Tape it On

Headed to War...with Money on My Mind

There was one final request.

“Hey, we need you to tape some stuff on.”

“Huh?” I said.

Before my perplexed look could be replaced—or my question answered—Carol returned to the conference room carrying several stacks of cash, clearly wrapped straight from the bank. Crisp and clean, the four bricks of bills looked like they’d never been in circulation.

Remember, this was before Venmo or digital transfers made things easier. In Afghanistan, Pakistan, and much of the world where security was challenging, the best way to pay people and get things done was still the good ol’ greenback—and the only way to get greenbacks in-country was by using a human mule. i.e., me.