Danica Arrives in Afghanistan
This is part IV of the Danica: A Child of War Series. You may wish to read Part III or skip back to Part I first.
Would the Canadian soldiers accept her?
What if the Taliban captured her?
Would she ever see her son, Stefan, again?
Was she really heading to Afghanistan to find explosives with a dog she had never met?
What the hell was she doing?
They had to take a bus to an isolated section of the Dubai airport to board their plane. Danica Djikov glanced at the seated women and noticed she was the only one standing. The women were a hodgepodge.
Some were fully covered in black burquas and she could see their solemn eyes glancing at the other passengers discreetly.
Others were covered in burquas except for their face.
There were even women wearing western clothing except their their heads were wrapped in scarves. One of them was wearing a business suit and looked important.
The olive-skinned Persian men on the bus were an interesting mix. Many wore western clothing and could have easily blended in with any crowd.
Then she looked at the men wearing traditional Salwar Kameez, or loose, pajama-like clothing. Most sported a little white cap called a kufi and maintained neatly trimmed facial hair. They reminded her of Persian merchant traders she had seen in the movies dealing in silk, fine metal, and jewelry.
She zipped her sweatshirt over her chest and ignored the leering stares of the Persian men.
There were a host of western looking men who were dressed as if they were ready for hiking or a safari. They were foreign contractors just like her.
But she doubted any of them was heading to Afghanistan to lead combat patrols like she was.
It will work out, Danica, she told herself. You survived eight years of minefield clearing in Bosnia Herzegovinian. The children of Afghanistan need you to clear their land of explosives now.
The modern bus driven by what looked to be a Bangladeshi man jerked to a stop and Danica grasped the pole tightly as bodies jerked inside the bus.
Danica stood firmly.
She could handle herself. She could handle this. She could handle Afghanistan.
She stepped out of the bus and stared up at the plane that would take her to a war zone.
Ariana Airlines?
Who the hell are they? I guess Lufthansa doesn’t fly to Afghanistan.
The dilapidated white plane had clearly seen better days. The inside décor was dated, with steile, cold lines of tan, light orange and green.
Ten minutes later the rickety aircraft picked up speed and groaned as it lifted into the air. Now there was no turning back. Not that she wanted too.
She missed working with a dog. She had worked with Mine Detector Dog Cindy for nearly eight years. Now Cindy was working with a new handler in the minefields. But Danica was still in contact with her mentors at the Canadian International Demining Corporation who informed her that there was a chance she would be able to adopt Cindy. Cindy was getting too old for this work.
I wonder what kind of dog they will give me in Kandahar? It will have to be a good one if they send me out to patrol with the Canadian Army.
Right?
Nearly three hours and a time change later the plane descended towards the Kandahar airport. Danica stared out the dirt streaked window at the small patches of green dotted throughout the barren land. There were no roads, homes, or trees as far as she could see.
All she could see were either pomegranate or poppy fields. She had done her research on Afghanistan. Southern Afghanistan especially is known for these two things and they couldn’t be more in contrast of one another.
But she wasn’t here to help irradiate poppy fields and prevent heroine from hitting western countries’ streets. She was in Afghanistan for the explosives.
“So Patrol Explosive Dog Alex is a dog we’ve had some aggression issues with. He has been without a handler for almost four months now,” said Matt, her new supervisor from American Canine Detection Services.
“I’ll take him.”
“Are you sure? You haven’t even met him.”
Why had she jumped at their first offer?
Surely they had an ample supply of dogs at the kennel. There must be some dogs without aggression issues.
She couldn’t help it, though. She was a sucker for the problem child. They just seemed to have more character.
She stared out of the sport utility vehicle as they passed through camp. There were troops from a variety of countries and various tactical vehicles creeping through camp. Far outnumbering the tactical vehicles, SUVs and small white pickup trucks zipped up and down the paved roads. The camp was a mix of wooden, aluminum (portable) buildings, and stone structures that she assumed must be left over from the Taliban regime.
Maybe she was simply excited to be paired with a dog again. Or maybe she wanted an aggressive dog in this testosterone-driven military world.
Maybe she could use an aggressive dog if she got into the thick of it with the Taliban.
Maybe deep down Danica knew that she was all alone in this foreign and alien land. Having a loyal partner with a mean streak wouldn’t be such a bad thing.
It wouldn’t be such a bad thing as long as she could convince Alex that she was in charge, a feat multiple handlers before her had failed to achieve.
