KHOST PROVINCE – “It's a New Year and we need to start taking action for female rights,” said Rogul Zadran, Khost Director of Women’s Affairs. “Women shouldn't be treated with disrespect. We're strong and we have a voice. We need to act in order for a better future for our children.”
Dr. Malalai lead doctor, said there're security and education problems in the districts. There're school buildings for females, but many families don't allow their daughters to attend, because of the lack of security. It’s difficult for women in the area, but her group will continue pursuing help from the Afghan govt., she said.
Others in attendance were doctors, teachers, students and reporters from throughout Khost. While many said they'd been intimidated by men on several occasions, they know eventually their actions will help women in the future.
“Females are jobless and do not have rights,” said Nadia Bawai, head of Khost City’s Women’s Council. “We need to gain public awareness of female issues to both females and males throughout the area. We need to stop the violations against women, and start working together to allow females in the govt depts to make changes.”
Khost PRT’s senior medical officer, Navy Cmdr. Cindy Kuehner said a few words to thank the group for their courage and dedication in a male-dominated area.
“The opportunity to meet with women leaders from Khost was inspirational,” Kuehner said. “I am motivated by their strength, their courage, and their commitment to their families, to their communities, to other women, and to Afghanistan.”
Rogul Zadran talks about the New Year and building a better future for women in Afghanistan.
PAKTIKA PROVINCE – Led by the ANSF in the pre-dawn hours of March 26, more than 300 members of the ANSF and Soldiers from the 187th Inf Regt, surrounded the village, and assisted with the search for the bomber.
General Khan also took this opportunity to talk about the need for Paktika’s people to come together for a better future. “The fighting in Afghanistan has been going on for over thirty years. We must stop the fighting, so we can send our children to school and give them a better future,” Khan said. “The Americans supported us when we fought against the Soviets. When we defeated the Soviets, the Americans let us have our country for us to begin to govern ourselves. Instead of coming together, we began fighting each other. The fighting must stop.”
He also elaborated on the support for Afghanistan’s improvement by the U.S. Soldiers in Afghanistan. Locals responded by pledging their support to the CF’ cause. “We support President Karzai and his govt. Twenty-seven thousand people from this area voted for him,” said a village elder. “We don't want the Taliban here, and we will kick them out of our village.”
Co A cmdr, Army Capt. Josh Powers, also addressed the villagers. “I'm here to help make Paktika better for you, and to free you of insurgent intimidation. General Khan and I need your help to make Paktika better for you,” he said. “We need your support to end the war here in Afghanistan. We have no intention to occupy your country. Our intention is to help you redevelop your country, so you may have a country free of war and fighting.”
Leslie said the op was a success, resulting in one individual detained by the police, and no civilian injuries or damaged infrastructure. “This op is further proof that the Afghan police and army units in Paktika prov. are an independent, capable, and professional force.”
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Combined Joint Task Force - 82 PAO
Photos by Spc. Albert Kelley
MC Systems Command Studies Effects of Protective Equipment
(Photos by Lance Cpl. Dwight Henderson)
ADT Discusses the Importance of Soybeans
Photo by Sgt. John Young
BAGRAM AIRFIELD - Army Col. Mike Farley of the Kentucky Agricultural Development Team, holds a bag of soybeans as Dr. Steven and Annie Kwon from Nutrition and Education Int'l, brief him on the benefits of teaching Afghan farmers how to produce soybeans. NEI works to provide education, training and supplies for soybean production in Afghanistan. Soybeans provide 36% more protein than wheat production, provide sustenance and can be used as a cash crop for the farmers of Afghanistan.
(DoD photo by Master Sgt. Demetrius Lester, AF)
PAKTIKA PROVINCE - Navy Lt. j.g. Vince Lopez, a medical officer with the Paktika PRT, speaks with Ahmad Baseer, public health advisor for Paktika prov., about the quantity and quality of his hospital's medical supplies, at the Sharana hospital, March 22, 1010. Lopez toured the hospital to view completed projects, schedule staff training for new equipment, and receive an update on future hospital plans.
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DoD Imagery
(DoD photo by Petty Officer 1st Class Chad McNeeley, Navy)
HELMAND PROVINCE - Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Adm. Mike Mullen, Navy, holds a shura with Afghan leaders in Marjah, March 30, 2010. Mullen addressed concerns they may have after the successful removal of Taliban forces following Op Moshtarak, which took place in Feb.
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Iraqi Stories:
DVIDS
According to graduate Lt. Col. Ibrahim, the combined class was the first step to further joint forensic and evidence collection efforts between the IA and IP. "Always big goals start with small steps. The biggest step here is cooperation with IA and IP to work together and complete what we wanted to complete," he said.
Maj. Donald Meeks, officer-in-charge of the JEFF lab has overseen the graduation of 3 classes. For him, the class was not just about teaching forensics capabilities, but also about mentoring and sharing. "As I wrap up my year here in Iraq, I think about all the friendships and partnerships I've developed," he told the graduates. "We've learned that grilled fish can be very good, and we also learned that Americans can make chai...this is the partnership that we've developed."
During the course, Iraqi criminal investigators were taught how to exploit biometric and forensic evidence to support evidence based investigations. The training was conducted in the JEFF lab, 1 of 3 remaining U.S. facilities in Iraq with the capability to analyze DNA, and examine latent fingerprints and firearm residue from crime scenes.
"These are the experts in the field," said Maj. Vic Baezan, advisor to the Provincial Chief of Police, who is deployed to northern Iraq with the 4th IBCT, 1st ID.
Spc. Kevarcia Roseboro said her biggest competition in life is herself. "I like to challenge myself, because you can easily go into competition with other people, but when you're doing it against yourself, it really is a competition. You really don't know your strength until you put yourself to the test."
After crossing the finish line of the Iron Dragon Fitness Challenge, March 20, at COB Speicher, Roseboro became the 1st female of her bn and the bde to not only complete the challenge, but to be named an "Iron Dragon."
Roseboro said the support of her leadership and family was what kept her going throughout the test. "I've a lot of support from people in my unit, from my NCOs and the officers I work for," she said. "They're really pushing me, and I really appreciate them being there for me. Also, my family ... They're really proud of me, and they're always encouraging me."
With only 2 years in the military, Roseboro has already blazed an impressive trail for others to follow. After checking the Iron Dragon off her list of things to accomplish, she has set her sights on passing the Sgt. Audey Murphy Board, and then, the promotion board.
(Photos by Spc. Anita VanderMolen)
(Photo by Spc. Anita VanderMolen)
