Good evening, or morning (depending on the time you're going by).

Can I first say, I find it amazing that you can sit there from Bagram Air Base in Afghanistan and blog to all of us in an instant. Even at my young age, it's still an amazing thought. Thank you for taking the time to do it. I'm just trying to imagine what it must be like over there. As you've been telling us these brave soldiers want to be there, and love their job – I feel an overwhelming amount of pride and gratefulness to them. It's so heartwarming to know that they love what they do, and wouldn't want to be anywhere else. Please send all of our deepest thanks and love from home to them all. God bless our U.S. Troops!

I find it very comforting that I'm watching this World Series with all of you in Afghanistan. It doesn't look too good for the Yankees right now, but fingers are crossed!

Take care you all!

-Cary

Interesting report Brian as we tried that hearts and mine during the Iraq invasion and as for helping Afghanistran well we can't keep funding Iraq/Afghanistan all by ourselves as the was what Bush/Cheney were doing for 8 years. Iraq will always of problems and it's time for their Government to take care of their own people. Afghanistan has one problem no one reported over the pass 8 years. In 1998 Karzai who was employed by Unocal was asked to go to Afghanistan to be President. The major oil companies knew the value of the oil and that's why the Bush Administration switched it's attention from Al Quada 9/11 to Iraq. After putting in place Karzai who worked previously with the Taliban it was clear sailing.  Now if the Taliban does succeed in fixing the election in favor of Karzai again nothing will change. We now know Karzai's brother is being paid with US tax dollars while he continues to work with the Taliban in drug trade. Remember I told you have easy it was to get drugs in Afghanistan even without paying.

Anna: Thanks for the info on Central Asia Gas. I emailed a soldier who worked where the piple line was build and he emailed me this.

It is noteworthy that Vice President Dick Cheney, as former CEO of the oil-services company Halliburton, is also a veteran of the American oil industry's presence in the Caspian basin. Cheney met as recently as last spring with many of these companies, including Unocal, whose oil investments in the Caspian basin are now languishing. With almost $30 billion already invested by US oil companies in Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan, the suggested Afghan route would cost only one-half the amount of the other alternative which would run through Georgia to Turkey's Mediterranean coast.
Yes Anna all the major oil companies have an interest and share in the oil from Afghanistan. It was smart of Cheney to appoint an employee of Unocal name Karzai as the President. It worked out very well and if the election is fixed again it will continue to be profitable. Some the the news Media questioned by we didn't go after Bin Laden in Afghanistan will now we know why. Oh and in 1997 the Taliban visited Texas as their host was then Governor George W. Bush.

The Law Makers are still stalling the unemployment extention. I was surprised the 13 Law Makers who voted no have States really suffering and need the help. But they thought it was more important to discuss having an honor for the Teabaggers.

Health Care was one of Senator Liberman's major concerns in 2004 and 2006. He spoke of his plan which sounds a great deal like the current Obama/Biden Plan. Senator Liberman who was running for President fought for the ULniveral Health Care plan as he told the voters of his State he would continue to fight. Well that was then this is now. He now feels Health Care isn't important and will join the GOP in doing what he can to stop it. We saw today the US set up clinics for Afghanistans to get medical treatment. We gave money to develope schools, medical care, soldiers and even building 7 Embassies in Iraq and I guess Afghanistan will want us to do the same for them. As we hear horror stories of Americans who need Health Care I wonder is anyone but the President and Vice President listening?

The Stock Market went down I guess it's Obama's fault as when it goes up it's reported Bush is the reason. I look forward to a full recovery of the US Economy and I know it will be all Bush/Cheney's work that made it happen.

Have a great evening all

Can Brian while he is in Bagram report on the C-12 that went down 2 weeks ago? They always report about the military, what about the civilians that are over there putting there life in danger with them.

Brian:  Enjoyed your vlog and broadcast tonight.   Glad you are not wearing ear plugs!      

Richard Engel:  Be safe!  You are a mad man.   I love your tenacity.   You definately have the entire package -- goals, drive, intelligence and good looks!    

NBC Crew and Producers:  Be safe as well.   What drives you over the edge to team up with these guys?   The love of journalism and the story of course.  Thank you for your dedication to the truth.

