said you can tell how people feel toward coalition forces by the children.
“Adults will tell you they love Americans, but the children will throw rocks at your convoy,” he said. “In other places, the children will give you a thumbs up and ask for candy and pens, or ask to kick a soccer ball with you.”
The Afghan military is not ready to take care of the insurgency on its own, Dyer said.
‘They need our help’
“They need our help, however, there is a willingness to learn. They are using our techniques and going to military schools for training. They want to be independent, but they can’t do it themselves.”
There is never a minute when he doesn’t think about the states.
News of home travels fast and far.
“We found out about the shootings at Fort Hood at 6 a.m. in the morning,” he said. “After being here, it’s really hard to surprise me with anything. It’s not that I don’t feel anything for those soldiers and civilian killed, the Army is a family, and in my opinion, the strongest family in the world. Which is why I’m not surprised about the first-responders taking care of their buddies after the shots stopped. It’s what we do regardless if you’re in the middle of the desert or in a processing center getting ready to deploy. We take care of our own and take care of those who wish us harm. I pray for those harmed and affected by that horrible day.”
Dyer is a 2007 graduate of Midd-West High School. He left the area to see the world.
“I miss Middleburg and my family every day, but at the same time I feel like I belong here,” he said.
Life in Afghanistan is not always as dangerous as some think.
“When I relax, I play video games and watch movies,” Dyer said. “We have organized sports here, so we play volleyball, softball and soccer. I go to the gym frequently to stay in shape. Doing missions in the mountains can really smoke you so you need to be at your ‘A’ game. All these activities keep your head right and get your morale high.”
Every now and again, the USO will bring in a celebrity to perform, he said.
“Last May, Toby Keith came and held a concert. His work in Afghanistan and Iraq is immeasurable, and he can really put a show on for the troops.”
“My family in Middleburg is perfect,” he said. “My mom and dad, Mary and Thomas Sr., have been there for me during the good, bad and the worst times.”
Dyer also wanted to thank his brothers, Thomas Jr., John and Scott, who have been there to answer the phone when his parents weren’t around.
Thanks for support
Dyer is appreciative of the support he has received from the Middleburg community.
“The prayers and the care packages are just overwhelming,” he said.“ I could not have asked for a better area to live in. I’m counting the days until I come home so I can thank all of those who have put me into their lives. This area is an inspiration to me.”
