Dear Interested Reader,
Afghan children learn law through comics. New school brightens future of Kapisa women. Students return to school, find new training capabilities. Paktika PRT play integral role in Urgun district. TF Warrior help secure Tangi Valley.
Iraq: Training provides opportunities for IA, U.S. Soldiers. Mom and daughter tackle tour in Iraq. Loved ones deploy together at Cmp Taji.
Joanna
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AFGHANISTAN STORIES:
DVIDS
Afghan Children Learn Law Through Comics
Story by 1st Lt. Emily Chilson
Fawzia, an 11-year-old student at Abu Herera School, reads a rule of law comic book, March 27. The Paktika PRT members met with teachers and students during their first day of school following the winter break. Mohammad Aziz, Urgun district deputy director of education, elders and teachers passed school supplies and books to more than 250 children in grades one through six. Paktika PRT has dedicated its efforts to working alongside the GoA by supporting and advising key govt leaders at the provincial and district levels. (Photos by AF Senior Airman Ashley Avecilla)
PAKTIKA PROVINCE – Members of Paktika PRT delivered the comic books to Aziz so he could give them to the students of Abu Herera School in Balish Kalay, and Khullafai Rashedeen Primary School in Ali Haydar. “We encourage our kids to go to school,” Aziz said. “There are 11 schools with boys and girls, and we're very proud of that.”
Capt. Mike Butler, Paktika PRT Urgun civil affairs officer, works closely with Aziz to improve education in the district. “The purpose of the 6 books in the rule of law comic series is to promote greater public awareness of constitutional issues, the rights of Afghan citizens, and legal reform in Afghanistan,” Butler explained. The comic books, through pictures and words, walk a reader through stories about young boys and girls who learn lessons on child labor, women’s rights, obedience, corruption and the Afghan Constitution. After the education director and school teachers passed out school supplies and comic books, students took turns standing up and reading aloud from their new books. Aziz led the small group of visitors and students in applause for each child when he or she finished reading. “Aziz is very well known in the villages,” Butler said. “He's proactive and constantly seeks to expand education opportunities for children.” While improving overall education in Urgun is of utmost importance to both Aziz and Butler, they're especially dedicated to improving education for girls. “We want one female in each family to be educated,” Aziz explained. “Women look up to their mothers and will then want to learn too. We need your help; both our govt and your govt.” Right now, Aziz and Butler are teaming to build schools where girls can continue their education beyond grade 6. “We've the books and the students,” Butler said of the new girls’ school. ”Now we just need the structure down here.” When a class of fifth and sixth grade girls finished reading, they told PRT members they wanted to grow up to be doctors, engineers and teachers. One student requested computers to learn more. At the end of the school day, students walked home toting their new school supplies and flipping through the pages of their comic books. “These books are written to be understood by the general populace including those who are literate,” Butler added. “The books have been very well received by shuras, educators, elders and students.”
Teachers at Abu Herera School pass out rule of law comic books to first graders.
Members of Paktika PRT visit Khullafai Rashedeen School in Ali Haydar, March 28.
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DVIDS
New School Brightens Future of Kapisa Women
Story and photos by AF Staff Sgt. Kyle Brasier
AF Lt. Col. Michael Sierco, Kapisa PRT cmdr. (center), and AF Capt. Seth Platt, Kapisa PRT lead engr. (right), listen to a speech during a ribbon cutting ceremony at Kohi Girls' School in Afghanya valley, March, 28. The mission of Kapisa PRT is to help facilitate the local and national govts of Afghanistan working together to help provide for the development and security needs of the Afghan people.
KAPISA PROVINCE – “Education is an essential part of our community, and the govt’s effort in building a better Afghanistan,” said Haji Hashem, Nijrab District education line minister, through an interpreter. “The ability for any nation to progress depends heavily on its schools and educational system. “That’s why it’s our responsibility, as the elders of Kapisa, to build a strong educational foundation for future generations to follow, enabling them to improve development and public safety for the people of Afghanistan,” said Hashem. The construction of Kohi Girls’ School began in 2009. The facility has 16 classrooms, and includes a traditional Afghan restroom, guard room, water reservoir and boundary wall. It was built to accommodate more than 400 students. “This is a perfect example of how the people of Afghanistan and the CF have worked together, shohna ba shohna (Dari translation for ‘shoulder by shoulder’), to complete a project that will benefit your children and your village," said AF Lt. Col. Michael Sierco, during the ceremony. "The PRT and Task Force La Fayette are very pleased with the construction of the school, and look forward to many of your children receiving a quality education within its walls.”
