A new wooden walkway at the heart of Kandahar AB, Afghanistan, now features all the trappings of a stateside oceanside boardwalk, including fast food restaurants, a phone center, and gift shops. Stars and Stripes reports that the partially complete boardwalk is part of an improvement project begun by the base’s former commander, Lt. Col. Jim Hardy. Much of the base is in a near-complete status, as US and coalition forces continue a range of improvements, from the base’s runway—being lengthened and widened to accommodate a wider range of aircraft—to housing for US and NATO partner nation troops.
Airmen basic rarely go on to become four-star generals, but one who did retired last week after a 42 year career that saw him rise from a lowly slick-sleeve to the head of one of the Air Force’s most important major commands.