My second Birthday Ball took place at the Intercontinental Hotel in Kabul, Afghanistan, 1969.
Embassy Duty in Kabul was considered a hardship post but at least I wasn't getting shot at back then.
In the attached photo you can see myself and MGySgt Len Maffioli welcoming Ambassador and Mrs Robert Newman to the Ball. Many of your readers may remember a book published approximately 10 years ago titled "Grown Gray in War, The Len Maffioli Story."
While on Embassy Duty, Len was our NCOIC. and at the time, I had no clue as to his Marine Corps background. He served during 3 wars. He is an Iwo Jima veteran. During the Korean War, Len had the distinct honor of being the first American POW to orchestrate a successful escape from a Chinese communist POW camp. MGySgt Maffioli also served with the 1st Tank Battalion in Vietnam.
Its been awhile since I talked to Len and Donna. I need to stay true to my New Year's resolution and keep in touch with my old friends. I'll call them tonight.
GySgt John D. Foster
USMC 1966-1979