AF Lt. Col. Michael Sierco (far right), and AF Capt. Seth Platt, participate in a ribbon cutting ceremony with school and Afghan govt officials at Kohi Girl’s School Afghanya valley.
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DVIDS
Afghan Students Return to School, Find New Training Capabilities
Story and photos by AF 1st Lt. Bart Lomont
Students from Sadiq Rohee High School in Mandozai District, return to school, March 23, after a 3-month winter vacation.
KHOWST PROVINCE – During the winter school vacation, an agricultural education package consisting of a greenhouse, composting pit, solar dehydrator, and chicken coop was installed by the Rahim Hadee Construction Co. The agricultural education package is part of the Future Farmers of Afghanistan project, and was a partnership between the Khowst Prov. dir. of ag., Shaikh Zayed University, the Khowst prov. dir. of ed., and the Indiana NG’s 3-19th ADT. In addition to Sadiq Rohee H.S., similar agricultural kits have been installed at 5 other schools throughout Khowst Prov. The Khowst prov. dir. of ed. chose all 6 schools as pilot schools for the agricultural initiative. Mohammad Nasir, Principal of Sadiq Rohee, was extremely grateful his school was one of those chosen. “Agriculture is directly connected to the local economy here in Khowst Prov.,” said Nasir. “New techniques our students practice here can easily be applied at their home farms, and therefore have an immediate economic impact on their families.” The 3-19th ADT has embedded educational knowledge with the inclusion of Maj. Jeremy Gulley on the team roster. Gulley is the Principal of Huntington North H.S., when he's not serving as an education officer for the 3-19th ADT. “Improved education will illuminate the path to a future that 30 years of war has made impossible and unknowable,” said Gulley.
Rahim Hadee (left), Pres. of Rahim Hadee Construction Co., reviews vegetable seed packages recently delivered to the Sadiq Rohee Hi.S., with the school’s Principal, Mohammad Nasir. The seeds will be planted by students in the school’s greenhouse.
Teachers from Sadiq Rohee H.S. inspect a newly installed solar dehydrator.
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DVIDS
Paktika PRT Civil Affairs Soldiers Play Integral Role in Urgun District
Story by 1st Lt. Emily Chilson
Capt. Michael Butler, Paktika PRT Urgun civil affairs team chief, gives an Afghan boy a wooden toy car, March 28. The PRT met with Khallafai Rashedeen students and teachers to distribute school supplies. Because of the poverty in outlying villages like Ali Haydar, many families have trouble purchasing basic school supplies like notebooks and pencils. The PRT works continuously to support the reconstruction of Paktika Prov., through its partnership with the GoA. (Photos by AF Senior Airman Ashley Avecilla)
PAKTIKA PROVINCE – Urgun is one of the major districts of focus for CF when it comes to governance and reconstruction efforts in Paktika prov. Capt. Mike Butler is the only member of Paktika PRT Civil Affairs (CA) deployed to FOB Orgun-East. Not only does Butler perform CA duties in Urgun, but he's also the officer-in-charge of the PRT detachment there, made up of Army SECFORs, a Navy mechanic and medic, as well as U.S. govt civilians and Afghan linguists. Besides ensuring each member of the team is operating in their area of expertise, Butler works with the district govs. of the Urgun and Sarobi districts toward the common goal of building Afghan capacity. Butler also meets with the line directors for education and agriculture, as well as rural reconstruction and development. Provincial line directors are the Afghans who work for the GoA by representing their ministry at the provincial level. For now, Butler said his primary area of focus is education, especially for girls. “The Ministry of Education and elders are recognizing the importance that all of their children go to school,” he explained. Although village elders are not members of the GoA, building relationships with them is critical, because they play a key role in Afghan culture. Afghans typically revere elders in their village, and rely on them for settling disputes and making other decisions. In addition to developing plans for the provision of basic govt services, Butler hopes to work with the GoA to expand education and improve conditions for agriculture. “Agriculture is still the main driver of the Paktika economy,” he said. “Everything we do will be in partnership with the district govts and shuras. This is how we'll develop the capacity of the govt to deliver services to the populace.” While progress is being made, Butler said "governance is still a challenge based on Afghans who voice their frustration with the lack of more basic services." Despite obstacles, Butler knows patience is the key when it comes to developing capacity of governance in east Paktika. “This will be a long process,” he said. “However, in the long run it offers the best prospect for peace in Afghanistan.”
