BAGRAM AIR FIELD - "We're about to do something we probably need to do more of, and that is to recognize those who've gone above and beyond," said Petraeus. "Today, we're going to recognize those who've done so in a humanitarian mission. We're honoring those in front of us for their hard work and selfless service to the Pakistani people, as they faced one of the greatest natural disasters of recent history."
Petraeus said that within days of the first signs of flooding, millions of people had lost their homes, and millions more were affected by the raging waters that covered nearly a fifth of their country. By some estimates, the floods affected more people than the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami and the Haiti earthquake combined."I was part of the weather support for aviation assets, meaning we were forecasting the weather, so that the helicopters could navigate through the terrain safely, get supplies to people, and conduct rescue missions," said AF Staff Sgt. Michael Broady, with the 19th Expeditionary Weather Sqrn. "It feels great knowing we were able to help the Pakistani people, and I'm honored to receive my medal."
"Thank you for your impressive work during a tough mission. Your efforts made a life-changing difference for thousands of families," said Petraeus. "And even though your role in the disaster relief is over, our country's is not. Our military will continue the effort you began, and the rest of our govt is making vital contributions, to ensure that our long-term support for Pakistanis affected by the flood is as every bit as robust as your initial efforts."Chamkani hails from a district of the same name in Paktya prov. In the 1990s Chamkani completed his high school education—not something to be scoffed at in Afghanistan—and went on to attend Mashriq/Maghrib English Language School in Kabul. Shortly after the U.S. invasion and the fall of the Taliban, Chamkani joined the ANA.
Chamkani’s leadership skill and presence helped him advance through the ranks quickly. In 2006, a little more than 4 years after he enlisted, Chamkani was promoted to sgt maj of a kandak in the 203rd Thunder Corps. Not long after, Chamkani advanced to the position of 203rd Thunder Corps sgt. maj., a position roughly equivalent to a div. sgt. maj. in the U.S. Army. With the age and military experience of an average U.S. Army staff sgt, Chamkani faced an enormous jump in responsibility, many would've found overwhelming. However, Chamkani was untrammeled and threw himself into the work at hand. "One of his most pressing challenges was helping to build the ANA NCO corps, which was essentially non-existent in the Soviet era," he said.Brown, speaking of the idea of showing respect for NCOs, said, “Older officers are just now beginning to absorb that kind of thinking.” In his relatively short time in the ANA, Chamkani witnessed dramatic change in the emphasis the ANA places on NCOs. Chamkani said that he believes much of the progress is due to the new NCO development courses offered at FOB Thunder. “Before, we didn’t know how to conduct ops, and we didn’t have a combined command center (as we now have at the FOB Thunder Tactical Ops Center,)” he said. “Now, even our E-5 sgts. know about planning and the procedures for conducting ops.” The expansion and improvement of the ANA’s NCO corps continues to be one of Chamkani’s biggest missions. He can regularly be seen supervising the NCO courses, and making sure NCOs conduct checks before ANA convoys leave the wire. Often, he volunteers to go outside the wire with troops, as he did on 2 recent missions to his home district. At times, his official duties have taken him much farther. In December 2008, Chamkani visited the U.S. for 3 weeks. He visited the Sergeants Major Academy at Fort Bliss, Texas and also visited Fort Hood, Texas, where he observed how the U.S. Army’s G-sections are organized. He described the quality of life, education and military discipline in the U.S. as “one hundred times better” than in Afghanistan, a thought which inspires him to improve his own country. He continues to look with gratitude to his U.S. counterparts. “My partnership with the Americans has been good,” he said. “Without their help, I would definitely be behind schedule.” Brown, a former sgt. maj. of the state of Indiana’s NG, honored Chamkani by presenting him with the Indiana Sergeant Major’s coin and certificate, in front of the cmdr of the 203rd Thunder Corps, ANA Maj. Gen. Khaliq. “Toward the end of my deployment, this is what I’ve found: I want to express my appreciation to him, and in some small way, in front of his boss, for his faithfulness and service to his country; we're all very proud of him,” Brown said."Two additional village elders from the district shura were expected, but due to Taliban checkpoints, they were unable to travel safely with the others," explained Hassan Hemati, District Council Chairman.
