KABUL, Afghanistan - Dan Rather, Managing Editor of Dan Rather Reports made a trip to Kabul, Afghanistan as a part of his television story about how retrograde works. Retrograde is the process by which the military is prepares equipment for shipment back to the U.S. Army Sergeant Vincent Pedican, a Bahamian-American from Grand Bahama Island currently deployed in Kabul got to meet and talk with Dan Rather, shoot the interview, as well as voice the script for the production for the American Forces Network (AFN).

Sgt. Pedican's bio at AFN reads: Born and raised in the beautiful islands of the Bahamas, SGT Vincent Pedican joined the Army National Guard in 2003 in Atlanta, GA. He attended Basic Combat Training at Fort Sill, OK. From there he went to AIT at Fort Lee, VA to become an Automated Logistical Specialist (”BORING”). After working in the civilian sector as a Store Manager, SGT Pedican decided to go active duty in April 2008.  SGT Pedican’s first duty assignment was at 10th Mountain Division in Fort Drum, NY. He went on some extended camping trips in the Middle East and just recently retrained to become a broadcaster (YAY!!)  He is the newest addition to the AFN BENELUX family. He is armed and ready to be on your TV screens.

SGT Pedican has a long list of hobbies and because of the limited space provided by our staff, we can only name a few.  His hobbies include all sports known to the human race. NO SERIOUSLY! Spending time with his son Zion, his mini me and hanging out with his #TEAMPEDICAN partner, Latoya. 

When The Bahamas Weekly asked Pedican how the opportunity to interview Dan Rather came about he replied,

"Dan Rather has traveled to Afghanistan twice a year to keep himself and the American public updated on the current situation on the ground here in Afghanistan.  Rather and his production came to Kabul, Afghanistan to do a story on retrograde, which is the process of the us forces preparing and sending their equipment back to the united states.  I am the news director at AFN Afghanistan Kabul bureau, and we were able to setup an interview with him to talk about, not only his experiences in Afghanistan, but also his sixty (60) years in journalism.  He was excited at the opportunity, and for him, it was an unique experience to be on the other side, the one being interviewed.

Sgt Vincent Pedican of Grand Bahama Island in Kabul, Afghanistan during his radio show, “Hanging with Ya Boy VP” on the American Forces Network (AFN).

What inspired you to get involved in the US Army?

I have been in the US Army for six years now and i have been privileged enough to interview some unique individuals like Dan Rather and also Dr. Regina Benjamin, the US Surgeon General, just to name a few.  I was always fascinated with the military even, as a child growing up in The Bahamas.  It was something that intrigued me.  Going through basic training (boot camp), learning the army’s history, customs and traditions.  They are embedded into my life so everything I do and all that i have accomplished in life is because of the discipline I’ve learned while serving in the army. 

It has also allowed my family and I to travel around the world, visiting different countries, learning about different cultures and traditions.  I would not trade this experience for anything in the world.  I am currently stationed at Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (S.H.A.P.E.)  In Casteau, Belgium and work as news director for AFN Benelux which includes the countries of Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg.  We provide television and radio news to a military and Department of Defense (d.O.D) civilian population of over 20,000, and it has been a rewarding experience to say the least.

The radio show you do? Tell us more about it?

The radio show “Hanging with Ya Boy VP” was something that came about just for fun when i came to Afghanistan.  They needed someone to fill in a slot which was the Hip Hop and R&B segment on the weekend.  I volunteered to do it and to my surprise it took off by leaps and bounds, and people on base would see me and compliment me on having a great show.  It’s amazing to see how many people listened in and I was happy that I could provide some comic relief for them during their work day. 

Here’s my opening line.  “Hey! You’re hanging with Ya Boy VP, in the place to be, on this super Saturday, where we bring you the latest and greatest in hip hop and r&b, old school, new school from the 80s 90s and today...”  I made the show my own and it was a hit.  There might be a future in radio, but who knows. I’m just having the time of my life.

Sgt Vincent Pedican with world renown journalist, Dan Rather in Kabul, Afghanistan in March 2013.

What inspired you most about Dan Rather?

When i interviewed Dan Rather, i told him that he was the standard that all journalists (present and future) should follow.  I told him that he was my role model and an inspiration to me.  He has such an unique way of telling the story that keeps his audience captivated and wanting more.  As a journalist, that’s where I want to be.  To tell a story, in such a way, that it leaves the audience eagerly waiting for the next story to come.  Even though his career spans 60 years, he remains humble and has never allowed his success to get the best of him.  Can you imagine yourself at 82 years old still traveling the world, even to the middle east to tell a story? That’s why he is the standard by ever definition of the word.  What was also amazing is that when we talked and i told him that i was from The Bahamas, he knew about Grand Bahama's West End and bone fishing.  How crazy is that!  So don’t be surprised if he shows up to do some bone fishing out there.  Grand Bahama, watch out, you might have a legend come through soon.

What are you plans for the future?

My future plans are to retire from the US Military and possibly open up a TV/radio station in The Bahamas providing up to date news coverage for Bahamians.  I want to bring my experiences and contribute to nation building as it pertains to media and broadcast operations.  I am in the final stages of producing a travel show called “Benelux de Voyage (Benelux Travel)” that offers unique travel opportunities for those who are looking not only for a new adventure, but also the opportunity to learn about European history and cultures.  I’m hoping to have the first few episodes shot and airing by the end of the year. Also, I'm looking to start a new travel column called “The Bahamian Traveler” that documents my time in Europe and gives a 'Bahamian’s view' on different countries in the European union; the great places to visit, where to go for the best deals for hotels, dining, tours, etc.  Right now, i am just enjoying this time and experience with my wife and I’m looking forward to better opportunities to use my skills and continue to represent The Bahamas and make The Bahamas proud.

Sgt Pedican's tour of duty ends September 2015 and he can be reached at vince.pedican@gmail.com