Military Men and Women:  Thank you for keeping us free to roam in this great country.    We love you all!  

Peace to all including the honest Afghan people who are just as fed up with this mess too!

Thanks for going in harms way.  Our son was with the 82nd Airborne in Afghanistan for 15 months, so we still follow the war closely.  Appreciate your reminding Americans that this is a volunteer Army of people putting their lives on hold to protect and defend.  After 9-11, our son wanted to fight the Taliban and did.  I wish America cared all the time, not just when things go terribly wrong.

Obama procrastinates and drags his feet and more US military die unnecessarily. What ever happened to the outrage for "Bush lied. soldiers die". Because the darling of the left is now in power, does that mean our soldiers lives are now not so important ?

Thanks to all our brave, young and old, soldiers over there in that hostile envirorment keeping us safe here at home.  Tears are shed for ya'll.....alive and dead and you're so very appreciated.   We love you !!!   And special thanks to Brian and Richard for going into harms way to bring news of our servicemen into our homes.

God bless Brian and his team for bringing some truth and witness to the terrible acts of war.  A war that should not belong to the USA as it did not belong to the Russians before us.  If that part of the world  is to have a peace, the hate and violence has to be controlled by their own citizens, not by us the invaders. I have never believed that 9/11 was caused by the Afgans or Iraqis.  All of this began because the Bush Administration established the war as a false idea to make Saddam Hussein pay for his acts of deception on the first George Bush. Their idea was to make money in the process for all of the no contract, war contractors (one big contractor being Halisburton with Cheney)connections.  It is the shame that history will prove when all of the truth is outed.  Time often becomes the great teller of truth.  Please, tell President Obama to get out of Iraq and Afganistan now. Bring our military home.  There is no victory in any war. The dead and wounded are not victorius. The only winners are the war contractors.

I agree Melissa, I have hardly seen any coverage of all the thousands of contractors in country, their hardships, or their stories.  We only hear about them when they get caught in a scandal like Blackwater or KBR's electricians.  There are many Americans over there risking their lives who aren't in uniform.  Can we get a news story on them?

Good Morning Mr.Williams, You have been doing an excellent job reporting from Afghanistan. Very nice posting. Enjoyed your Vlog!
My thoughts and prayers go out to all the military men and women fighting so bravely for their country. I hope all of them can come home soon.

Enjoyed your report this morning on the "Today Show".
PLEASE KEEP EXTRA,EXTRA SAFE ALWAYS!!

Enjoyed seeing Richard on "Morning Joe" the "Today Show" "Hardball" and "The Rachel Maddow Show" with EXCELLENT REPORTING!
PLEASE KEEP EXTRA,EXTRA SAFE AND WELL RICHARD!!
You are all doing great reporting!
Peace to You and to All!
Lisa

My son-in-law is on his second tour over there - at a combat out post where there was originally nothing but rocks. Bagram is relatively safe in comparison to what our soliders have to live with out in the field. We have suffered so many casualties and I pray that Americans take the time to thank a soldier whenever they see one -- it is a sacrifice you can never fully appreciate unless you are a part of it.Freedom is not free and whether you support the war or not - our troops deserve all the thanks and support we can give them

My wife ( we're separated however ) works for the U.N. Mission in Afghanistan , and when I heard of the attacks Monday  , I frantically tried to get in touch with her to make sure she was OK. ( she knew all those who were killed ) , I finally did over the internet , and my fears were alleviated. Anyone who goes into harms way to perform a job has my utmost respect. War is never pretty , but hopefully the outcome will be lasting peace , and those who have gone in harms way , those who have died , will not have done so in vain.

To all the US Military serving in the waz zone:
Be safe. You are remembered in prayers and thoughts hundreds of times a day. We look forward to the day when all the M&M bowls back home are empty.

To Brian and the rest of the NBC Crew:
Your willingness to go into the war zone to bring the story to us is appreciated. Keep up the good work and stay safe.

Being an avid reader, this blog is like the beginning of a great novel.  You are drawn in; the mind begins to wander, visualizing life there at the base.
You are introduced to these soldiers, but you want to know more.