Does Danica bond with Patrol Explosive Dog Alex?
How does she fare as the only woman in her training class?
Will she receive the opportunity to join the Canadian Army outside the wire on patrol or be resigned to camp duty?
Stay tuned for the next chapter in this exciting true story!
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
So this weekend I appeared on a fabulous radio show, The Dog Work Radio Show in Alaska. I talked Military Working Dogs with Robert Forto and had a great time.
It is really weird to hear yourself on the radio.
The interview was totally unscripted and I had no idea what Robert was going to ask me. But if you want to listen to me speak about MWD I recommend you check it out here!
Am I the only one that hates listening to themselves?
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27 comments on “Danica Arrives in Afghanistan”
Leave a Reply
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Kevin Hanrahan says:
I agree Xavi!
Jani Muhlestein says: You sounded just fine. I hate hearing myself too. It’s not how you’re used to hearing yourself, and it’s odd. And hearing yourself recorded over the telephone is even worse!
I suspect that Danica did just fine. I also suspect that seeing the Afghani children growing up in the same situation she did hurt a lot. And knowing that when the war ends, they will be faced with the same horrific problem, must be very difficult as well.
She’s a truly lovely lady, Kevin, thank you so much for giving us her story.
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Thanks Jani! I am my toughest critic…..
I truly think that Danica’s story is just amazing…..the type of stories movies are made from!
The radio interview was fascinating, and I know I’m going to listen to it a few more times. Thank you so much for sharing such pertinent information with us.
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Thanks Barbara! Happy to answer any questions!
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Thanks Liz
Kevin, Great story about Danika! I’ll go back and read the earlier posts.
The radio broadcast is fascinating! I thought I’d listen for five minutes, then get breakfast. Fifty minutes later, the broadcast was done and my stomach was rumbling. Really interesting stuff, and you explain it all so clearly. I’m sharing it wherever I can think of. Thanks!
Have a great Monday,
Carole
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Great Carole. Danica’s story is fascinating. It took me a bit of time to get this next piece written because Danica has been travelling all over the world training K9. I think she is starting to receive the credit and notoriety that she deserves.
Ha! I had to shut it down after a few minutes…… Course that was becasue there was crying upstairs…… I’ll listen to it tonight when Brady goes to bed.
Love this one, Kevin. Can’t wait to read what happens next. Danica is amazing but then amazing people attract amazing people…:)
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Thanks Marla.:-)
Ericka Lowe says: So glad you did the interview with Robert otherwise I would not have found your website. Wonderful and amazing stories and so glad you are sharing. Good luck on the book!
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I’m glad you found me as well! Thanks for stopping by and saying hello!
Mark says: Is Danica on Twitter? Would love to follow her exploits.
Love the articles… Great Work.
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Hi Mark. Sorry but Danica isn’t currently on Twitter.
Keith Baron says: Hello Kevin – I have just read Parts 1 to 4 of the amazing story about this exceptional lady called
Danica and her wonderful dogs Cindy and Alex. Danica deserves an award for all the dangerous
work she has been faced with in Bosnia , Kosovo and Afghanistan – she is truly an amazing lady.
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Hi Keith. I’m glad you enjoyed the pieces. I think Danica’s reward for her work is internal. Making a difference is what she is after…… and of course providing for her son Stefan.
I agree though…..she is an amazing women!
Kim Therrien says: AWESOME….but my heart went out to her for having to leave Cindy behind…and NO Kevin, you aren’t the only one thinks you sound funny on air we think you do too…JK….I worked in radio for a while (even had a talk show) and it took me A WHILE to get used to hearing myself “on-air”. The irony is you will sound the same on radio as in person to those that know you. Now you know how other people hear you!
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Hi Kim. don’t worry……I know that Danica is determined to see Cindy again. They formed such a tight bond that Cindy is constantly on her mind.
Thanks….I’ll probably get used to it!
Kevin,
I simply adore this post. Superb blog writing. You really do it again here and bring your reading audience in. Why I personally think it is a hit is because I am a woman, I work now in a mail dominated world, http://www.rainbird.com . I highly enjoy my job. I am molding myself to fit in as Danica fits in to the other cultures. My work experience history is Mortgage, Escrow, Real Estate, Assistant to CEO of a predominant Health Club in the Phoenix, Arizona area http://www.mountainsidefitness.com Mr. Tom Hatten, and a Business Executive Assitant to a very large Mega church in Chandler, AZ http://www.cschandler.com/ .