In fact, the forty members of the district shura take risks every time they gather to share ideas for their area, Hemati told the U.S. and Polish soldiers. U.S. Navy Cmdr. Philip Kapusta, Ghazni PRT Cmdr, thanked the elders and Jaghatu’s sub-gov., Mohammad Yaqobi, for making the trip. The Ghazni PRT itself has had issues traveling to Jaghatu in the past. If the PRT wants to check on projects in that district, the team has to fly by air. Kapusta explained why there were fewer projects in Jaghatu district than in other districts.“It’s very difficult for us to get to Jaghatu. Every time we go through Khogyani, we end up fighting insurgents,” Kapusta told the elders. Khogyani District lies between Ghazni and Jaghatu Districts, and the insurgents have ambushed the PRT in Khogyani with IEDs, RPGs, small arms fire, and/or mortars during each visit. Due to the PRT’s training and experience, no one has been injured attempting to reach Jaghatu, but vehicles have been damaged. The attacks have disrupted the PRT and other CF from reaching Jaghatu to start projects. The village elders understood the PRT’s predicament, but hoped to get help with schools in their area. Hemati handed the PRT a list of 8 schools which were prioritized into a list by district shura members. Jaghatu has a total of 31 schools for boys and girls, but the list showed the ones in most need of repair. Many of the schools don't have enough classrooms, and children are studying outside. “Winter's coming and the current schools need roof, equipment and window repairs. There are a lot of broken windows,” Hemati said. The PRT Commander brought up some solutions. “Our short-term solution would be to provide tents to keep the children out of the open air, and our long-term solution would be to build, but we can’t start that now with the cold weather coming in,” Kapusta told the elders. He let the men know that the U.S. and Polish forces would discuss the long-term solution, and try to form a more substantive plan, but no promises could be made with winter coming. Many areas in Ghazni are in the mountains, and snow buildup at high altitudes can become an issue in the prov., making travel to some districts like Jaghatu, Jaghori and Nawur nearly impossible until spring arrives. Kapusta did mention a practice that has worked in the past, and the elders felt it would work too. “We've tried a couple of different things, and one thing that has worked in the past is where we provide and pay for the materials to be transported to the village, and the villagers supply the labor and actually fix the buildings,” Kapusta said. “For the current situation, that is a great idea, and it could create jobs for the villagers,” Hemati said, and the others agreed. The Ghazni PRT agreed to set up another meeting with the Jaghatu shura members and the sub-gov. Supporting education falls in the realm of reconstruction, and the team has built schools, donated educational supplies, and created training programs throughout Ghazni prov. “Right now, Afghanistan has enough people who know how to shoot an AK-47 and an RPG. I hope that in the future we will have more people who are doctors and engrs,” Kapusta said.
Hemati and the elders appreciated the time with the PRT, and emphasized the need for proper schools in Jaghatu.
“Our goal is to build something that's not going to wash away – we’d rather not fight the water,” said Hill. “High water is a problem in the area. We want durable and low maintenance – that really is the theme for all construction in Afghanistan right now.”
"The final product is likely to be the result of effort from the Paktya PRT, USACE, and other elements," Walsh said. “We’re all working together to get this thing done, which makes it fun – a little difficult – but fun,” Walsh said.
Steward said that the faculty members employed a new teaching method to better assist the students with the practical applications of skills. Instead of being lectured, participants formed small groups in order to solve legal problems provided by the instructors. "This type of instruction proved successful by providing attendees the confidence necessary to do well on the mock trial portion of the CLE training," said Hardaway.
Both Steward and Hardaway rated the course as a success, and hope other TFs in RC - East will continue this program. “Participants were very thankful for the opportunity to learn and enhance their legal skills. Many came up to me and Mr. Hardaway to thank us for putting on the training,” said Steward.
"The CLE seminar program benefits the people of Afghanistan by helping lawyers and judges keep current on the skills essential for administering a fair, impartial, and transparent legal system," Steward added.
These special visitors were members of the Gold Star Mothers org., created to provide emotional support to U.S. women who have lost a son or daughter in the line of duty. The conference began with speeches from the First Lady of Iraq, Hero Talabani, a rep from the Iraqi Martyrs Office, and the TF Marne Dep. Comm. Gen. for Support, Brig. Gen. Tom Vandal.
“It's an honor to participate in today's events to recognize the sacrifices made by the Gold Star Mothers, and to thank them for the sacrifices of their loved ones,” Vandal told those gathered at the Sulaymania Arts Center. “As revered members of our military community, your love and devotion to the families of the armed services gives all of us strength and confidence, knowing that you stand with us honoring those who've made the ultimate sacrifice,” he said. Talabani also spoke of her gratitude for U.S. and Iraqi forces working together to change the lives of her people. “Your sons came and liberated Iraq,” she said to the U.S. mothers. “They managed to take down dictators of destruction. We're honored to meet you here today, and we'll never forget what your kids, your sons and your daughters, did for us. Terrorists could never stop the progress of our nation, and with the help of the U.S. we've rid Iraq of Saddam forever.” A documentary film was played to show the mothers how their sons and daughters had helped to liberate the Iraqi people. It was an emotional event, where mothers connected with each other regardless of which country they were from.“We stand for families united for universal respect. We're sowing the seeds of friendship, and we feel as though we have much in common,” said Joan Betros, one of the event’s organizers, on behalf of the Gold Star Mothers.The U.S. and Iraqi mothers mingled before the event, sharing stories of pride and loss. Emily Shields spoke highly of her son, 1st Lt. Andrew Shields, killed here in an apache helicopter accident in 2004, near Mosul. “My child did what he could to help the people of this country, and now I feel like I've the chance to do the same, by coming here and connecting with others who've been through what I have,” said Shields. “We've been treated very nicely, and welcomed so kindly by the Iraqi Martyrs, and everyone else involved in this event.”"The mission was conducted for several reasons," said Lt. Col. Gregory Sierra, cmdr of 2nd Bn., 7th Inf. Regt. "First - to assist in reconnecting the ISF with the local population," Sierra explained. "As that is done, the ISF can assess the security situation in the area. Lastly, humanitarian missions like this help meet some critical needs of the Iraqi people."