-Their interests outside the military.
-What drives them and keep them strong, fearless.
-How do they cope being so far away from their loved ones?
-Do they sleep soundly at night, considering ....

One cannot help picturing the dryness that surrounds and the loudness of daily activity.
I am deeply moved by the “M&Ms” story.  So touching.  Heartbreaking.
This brings me to a burning question that haunts me:
Do we as a country CARE enough?

Brian, great reporting.  Learning a lot.  Be safe.
Read this blog twice.  So stirring.

Hi Brian:

I echo what everyone like Cary says, you are such an amazing person for the risks and sacrifices you and your crew are making to bring us the story of our brave troops.  Saying thank you is really not enough but it's all we can do.  Your blog tonight was so very touching and a big nerve racking.  I cannot even try to imagine living in the conditions our troops are enduring along with explosions, planned or not it's horrifying.  I am sure most of you are completely exhausted and I hope all of you know how grateful we are for the efforts you are making to bring us these reports.  

The stories you are brining us of how are brave troops are trying to cope with all the sacrifices they have to make each day to protect us are simply amazing.  The major helping her son cope with not being there with him through M&M's, and the lieutenant coping with the loss of his whole platoon in one day put a real face on this war for us. They are just real people do so much to help others and sacrificing so much to do it.  I know they are there happily, are there on a voluntary basis and want to be there.  I just hope they all know how much we do love, care and appreciate each and every one of them for what they are doing to keep us safe.  

I hope all those sitting on the bunks know that we mean it, we do "welcome them" and I hope they feel a piece of home in the form of a baseball game.  I can't wait for the day we can finally welcome thenm back "HOME" for good.

Thanks for the video blog.  It was very interesting to see where you are at and what goes on 24-7 in the life of a soldier.

Again, thank you Brian for the risks and sacrifices you and your family, (I know this must be hard for them), are enduring just to bring us these stories and give us a glimpse of what our troops endure each day for us.  Just hope you can tell them that we do appreciate each and every one of them.  

Please, please try to stay safe, all of you.  See you tonight on the broadcast.

Hi Brian, I enjoyed reading your article and am always looking for news from Bagram. We have a grandson in the Navy who is stationed there. I look for every tidbit to read so I can get a 'feel' of what it might be for him. Thanks for your bravery to go and cover the news in dangerous zones such as this is right now. God be with you and all your newsmen.

Help, We would like to see more pictures of the soliders. My son and his wife are both there and we look everyday to see if we can find pictures of them I have there two year old and three year old living with me, we look for moma and daddy everyday.

Brian--If you run into the 447Mp unit from Canton Ohio there at Bagram tell them all "Hi" especial SSGT. "Barrie" (from Dad!)

Hi Brian,

I'm glad you're ok. I can't imagine how you get any sleep at all. As for the troops, I've only seen in a personal way how two tours (Iraq) have affected my brother. He wanted some homemade fudge. He said for us not to send anything else because he has to walk a mile to get it. But the military and volunteers are doing everything they can to make it easier on the troops.
My husband tries to listen to you in between opening his mail, etc. But he's been glued to the TV since you've been brodcasting from Afghaninstan. I'm sure it reminds him of Vietnam in a good way, if that's possible. We're seeing so many touching stories and situations that remind us how foutunate we are to be living in this country. No matter how many other countries are ahead of us in this and that, I wouldn't want to live anywhere else.

It was an amazing surprise last night when Michelle, Jill,and Yogi walked onto the field. And Tony Odierno was great in throwing the first pitch. I looked up the orginization that MLB and the McCormick Foundation sponsor, and there's Tony's story:
http://www.welcomebackveterans.org/news/entry/welcome-to-the-newly-designed-welcomebackveterans.org

I have to say that Cliff Lee did a beautiful job for the Phillies. I told my husband to be quiet from the beginning. He usually pulls for the Yankees like me, but not when the Phillies are playing.

Brian, stay safe, along with all of your colleagues. We'll see you tonight but get home soon.

Brian reported "Officials here emphasize this is an all-volunteer force and they're here because they want to be and are anxious to carry out whatever mission comes to them from Washington". Regretfully this is not true. The typical US Army brigade in Afghanistan has 10% of their troops that did not volunteer. They were not allowed out of the Army when their enlistment contracts were finished. I wish Brian would ask the officials why they continue the Stop Loss Program....aka back door draft.