Capt. Michael Butler and Mohammad Aziz, meet with the teachers of Abu Herera School, March 27. Butler delivered backpacks and school supplies to Aziz for distribution to the students on their first day at school. Both boys and girls attend grades 1-6, and study subjects like math, Dari and Pashto.
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DVIDS
TF Warrior Soldiers Help Secure Tangi Valley
ANSF manned traffic control points as soldiers assigned to 2nd Bn, moved through Tangi Valley, seizing control from insurgents during Op Tangi Smash. “Our goal was to secure key terrain in the valley, including the highest points in the mountains,” said Capt. Mark Balboni, the cmdr. of Co B. Although the goal was straight forward, it was met with resistance. “There was enemy contact, but the insurgents were not able to impede our movement,” said Balboni. Before getting to this stage of the op, Co B first established an observation post (OP) on the western entrance of the valley. “When we initially stood up OP Savannah, we had 12 straight days of continuous fighting,” said Balboni. “The fighting has quieted down recently though.” Expanding the presence of CF in the valley is a step toward securing the populace from insurgents. “People have been scared to speak to us in the past,” said Sgt. 1st Class Fernando Davis, a platoon sgt. “With more security, locals will be more willing to talk.” Even talking to local Afghans requires a strategy in Tangi Valley. “We're working with village elders from the outside to the middle of the valley,” said Balboni. “We've recently been able to speak with more elders.” During this 3-day phase of Op Tangi Smash, TF Warrior killed at least 5 insurgents, detained a suspected insurgent, and recovered nearly 30 command-wire IEDs. This op is an initial step toward a greater goal for the area. “We'll continue to grow the ANSF in this area,” said Balboni. “In the future, we'd like the ANP to set up checkpoints and OPs in the valley.” It's sometimes hard to measure the success of a mission, but as soldiers moved through darkness from their positions in villages and hilltops, back to the confines of OP Savannah, it was clear that the meandering road in the trough of the valley, and the villages that lined it were safer than 3 days prior, according to the TF.
Story and photos by Sgt. Cooper Cash
1st Lt. William Hayes, a platoon leader assigned to Co B, 2nd Bn, 4th Inf Regt, 4th IBCT, 10th Mtn Div, TF Warrior, speaks with Afghans in the Tangi Valley about their security situation during Op Tangi Smash, March 22. Hayes and his soldiers secured the most hostile areas lining the main road, in the base of the valley, during the op.
WARDAK PROVINCE – Two platoons moved in silence and darkness through the deadly corridor within Tangi Valley toward their perches atop their respective hilltops. Once the soldiers were in place and ready to rain down precision fire on insurgents, their counterparts loaded in their armored vehicles and moved through the valley, clearing roadside bombs and enemy fighters along the way, March 21.
ANSF manned traffic control points as soldiers assigned to 2nd Bn, moved through Tangi Valley, seizing control from insurgents during Op Tangi Smash. “Our goal was to secure key terrain in the valley, including the highest points in the mountains,” said Capt. Mark Balboni, the cmdr. of Co B. Although the goal was straight forward, it was met with resistance. “There was enemy contact, but the insurgents were not able to impede our movement,” said Balboni. Before getting to this stage of the op, Co B first established an observation post (OP) on the western entrance of the valley. “When we initially stood up OP Savannah, we had 12 straight days of continuous fighting,” said Balboni. “The fighting has quieted down recently though.” Expanding the presence of CF in the valley is a step toward securing the populace from insurgents. “People have been scared to speak to us in the past,” said Sgt. 1st Class Fernando Davis, a platoon sgt. “With more security, locals will be more willing to talk.” Even talking to local Afghans requires a strategy in Tangi Valley. “We're working with village elders from the outside to the middle of the valley,” said Balboni. “We've recently been able to speak with more elders.” During this 3-day phase of Op Tangi Smash, TF Warrior killed at least 5 insurgents, detained a suspected insurgent, and recovered nearly 30 command-wire IEDs. This op is an initial step toward a greater goal for the area. “We'll continue to grow the ANSF in this area,” said Balboni. “In the future, we'd like the ANP to set up checkpoints and OPs in the valley.” It's sometimes hard to measure the success of a mission, but as soldiers moved through darkness from their positions in villages and hilltops, back to the confines of OP Savannah, it was clear that the meandering road in the trough of the valley, and the villages that lined it were safer than 3 days prior, according to the TF.
