Photo By Staff Sgt. David Bill | Rambo, center, stands holding his new Louisville Sluggers along with the Soldiers of...... read more read more
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CAMP PHOENIX, Kabul, Afghanistan—Entering the Camp Phoenix compound, visitors will see a mighty centurion, standing along-side the American Soldiers, ready to defend the camp from any possible harm. Jamal Undin, Rambo, as he is called, is always prepared to swing into action against any possible disruptive action. His only weapons in defense of the camp are his unyielding intensity, his unwavering courage and now, a new aluminium Louisville Slugger bat.
Rambo has become a legend around Camp Phoenix. His background includes service in the Afghanistan military under the Russian occupation and driving a transport truck with a Russian trucking company on the site that is now Camp Phoenix. He has traveled throughout the country and region, including Iran, Pakistan and the other Afghanistan border countries.
He had a good life with his wife and six children and an apartment in Kabul. But that all changed in the late 1990's. Undin is not sure about that date now, when a Taliban rocket slammed into his apartment, killing his wife.
He took the rest of his family to Pakistan where his wife, Shahgull, had family. "We loved each other, that is why I will never remarry," Undin said.
While in Pakistan, he saw then President George Bush say they would rebuild Afghanistan and Undin said that is why he likes Americans. "That's why I work for them." He returned to Kabul and began working at Camp Phoenix in 2001.
He works tirelessly seven days a week, from sun up to sundown, watching over the entry control point for any possible attack.
He checks vehicles and people, keeps locals from disrupting the flow of traffic in and out of the camp and serves as a local traffic cop when it is needed.
Since the Georgia Guardsmen, of the 48th Infantry Brigade Combat Team arrived at Phoenix last June, Rambo has averted several suspected vehicle-born improvised explosive devices including a suspected bomber, he physically dragged out of his vehicle. He has also saved the life of a local Afghan who was being brutalized by his countrymen after applying for a job on the camp.
On one recent occasion, an accident occurred at the median in front of the camp entrance. Rambo was first on the scene, directing drivers around the accident while keeping curious onlookers from getting to close to those injured in the accident. Keeping his eye on the surrounding activities, he maintained control of the situation until local police arrived to secure the scene.
"His ability to work with the locals is something we could not do without," said 1st Lt. Brian Arrowood. "He is a great asset with the locals." Arrowood and his platoon are the Soldiers who work with Rambo daily.
"He has blended in with the Soldiers of the security forces who maintain the entry control point," said Sgt Timothy Ellestad, of McFarland, Wisc. "He works with the new Soldiers. He's like one of us."
In a ceremony held recently, Rambo was honored by the Soldiers of 1st Platoon, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 48th Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 48th IBCT for his dedication to the defense of the camp and his loyalty to those he serves with on a daily basis.
Arrowood's platoon contacted the Louisville Slugger Company, telling them about Rambo and his allegiance to the American Soldiers.
The Kentucky-based company obliged by sending a wooden bat with the engraving, "Rambo, An American Hero" 1st Platoon, 48th BSTB, HHC Camp Phoenix 2009-2010." The entire platoon signed the bat as well. As a bonus, the company also delivered an aluminium bat for Rambo's daily security duties.
During the ceremony, Underwood said, "The first bat is from the Soldiers you have worked with, the second bat is so you can continue to do what you do best."
Rambo's dedication and devotion to the American Soldiers is sincerely demonstrated in his own words, "Since I started working with Americans, I promised to protect them. I will stay here as long as they will allow me."
| Date Taken: | 02.09.2010 |
| Date Posted: | 02.20.2010 00:46 |
| Story ID: | 45608 |
| Location: | CAMP PHOENIX, AF |
| Web Views: | 4,288 |
| Downloads: | 260 |
This work, "Kabul Slugger" The Guardian of the Gate, by SSG David Bill, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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