Brian..
Good to see that you are doing the job of a journalist and going to the source of a story.
It's obvious that you want extra kudos for being there a few days when our troops are there in much tougher circumstances for much longer times.
Honestly, when you and Richard say that you were "almost in an attack", it sounds like you're grandstanding. You are not the story. Our troops are.

Just saw Brian’s photostream.  Wonderful photos.
Brian is very handsome.
Am I allowed to say this?
Wednesday, friends and I listened to “Wait...Wait..”
Very cool.
Nice “Top Gun” mention.
In our thoughts, everyday.

Take care, Mr. Williams and all.  Thank you for the coverage, which I'm sure is appreciated by our troops.

Mr. Williams:  I watched your informative, thorough reporting from Kabul and Bagram.  My son, who is on his 2nd tour, is stationed at Bagram.  While it's easy to only think of his safety, because he is loved so much by his family, you are making us aware of ALL of Afghanistan, and the misery that continues each day for the Afghan people and the foreigner heroes, as well as our military, who choose to stay there and make a difference.  Stay safe, and thank you for your good reporting.

Brian,

Your comment about hearing the words, "We'd like to welcome all those watching at all U. S. military installations around the world", I totally agree with.  Having just gotten home from Iraq, and watching things like bowl games and golf matches on AFN in your CHU or in the DFAC after a 14 hour night shift, these moments of normalcy would often make me well-up, because of the irony and the knowledge that I'm one of those that Bob Costas or Dick Enberg or James Brown is talking to.  Right on the money, sir.  Keep up the good reporting.

Hi Brian:

I know this is my second post and I hope it's ok,  but I had to do it after your broadcast tonight and seeing your web only reports earlier today.  It was so great to see you and Richard together in Kabul.  What a horrible feeling for the people to now feel that it is no longer a safe haven being in Kabul.  Seeing the buildings full of bullet holes and burned is so sad for the people there and for us to have to see.  It must have been so difficult for you to tour this devestation and know that the people have lost trust and faith.  Thank you for the story of Chris Turner saving 24 people, just one man, one weapon, what a hero he is.  As you and Richard discussed this could result in being a "game changer" for the people there.  Hopefully we can help ;bring the faith and trust of the people back again.  

The report on the young women buring themselves was hard to swallow.  It is heart wrenching to think they would rather burn that go back to their husbands and in-laws because of the abuse of all magnitudes that they have to endure,  The number of women doing this is staggering and unfortunately may continue to grow if something is not done soon.  

It appears that Secretary Clinton is doing all she can to get her point across to the Pakistan government and people, that we are willing to help.  Again it appears that the people have lost trust in the United States.  She has a long, rough time ahead of her to try to convince them that we are here to help.

Any increase in the economy is good but because of so many people still out of work and jobs are still being lost, we do have a long way to go.  We need to create jobs and soon.  The government programs helped but we need to do more to stimulate the economy.  

Good to see that the White House garden produced a good harvest.  Michelle Obama's efforts paid off.  

The Tamiflu shortage is bad.  What is worse is that it appears some parents are being told to create their own from syrup and adult doses.  It is very scary to think this is being put in the hands of parents.

I am looking forward to Meet The Press this weekend when David Plouffe will be there to discuss his new book about the campaign of President Obama.  I think this is going to be a must read.

The most awesome thing today was to see the video of President Obama standing at Doveer AFB at midnight, saluting each and every soldier's casket as they were coming home. No hoopla, no speeches, just one man paying tribute and saying thank you for what these soldiers have done for us.  What an honorable and caring expression of his feelings for our soldiers who sacrifice their lives for us.  I know he has to make the decision on what and how to proceed and it has to be done soon.  The Taliban and their attacks have to be defeated before we see this same sight at Dover again.  

Brian, again (I know you've heard it many times before), please you and your crew be safe.  Thank you for all that you are enduring for us.  See you on the broadcast tomorrow.

I wish I was there, thats all I can say. Two deployments to Iraq wasn't enough, I need to be there with my guys.

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