Walker and other soldiers pass out bottled water to Afghan children.
Wes Walker was in a specialized vehicle July 15 that saved his life, along with the lives of four other passengers, when it triggered an improvised explosive device loaded with a quarter-ton of explosives.
Wes Walker's designation as a contractor might give the impression he's working at building roads or other infrastructure in Afghanistan. In reality, he is seeing active combat as a highly-trained security contractor. Walker left back in March on a one-year contract job, which embeds him with a platoon of Marines that serve to protect an unnamed company helping to rebuild Afghanistan.
Walker has been involved in extensive firefights, and was fortunate on July 15. He was in a specialized vehicle that saved his life, along with the lives of four other passengers, when it triggered an improvised explosive device loaded with a quarter-ton of explosives.
The former San Benito County sheriff's deputy will be back in Hollister today, though, and will be welcomed by supportive community members. In particular, he's returning to a wife and three children, and he will be the guest of honor at a Hollister barbecue in his neighborhood this weekend as he starts a 26-day leave from harrowing duty as a contractor in Afghanistan.
"My job is to work with the Marines as an individual contractor," explained Walker, a former Marine himself, who went on to explain that his platoon works with the Afghan National Police to patrol the Farah Province in the southern region.
Walker described this region as "very active," meaning the Taliban is constantly causing trouble.
During one patrol of the Farah province, Walker's vehicle drove over a dug-in, pressure-plated IED containing an estimated 500 pounds of explosive material.
"The wheel of the vehicle came to rest 50 meters from the truck," Walker said, "and we found parts away as far as 100 meters."
The $900,000 vehicle undoubtedly saved lives of the occupants, as Walker noted how a standard Hummer - even armor plated - would have been insufficient to allow anyone to survive.
"The Taliban is a very tough adversary," said Walker, noting how they're made up of soldiers who've fought their entire lives.
"They have surprisingly advanced tactics," he continued. "We engage in fire fights that last up to three hours."
Walker noted that the ability to fight for that amount of time indicates highly developed tactics and support backed by impressive training of Taliban soldiers.
He estimated that 90 percent of the Afghan population is supportive of the United States military. But there is fear of retribution by the Taliban for any overt support of U.S. troops, so it can be difficult to gain the trust of the local population.
"As we eliminate the Taliban and demonstrate daily that we are here to fight the good fight," he said, "the local population becomes more supportive of our mission."
That mission is not to seek out conflict. Rather, all of what he calls TICs, or Troops In Contact, occur when patrols meant to secure roads and areas in hostile territory are attacked.
Walker's return visit to relatively peaceful Hollister will be a great relief after five months of attacks, tense patrols and camaraderie with Marines who are armed to the teeth in the vast, hot desert. His neighborhood is full of locals who have been sending him care packages, supporting his family and keeping in contact through e-mail as much as possible.
Stefani Garino said her husband Perry has been keeping Walker's lawn watered and fertilized so that he can come home to a lush front yard after months in the desert. Perry also has helped Walker's oldest son, Silas, rebuild a couple of scooters to save on gas for when he goes away to college this fall.
The Garinos have been coordinating the barbecue celebration for Saturday as well.
Two doors down are the Robinsons, who have sent many care packages and make it a point to check in on Walker's wife, Chris, and their kids.
"We have tremendous respect for Chris and the kids," said Lynda Robinson. "They had fears and concerns, but set them aside to support Wes' important mission."
Robinson went on to comment that people often forget how brave and strong families like the Walker's must be.
"We feel it is important to support Wes as well," she said.
"Anyone fighting to keep terrorists away from the U.S. and allow us to continue to enjoy freedom deserves that support."
Then there is John Klauer, a local businessman who has been supplying Walker with specialized equipment.
"Tactical type stuff," said Klauer, who owns Presidential Protective Services in Hollister. "Infrared lens covers, specialized holsters, other items I shouldn't really mention."
Klauer also said he believes it's important to realize how critical contractors like Walker are to our nation's security,
"He was a Marine, and a sheriff, and I think that is probably a big help to some of the younger Marines."
As a former Marine himself, Walker said it's a "privilege to serve with these young guys."
"Their tenacious efforts and valiant way in which they fight is amazing in 19- and 20-year-olds. These guys are absolutely fearless."
In order to understand Walker's motivation to spend a year in a hostile environment away from family and friends, it helps to hear what he said to the Garinos shortly before he left.
Lynda Garino remembers him sitting in her living room and saying: "If you could go back and relive something in your life and could take your current age and wisdom with you, most people would take that opportunity.
"This is a chance to take what I learned as a cop and a Marine to Afghanistan and do something valuable."
Jeff Gatlin Jeff Gatlin is a staff writer at The Hollister Free Lance. You can call him at (831) 637-5566 or send him an email.
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Students warm up for school