My cliffs ups and downs of life mirror Danica’s in obviously different ways. I am a sucker for the problem child as well and adore befriending those of such. Most of my good friends as many people do have a past. Everything I learned from my previous jobs I have to un-learn in my current. Well not everything but a lot. My current work environment is highly professional, highly conservative, it is a irrigation manufactuing firm wth a lot of admirable engineers and administrative staff. It is my plan if I get hired permanently (I am a temp on a contract for year). To go back to school for a Masters in Business and or a engineering manufacturing degree BA. I have a Bachelors in Business. I believe in educating yourself ,at least for me, in the field you are in to the highest extent. We shall see how fate roles out.
Furtheremore, I am dealing with the hurt and ramifications of being legally divorced now and seprated from my son. Danica just seems like a warrior kind spirit that I can relate to a lot. This particular blog I give a centerium star from me due to me relating in my own different ways to Danica. I highly honor and fancy women topics and leadeship and fitting in to different environments. Bravo Kevin Bravo!!
Sincerely,
Your Friend in Arizona
Adriana Johnson
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Hi Adriana. I’m sso glad you can pull inspiration from Danica’s story.
I know you have been going through some tough times as off late but I truly believe that those are the times that truly define who we are as people.
Anyone can be good when things are great. How do you respond when life is kicking your ass?
You are a great lady Adriana and I know you will persevere!
-
Thank you Kevin for the encouraging words.
When life is kicking my ass I get back the freak up. Metaphorically growl shake it off and move and learn from the experience. I have only scratched the surface of the horrors of my past some days I am melancholy from the thoughts of it. Buttttt… I look at myself look at my own faults and see how I can be different to be better from things that were out of my control that happened t me; and I contemplate all the wonderful friends and family I have and know I am loved. Most importantly I know I am a great child of God and highly favored in his eyes. I have value even in the ugly trenches of life. Life has been kicking my ass but we are all in the race of life it is time to keep warming up my heels run the race, fight the good fight. I have been practicing some MMA with a friend and it is a great metaphor that we get back up. Punch on, move forward, get out of your pinned down position and persevere.(Grapplin rocks;)) Thank you for asking the Kevin questions and your wonderful posts.
Sincerely,
Adriana Jonson
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Oh and in continuation Kevin I don’t like hearing my voice either lol’s..Blessings to you and yours.
George McCain says: I worked with Danica for almost 2 years she was skilled above the level of her counterparts. I am happy and excited that she has moved on and safely out of the sandpit.
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Hi George….thanks for confirming how great Danica is……she messaged me today and told me she wasn’t special…… I completely disagree!
[...] is part V of the Danica: A Child of War Series. You may wish to read Part IV or skip back to Part I [...]
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My Tweets
Amazing girl, congrat for your job
I agree Xavi!
You sounded just fine. I hate hearing myself too. It’s not how you’re used to hearing yourself, and it’s odd. And hearing yourself recorded over the telephone is even worse!
I suspect that Danica did just fine. I also suspect that seeing the Afghani children growing up in the same situation she did hurt a lot. And knowing that when the war ends, they will be faced with the same horrific problem, must be very difficult as well.
She’s a truly lovely lady, Kevin, thank you so much for giving us her story.
Thanks Jani! I am my toughest critic…..
I truly think that Danica’s story is just amazing…..the type of stories movies are made from!
The radio interview was fascinating, and I know I’m going to listen to it a few more times. Thank you so much for sharing such pertinent information with us.
Thanks Barbara! Happy to answer any questions!
Wonderful story!
Thanks Liz
Kevin, Great story about Danika! I’ll go back and read the earlier posts.
The radio broadcast is fascinating! I thought I’d listen for five minutes, then get breakfast. Fifty minutes later, the broadcast was done and my stomach was rumbling. Really interesting stuff, and you explain it all so clearly. I’m sharing it wherever I can think of. Thanks!
Have a great Monday,
Carole
Great Carole. Danica’s story is fascinating. It took me a bit of time to get this next piece written because Danica has been travelling all over the world training K9. I think she is starting to receive the credit and notoriety that she deserves.
Ha! I had to shut it down after a few minutes…… Course that was becasue there was crying upstairs…… I’ll listen to it tonight when Brady goes to bed.
Love this one, Kevin. Can’t wait to read what happens next. Danica is amazing but then amazing people attract amazing people…:)
Thanks Marla.:-)
So glad you did the interview with Robert otherwise I would not have found your website. Wonderful and amazing stories and so glad you are sharing. Good luck on the book!