“Ops like Operation Raider Outreach started in May,” Sierra said. “Since then, we're seeing an increase in the ability of the ISF to plan and resource the missions. Also, each time these programs are held, they get closer and closer to their people. That, over time, builds security.”During this mission to Zambraniyah, medical care was administered, school supplies were distributed, and boxes of food were given to the families. “The medical piece was important, because in order for the local nationals to develop a sense of pride in the IA, they need to feel like they're being supported and protected,” Nelms said. “The best way to do that is by giving them tangible items; something they can hold, and see that somebody cares about them.”"There were more than 100 males, 100 females and 50 children treated by medical personnel during the mission," Nelms said. “The IA was in the lead on the treatment,” he explained. “The U.S. medics were just there to provide support. Some of the common medical trends observed were joint pain, and muscular and skeletal issues from birth defects and geriatric complications," Nelms said.According to a 2008 MNF – Iraq press release, al-Qaeda housed a torture prison in Zambraniyah, that was later destroyed by U.S. forces. “When I was here in 2006, the area was called the Sunni Triangle,” Nelms said. “It was pretty bad. Now, it’s relatively quiet. There aren’t too many incidents of sectarian violence. That’s due to the heightened sense of pride and awareness with the ISF, IP, and the majority of the IA in the area that do their patrols, making sure everything is safe. The ISF have really taken a significant interest in community uplifting in this area.”"Long-term security is a concern in the area, but a function of this humanitarian mission was to mitigate any potential enduring threats," Sierra said. “When outreach programs are conducted, they can be where the need is the greatest for the people, or where there are concerns with the threat situation,” Sierra said. “The outreach programs help connect the ISF with the people, and help with the security.”Sierra said when he arrived in theater, the ISF were in charge of security of the area, and there's no doubt in his mind they've continued to become more and more capable over the past several months, providing security for Zambraniyah.“By working with the ISF and just assisting them—letting them take the lead on everything—it really empowers the ISF and the GoI, because the locals receive medicine from the forces they see every day protecting their security,” Nelms said. “It goes miles with the local populace.”He credited the Army Reserve and Army NG for their role in contingency ops around the world, and for the missions they're performing in the U.S. Preston said about 62,000 Reservists and Guardsmen are serving on active duty in support of homeland security, and Ops New Dawn and Enduring Freedom.
With so many Soldiers affected by the rigors of deployment, Preston stressed the importance of the Army’s Comprehensive Fitness Program, adding that emotional, social, spiritual and family dimensions of fitness are as important as physical fitness.Staff Sgt. Thuy-Linh Pollack, an intel sgt with Co A, 368th Military Intel Bn, said that she appreciated the chance to meet the Army’s top NCO and speak with him. “I never expected to be able to speak with, let alone ask a question to the Sergeant Major of the Army,” Pollack said. “As an Army Reservist, it's just not something you expect.” Three young Soldiers likewise got something they did not expect, when Preston not only attended their promotion ceremony, but put on their sgt stripes, and welcomed them into the NCO Corps.One of the Soldiers, Sgt. Kasi Miller, a supply clerk with the 199th Garrison Command, said "being promoted by the highest ranking NCO in the Army, was a unique opportunity she felt fortunate to experience. Sgt. Jessica Clements, a transportation specialist with the 199th GC, was also promoted by Preston. “Being promoted by the Sergeant Major of the Army was definitely a surprise, privilege and an honor,” she said.Other stops for Preston included a tour of Camp Victory’s Freedom Rest, to get a first-hand look at the facilities Soldiers in central Iraq can enjoy while on pass. He also met with members of the TF 807th Medical Bde, where he spoke to more than 100 Soldiers about the Army’s mission.Preston said one of his goals for this visit was to let the service members of Camp Victory and throughout Iraq know that he appreciates what they do, and that he's proud of what Soldiers have accomplished the past 7 years here in Iraq.3rd ID Soldiers tour Al Hatra, an ancient city located SW of Mosul in the Al-Jazarah region of Iraq, Sept 18, 2010.
Kurdish Zeravani Police demonstrate hand-to-hand combat skills, after completion of a specialized Italian Carabinieri training course at the IFP Special Training Academy at Camp Dublin, Sept. 27, 2010.