An ANP provides security at the western traffic control point in the Tangi Valley. The ANP are manning traffic control points in Tangi to stop the flow of insurgents and weapons in and out of the valley.
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IRAQI STORIES:
U.S. Division-North Public Affairs
Tadreeb al Shamil provides education opportunities for IA, U.S. Soldiers
Story and photos by Sgt. Shawn Miller
Iraqi soldiers advance on line to their objective, while their instructor watches from behind, during a platoon-level training class at FOB Normandy, March 22, 2011. Iraqi instructors assumed control of training their own soldiers after graduating from a prior course taught by U.S. Soldiers of 2nd AAB, 25th ID. During the 25-day Tadreeb al Shamil training programs both Iraqi and American troops learned new skills. "Teaching Iraqis to build their capabilities also sharpened the skills of the U.S. trainers," said Spc. Paul Swerda, an infantryman assigned to Co A, 1st Bn, 27th Inf Regt, 2nd AAB. "It's going to make me a better leader," said Swerda.
FOB NORMANDY – As U.S. and Iraqi forces train battalions of IA soldiers during Tadreeb al Shamil (All Inclusive Training), the students taking the classes are not the only ones learning new skills and gaining valuable knowledge.
"For junior U.S. Soldiers serving in Iraq, the opportunity to impart wisdom on their Iraqi counterparts during Op New Dawn builds leadership traits, as well as practical experience in the field," said Spc. Paul Swerda.
Serving on his first deployment, Swerda works as an instructor and advisor, training Iraqi troops during 25-day rotations at Kirkush Military Training Base (KMTB), and FOB Normandy. After working closely with IA bns. for several months as part of the Tadreeb al Shamil program, Swerda and fellow Soldiers transitioned control of their classes to Iraqi cadre, and now act in a supervisory capacity.
As Iraqi instructors led classes during a 3-day exercise at FOB Normandy, Swerda took charge of emplacing simulated IED pyrotechnics to add a bit of realism to training scenarios. Swerda’s platoon leader, 1st Lt. Stuard Stegall, said the Tadreeb al Shamil courses offer a great way for his junior enlisted Soldiers to develop as leaders.
“Normally they’re being taught these classes by NCOs, but now they’re part of the instructor team, and they’re actually having roles in teaching these classes,” said Stegall. “They’re already doing NCO tasks with teaching basic classes, correcting mistakes, and knowing what to look for when they correct those mistakes. I think that's going to pay off.”
For the NCOs of the platoon already well-versed in training their own Soldiers, both deployed and at home, advising the IA bns has other benefits. Sgt. Jeremy Mingle, a squad leader, said that training Iraqi troops on fundamental infantry tasks helps keep NCOs sharp on the basics.
Previously deployed to Iraq in 2007, Mingle said the change from infantryman in OIF to teacher in OND helped him build patience and respect with the Iraqi soldiers he trained. “I have a lot of respect for those guys, for wanting to step up to the plate to do their job and help defend their country,” he said.
Beyond helping the IA achieve its goal, Mingle noted the personal pride he and other NCOs take in educating others.
“You can train your guys, but not everyone can say that they’ve trained other soldiers from a different country,” he said.
Iraqi soldiers clear a room.
IA soldiers drive by a simulated IED.
Spc. Paul Swerda reviews training with IA instructors following a training exercise.
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DVIDS
Mom and Daughter Tackle Tour in Iraq
Story by Spc. Matthew Wright
Story by 3rd Sustainment Brigade PA
Capt. Carmen Nicely traveled to COB Speicher to promote her daughter Spc. Christina White from the rank of private first class to specialist. The two Soldiers are members of the 3rd Bn, 116th Cav Regt, 3rd Sust Bde, 103rd ESC.
