CAMP BONDSTEEL, KOSOVO

From Germany, we headed to Kosovo.  After Ramstein, we knew that we would be roughing it.  For example, our Navy escort Lt. John Phelan, said that we’d need shower shoes (aka flip flops) because the bathrooms were ‘down the hall.’

The Balkans are a beautiful part of Europe.  We had a connection in Slovenia and we landed on a gorgeous sunny day with snow-covered mountains. Postcard perfect. 

How bad could Kosovo be?

One needs to remember the troubles that happened about 15 years ago here.  The region needed NATO forces to tame the problems.  What we didn’t know was that some ‘issues’ had raised its head again.  Our troops (with the help of other nations) were once again keeping things under control.  It was just that we didn’t realize there was anything going on until we got there.

To say that Kosovo is a rough place is like saying Tony Horton is in pretty good shape.  It does not provide a clear picture of reality. 

We arrived to a dreary, raining Kosovo.  As we left the airport, there was barbed wire at the entry gate.  What does that tell you.  The drive to Camp Bondsteel on the main two-lane, no shoulder pot-holed road did wonders for the spine, On the road, the locals didn’t observed us, but just glared.  It wasn’t just a few people, but everyone from old men to young school children.  A bit creepy but we pressed on.

                                      Shawna is just happy to be here.

Camp Bondsteel is the real deal.  The security is very tight, but that actually made us more comfortable.  

We got to our accommodations that were basically a box with a door, 2 to a room.  OK, it took a little getting use to, but come on, we were only going to be here for a couple of nights.  Most of our soldiers are here for 9-12 months.

Tony and Bill in a Box

Rob taking a peek on his way to a leek

The first workout was 7am.  We got to the gym and had a good turn out given the hour.  As we settled in and starting introducing ourselves to the soldiers, they were surprised that we showed up.  Apparently there was not a lot of notice that we were coming because so many other groups cancel their trip  to Camp Bondsteel.  Not Team Horton.  That just made us more determined to connect with our soldiers and get to know them.

They really embraced us.  When word spread that Tony Horton was on sight, some of the soldiers came looking for us.  We had our personal workout and a few of America’s finest came by for a couple of shots.  

Tony Horton Engaging the Core

Jeremy diggin' in

Rob in Flight

Mark Bringin' It

Tony Horton w/ 3 of America's Finest at Camp Bondsteel, Kosovo

We also became friends with TFA medivac team.  These men and women are the real deal, flying in to get our wounded and injured soldiers out of harm’s way and back to a first rate medical facility at Bondsteel.  Doc, the flight surgeon, is a brain surgeon from Nebraska – no kidding.  Doc, his pilots and medics, form an outstanding nucleus of dedicated professionals.  They went out of their way to give us a tour of their facility, helos and hangar. Here are some shots:

These next shots are funny as Dreya is trying to get Tony to play along, but hey, the camera is on.

Love the expression on Dreya's face

Tony had a Meet and Greet that went very well and then we went to the dogs. Literally.  We got a tour of the guard dogs and Mark Briggs could not resist getting into the training suit.  Mark served as an Army MP and, I guess, misses being dinner for these well-trained dogs.  He is experienced at this, so we let him go it alone. 

(ah Mark, you may have some thrill-seeking issues. We need to talk bro)

Our last workout at Bondsteel was a packed house.  The top brass on the base participated along with our soldiers.  It was a great experience and as Tony commented later, it was worth it all as it meant so much to everyone that we had come all that way to visit.  In fact, a lot of people said that this was the best attended event at Camp Bondsteel.  

Full House, Kosovo

Tony Horton, Airbourne

DNA removal

We all felt the same way and it was tough to leave the camp.  We even held an unscheduled yoga class the next morning, led by Missy Costello.  It was just what the doctor ordered and it was well attended.  Thanks Missy!  I needed that.

From Kosovo to England, we left the camp for the airport and received the same glares heading back.  No matter.  I have only good memories and a new appreciation of our brave men and women stationed at Camp Bondsteel.  They are doing a great job.