I’m glad you found me as well! Thanks for stopping by and saying hello!
Is Danica on Twitter? Would love to follow her exploits.
Love the articles… Great Work.
Hi Mark. Sorry but Danica isn’t currently on Twitter.
Hello Kevin – I have just read Parts 1 to 4 of the amazing story about this exceptional lady called
Danica and her wonderful dogs Cindy and Alex. Danica deserves an award for all the dangerous
work she has been faced with in Bosnia , Kosovo and Afghanistan – she is truly an amazing lady.
Hi Keith. I’m glad you enjoyed the pieces. I think Danica’s reward for her work is internal. Making a difference is what she is after…… and of course providing for her son Stefan.
I agree though…..she is an amazing women!
AWESOME….but my heart went out to her for having to leave Cindy behind…and NO Kevin, you aren’t the only one thinks you sound funny on air we think you do too…JK….I worked in radio for a while (even had a talk show) and it took me A WHILE to get used to hearing myself “on-air”. The irony is you will sound the same on radio as in person to those that know you. Now you know how other people hear you!
Hi Kim. don’t worry……I know that Danica is determined to see Cindy again. They formed such a tight bond that Cindy is constantly on her mind.
Thanks….I’ll probably get used to it!
Kevin,
I simply adore this post. Superb blog writing. You really do it again here and bring your reading audience in. Why I personally think it is a hit is because I am a woman, I work now in a mail dominated world, http://www.rainbird.com . I highly enjoy my job. I am molding myself to fit in as Danica fits in to the other cultures. My work experience history is Mortgage, Escrow, Real Estate, Assistant to CEO of a predominant Health Club in the Phoenix, Arizona area http://www.mountainsidefitness.com Mr. Tom Hatten, and a Business Executive Assitant to a very large Mega church in Chandler, AZ http://www.cschandler.com/ .
My cliffs ups and downs of life mirror Danica’s in obviously different ways. I am a sucker for the problem child as well and adore befriending those of such. Most of my good friends as many people do have a past. Everything I learned from my previous jobs I have to un-learn in my current. Well not everything but a lot. My current work environment is highly professional, highly conservative, it is a irrigation manufactuing firm wth a lot of admirable engineers and administrative staff. It is my plan if I get hired permanently (I am a temp on a contract for year). To go back to school for a Masters in Business and or a engineering manufacturing degree BA. I have a Bachelors in Business. I believe in educating yourself ,at least for me, in the field you are in to the highest extent. We shall see how fate roles out.
Furtheremore, I am dealing with the hurt and ramifications of being legally divorced now and seprated from my son. Danica just seems like a warrior kind spirit that I can relate to a lot. This particular blog I give a centerium star from me due to me relating in my own different ways to Danica. I highly honor and fancy women topics and leadeship and fitting in to different environments. Bravo Kevin Bravo!!
Sincerely,
Your Friend in Arizona
Adriana Johnson
Hi Adriana. I’m sso glad you can pull inspiration from Danica’s story.
I know you have been going through some tough times as off late but I truly believe that those are the times that truly define who we are as people.
Anyone can be good when things are great. How do you respond when life is kicking your ass?
You are a great lady Adriana and I know you will persevere!
Thank you Kevin for the encouraging words.
When life is kicking my ass I get back the freak up. Metaphorically growl shake it off and move and learn from the experience. I have only scratched the surface of the horrors of my past some days I am melancholy from the thoughts of it. Buttttt… I look at myself look at my own faults and see how I can be different to be better from things that were out of my control that happened t me; and I contemplate all the wonderful friends and family I have and know I am loved. Most importantly I know I am a great child of God and highly favored in his eyes. I have value even in the ugly trenches of life. Life has been kicking my ass but we are all in the race of life it is time to keep warming up my heels run the race, fight the good fight. I have been practicing some MMA with a friend and it is a great metaphor that we get back up. Punch on, move forward, get out of your pinned down position and persevere.(Grapplin rocks;)) Thank you for asking the Kevin questions and your wonderful posts.
Sincerely,
Adriana Jonson
Oh and in continuation Kevin I don’t like hearing my voice either lol’s..Blessings to you and yours.
I worked with Danica for almost 2 years she was skilled above the level of her counterparts. I am happy and excited that she has moved on and safely out of the sandpit.
Hi George….thanks for confirming how great Danica is……she messaged me today and told me she wasn’t special…… I completely disagree!
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