COB SPEICHER — March 7, 2011 - Not many Soldiers close off a conversation with another command post by saying, ‘Love you, Mom.’ That farewell, however, is a familiar one for a mother-daughter duo. Capt. Carmen Nicely and her daughter, Spc. Christina White, are in a unique position in Iraq. Both soldiers are members of the same battalion, and work in the often high-stress environment of the command post. White functions as a battle NCO for the 3rd Bn’s C Co at COB Speicher. Meanwhile, Nicely functions as a battle captain for the battalion Tactical Operations Center (TOC), situated on JBB. The two are in contact almost daily, especially when significant acts occur out on the roadways, where 3rd Bn soldiers escort convoys. “It's really neat,” Nicely said. “I get to say, ‘Hey, can you give me an update on a spot report?’ Then I can say, ‘I’ll talk to you later. Love you.’” The common bond between mother and daughter was evident recently when Nicely traveled to COB Speicher to help Christina celebrate another key milestone; her promotion to specialist. Nicely walked into the command post, stood before her daughter, and pulled her rank as a private first class off her Army Combat Uniform jacket. She then placed the rank of specialist on and hugged her. Like any parent, Nicely said she was very proud of her daughter. “Just to see her face when I walked into the room was worth it,” Nicely said. “She is so deserving. I’m happy to be a part of it.” Nicely’s arrival at the C Co command post was a surprise to White, "but a pleasant one," she said. “Getting to see her is a present in itself,” White said. “My mom is like my best friend.” White comes from a military family. Her mother is a captain and her father is also an officer in the Iowa NG. However, White said she wasn’t initially interested in the military. “At first, my opinion of the military was I hated it,” she said. “Then, I realized it was something to help me out in the future. It also opened my eyes to diversity.” Nicely said her own experience in the military helped her emotionally, when her daughter decided to enlist. Nicely entered the Army as an enlisted soldier before going to Officer Candidate School. She said she was very familiar with the challenges associated with a military career, and encouraged her daughter to give her best. “The military has been good for me, and I’ve learned a lot by being a Soldier,” Nicely said. “Why not try it? Struggle makes people stronger.” Nicely said she can see the positive effect the military made in her daughter’s life. “She’s obviously more confident and she has matured very quickly, and taking her job seriously,” Nicely said. The fact that her mother is on a base in Iraq is not the only unique aspect to White’s tour. She's also married to a soldier in C Co. She married Cpl. Thomas White in Sept., just before the battalion left Oregon for its deployment training. Cpl. White is a truck cmdr. in C Co’s 2nd Plt.
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DVIDS
Loved Ones Deploy Together
Story by Spc. Matthew Wright
Sgt. Andrew McFerrin from B Co, 640th Aviation Support Bn Command, and his father Sgt. Maj. David McFerrin from the 40th CAB are deployed together at Camp Taji.
CAMP TAJI – In today’s Army it isn’t uncommon for Soldiers to deploy with their family members and loved ones. This holds true for several members of the 40th CAB in Iraq today. Command Sgt. Maj. McFerrin said there are advantages to having a family member on the same deployment. “There's a piece of home with you,” he said. Sgt. McFerrin sees a different advantage. In past deployments, he would come home and show his family photographs of the places he'd seen. “This is my 2nd tour in Taji,” Sgt. McFerrin said, adding that now he can show his dad those same places in person. Siblings are also deployed together at Camp Taji. Two siblings with the CAB are the Su brothers. Staff Sgt. Alonso Su works in the 640th ASB’s HQ in computer support ops. His brother, Pfc. Juan Su, is in the same battalion, assigned to Bravo Co. Being in the same battalion gives them the advantage of staying in contact with each other, they said. “We give each other space,” said Pfc. Su, “but we eventually find each other, and if I need to talk to him, he's there.” Sgt. Eric Fuentes, and Spc. Trena Reyes, of Fresno, married shortly before the deployment, and are both working in the 640th’s HQ co. Despite the advantage of being together during a deployment, there are some concerns when both partners are on the same mission overseas, Fuentes and Reyes said. Worry is a concern, said Reyes. “They're here with you, but if something happens, you are wondering where they are.” “Your wife hasn’t come home, and you go looking for her,” Fuentes said. “It’s not like back home. It’s different here.” Anxieties can arise when loved ones are in a dangerous area together, the couple explained. However, the comfort of having a loved one with you in theater can override the fear for their safety. With our current conflicts spanning a decade in length, the likelihood for family members and loved ones to deploy together has grown. -30-