UNL grad has adventure in Afghanistan
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BY DON WALTON / Lincoln Journal Star
Last June, while 26-year-old UNL graduate Beth Lee was riding through a remote mountain pass, rocket-propelled grenades slammed into the ground near her vehicle, kicking dirt into the open windows.
The convoy ferrying a provisional Afghan governor rushed past the Taliban ambush with no direct hits from the explosions of a dozen RPGs.
Not exactly just another day at the office. Neither, in fact, was the drama Lee witnessed six months later when Hamid Karzai was inaugurated as the first popularly elected president in Afghanistan's history.
It's been a momentous year for the native of North Platte. In the dangerous caldron of Afghanistan, at the center of the fight against terrorists, Lee serves as media advisor to U.S. Ambassador Zalmay Khalilzad and spokesperson for the U.S. Embassy in Kabul.| Photo gallery |
"My entire job revolves around winning the hearts and minds of Afghans," she said.
Lee will leave the country on Feb. 16, completing the standard one-year tour of duty in countries designated as a danger post.
"I have learned how to mentally and emotionally prepare for the worst," Lee said in an e-mail interview.
"I have learned that under constant pressure and worry of violence, you learn to move forward, make the most of the moment, and fight for what you believe in."
And, Lee said, she's also learned, as she did in all her previous jobs, that she still has much more to learn.
Lee left her position as press secretary to Sen. Chuck Hagel in Washington to go to Afghanistan. Nebraska's Republican senator and his chief of staff, Lou Ann Linehan, helped her land the assignment after she told Hagel she'd like to assist U.S. efforts in either Iraq or Afghanistan.
"What prompted me to go was a desire to work overseas and be on the front lines of the U.S. public diplomacy effort in one of the most challenging places," Lee said.
"I had no fear, only apprehension when you say goodbye to your friends and family at the airport, and get on the plane alone to go to a country where you know no one and they speak another language."
In Afghanistan, Lee found a rugged landscape and rugged people.
People unafraid to participate in last October's elections despite violence, threats and intimidation in an untamed land that still houses warlords and where remnants of a Taliban-terrorist network roam.
The convoy in which Lee rode through Paktika province last June was on a grassroots mission to encourage local villagers in the dangerous area bordering Pakistan to participate in the historic vote.
It was a bumpy ride even before the rocket assault. There are no roads in Paktika province, an isolated and unstable region.
"The terrain was quite relentless," Lee said.
Afghanistan is a land of mountains and rough roads, when there are any. The nation has been devastated by war and years of drought. The people are poor. The landscape is carpeted with landmines.
Bombed-out buildings are home to fruit vendors, stores and shops, Lee said. Trash litters the streets. But there are signs of vibrancy and life and emerging prosperity in Kabul, she said.
"New markets, new shops, new jobs and more cars, which may not be a good thing."
Lee lives in the embassy compound in quarters that resemble a small dorm room. She has a bed, a bathroom, a microwave, a small refrigerator, a TV and DVD player.
Afghan food is "quite good, but not Atkins-friendly," Lee said. Staples include kabuli (rice), nan (bread), kabobs, spinach, pomegranates and oranges.
The weather in Kabul is akin to that in Denver.
"Afghanistan is on the right track," Lee said. "Afghans truly want security, peace and stability. That speaks volumes about the chances of success.
"Progress is made every minute, not because it is forced, but because Afghans want the change. It will take years, however, to turn the negative pages of 30 years of war."
Afghanistan is succeeding with the help of the United States and a truly international effort, Lee said. The U.S. military has been quite successful in routing al-Qaida and Taliban remnants while training the new Afghan National Army, Lee said. And it has done so while being sensitive and responsive to the culture and customs of the Afghan people, she said.
"More of the former militia members have been disarmed, heavy weapons are being collected," Lee said.
"There is more public awareness and concern about the narcotics problem, more radio stations and TV stations are popping up, and you see more newly U.S./German- trained police officers with uniforms on the streets."
The highlight of her year in Afghanistan was the election, Lee said.
"There are few experiences in life that leave one knowing they are fortunate or blessed. Watching Afghans patiently wait in line to have their finger inked, registration card punched and step into the booth to choose their president was one of those rare moments."
Women, who three years earlier had not been allowed to leave their homes without a male relative, participated in large numbers.
"Tabreek," Lee said to one voter. In English: Congratulations.
"Tashakur," responded the woman, voicing a thank you as a tear slid down her eye.
Lee's next adventure is undetermined. She'll begin a job hunt later this month and plans to return to the Washington area in February. She will be married in September.
Soon, it will be no more helicopters and C130s. No more nan and kabuli.
No RPGs.
Reach Don Walton at 473-7248 or at dwalton@journalstar.com.
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