Day 4 - June 3, 2008
Call me Capitan Randall

After having a great time with the soldiers and watching the live band, it was time for us to head to the airport (my favorite place on earth). Since I've been delayed at every airport on this trip, why should it be different if I was in Qatar? You're probably wondering does that mean did I get delayed - I sure did!!! BUT it wasn't my fault - our visas weren't organized so we had to sit and wait for the group organizers to work everything out. While we were waiting to get the clearance, Shawn Bradley and I played Spades against some of the soldiers. What people don't know about me, I am the spades champion! Since my days back in college I have won all my matches. Capitan Bond wanted to challenge me in a game because he thought he could beat me - I had to show him that that wasn't possible. If there are any takers when I get back home, send me an e-mail and we can set up a game!!!

When it was time for us to leave - we took off at 8 a.m. on a C130 Cargo plane. Our head pilot was Chris and we were joined by Jay, Mary, Pat and Claudia. It was an awesome experience because I was able to stay in the cockpit during the flight. I'm not too sure if you want to give me command and control of a cargo plane. It is huge you. I can't wait until you all are able to see the pictures I've taken. The best thing of the whole flight was when we did a turn in the air. I was having the time of my life. Thank you Chris for showing me everything. Maybe next time I can fly one myself? Just a thought. I would like to give a shout out to Dean and Kathy. I was thinking of Dean while I was in the cockpit - can't wait to swap stories with you!!!

We had to make a stop in Kandahar to pick up 16 soldiers and then it was off to Bagram. At 4:30 in the morning we landed - I lost count how many times I've been in a plane. I might need to get a new passport because this one is getting full! We were happy to land because we thought we would get a hot breakfast! For the last couple of days all I've ate was turkey sandwiches and junk food. Unfortunately, there wasn't a hot breakfast waiting for us because we were taking anohter flight at 5:30 to Jalalabad, also known as `J-bad'. I met a man by the name of James Simon who works for Red Cross and is a huge women's basketball fan. He was telling me so much about Delta State and the women's powerhouse - they won the AIAW Division II National Championship in 1975, 1976 & 1977 and the NCAA Division II Championship in 1989, 1991 & 1992. These past years they have done pretty well for themselves as three-time defending Gulf South Champions - pretty impressive. I also met a player who is a huge UConn fan ... no comment on that :o).

I cannot stress how every soldier we met have been very humble to us. They are so excited to see us and are so thankful that we came - they can't believe that Shawn is 7'6. They keep looking up at him, it's really funny. This is a lifetime opportunity and I am very blessed to experience it. I'm going to be sad when my 10 days are up. I need to mention the weather here. Can you believe it is 130 degrees?!!! That is CRAZY. Oh, before I forget I was able to buy some clothes so I'm not wearing the same things. I still don't know where my luggage is, but I'm hoping it will greet me back in Cleveland when I return.

Before I sign off, I want to give a shout out to my players. I know it's your last week of classes and finals are coming up. Study hard and do your best! I've been thinking about you guys the whole time and cannot wait to rejoin you. To my staff, thank you for being so understanding. To the Bobcat family, thank you for welcoming me with open arms. I am so excited for this season and cannot wait to make history! If you have any questions, please feel free to e-mail me and I will get back to you once I return from my trip! Last but not least, I want to give a shout out to my mother, father and nieces, Shyia and Pam. Thank you for the continued support and helping me reach my dreams. I couldn't have done it without you. I miss you, love you and can't wait to see you! I would love to stay and write more, but my time is running out.

It's a great day to be a Bobcat!
Coach Randall