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Rich Walton had his own Architectural Design business for 30 years, winning several awards for his home designs in the Pacific Northwest. Upon accepting work in Afghanistan in 2009, Rich soon gained a passion for winning the hearts and minds of the Afghan people in remote areas by helping build schools that made education available to boys and girls. He firmly believes the only way Afghanistan will survive is through education. Walton worked in Afghanistan for more than four years, traveling all over the country as a construction manager and architectural designer, helping build facilities for both the U.S. and Afghan armies. More importantly, Rich was a key member of the Provincial Reconstruction Team (PRT), where he designed and helped construct medical facilities, the Herat University women’s dorm, and a variety of other projects. Upon his return from 4.5 years of service Rich has had the unexpected and many times unplanned opportunity to speak about his experiences with the people, in the places and the work completed there. He now also shares his experiences through his book One Brick at a Time – Wining the Hearts and Minds of the Afghan People Rich conveys his passion through storytelling with humor plus the seriousness and concern for Afghanistan and its people, the business, and the politics. Many stories make his audiences laugh while others bring tears.
• The military situation and the Afghan people then and now.
• The culture, religion and what it was like living in Afghanistan and his work as an American Contractor
• Stories about the children and schools Rich helped build. What a prized possession just a pencil is to children in Afghanistan.
• First-hand experiences and understanding about the culture validating a better understanding for people of all ages.
• How Networking was a major part of daily routine - even in a Third World Environment.
• The interrelationship experienced with the military, political, social, cultural, Education.
1. How did you end up in Afghanistan as a construction contractor?
2. Tell us about war through your eyes as a Civilian with no military background - working in War zone. What did you find positive and negative?
3. How safe were you in Afghanistan? Did you carry a gun? Who protected you? How did you travel around in the war-zone?
4. What it was like working with US and other Militaries
5. Tell us about some things you learned while living amongst the local Afghans about THEIR stories and traditions
6. Tell us about working with local Afghan businessmen within Taliban threats
7. You were known as “Mr. Rich” How did that come about?
8. What was it like working with a population where 80% of people cannot read or write? You have said that at times it was like living in Biblical times. Please explain.
9. What was it like rebuilding in a war zone-construction after destruction, hardships endured by Afghan people and our military?
10. And what about now? From your experience, how do think things have changed for the very people you were working with and for?
There have been many media interviews related to Rich's book and his work in Afghanistan. Here are a sampling of many podcasts. More available on his website.
The Optimal Life with Nate Haber. Surviving in War-torn Afghanistan https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-optimal-life-with-nate-haber/id1326524012?ls=1&mt=2
Paul C. Newman on Everything. Rich discusses what it is like living and working in a war zone – Afghanistan. https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/living-and-working-in-a-warzone-afghanistan/id1455156669?i=1000587808909
Grit and Grace & Inspiration. Mr. Rich, an architect's journey from the 2008 recession to working in Afghanistan
https://www.gritgraceinspiration.com/podcast/richwalton/
• Eblast out to my data base with link to the podcats
• Facebook posts with link to the podcast
• Posting links on my website
• Share with in-person audiences