U.S. Leads Noncombat Missions in Afghanistan

WASHINGTON – U.S. forces have taken part in several important noncombat missions throughout Afghanistan in recent days, including meetings between residents and govt leaders, humanitarian outreach, construction training and transferring responsibilities to Afghans.

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The Laghman ADT is supervising an ongoing construction project in Laghman prov. The Laghman team partnered with villagers, who are training to become carpenters, to construct a barn on the research and demo farm in Mehtar Lam village. In addition to assisting local tradesmen, the Laghman development team and the Laghman PRT delivered school supplies, backpacks and toys to about 300 girls and 50 boys who live in the prov’s only orphanage. The children attend school, but don't receive the same support for education as regular schools across the prov. In southern Ghazni prov’s Nawa district, U.S. Marines were on hand as dozens of residents met with their governmental leaders, Jan. 8 near FOB Fiddler's Green. "There was a lot of pent-up frustration at this shura because many of them haven't seen govt reps in decades," said Marine Corps Maj. David Fennell, civil affairs det team leader, 4th Civil Affairs Group. "This is the most productive thing I've seen since I've been here. Everything we're doing in this region keeps gaining momentum, and continues to speed up. It's going well." "In recent weeks, you've seen hundreds of Marines in this area," said Lt. Col. Cal Worth, comm. officer of 1st Bn, 6th Marine Regt, which will arrive in the Shorshorak area in the coming weeks. "I'm here to bring a thousand Marines and hundreds of Afghan soldiers here to improve stability in this region. We'll form a team for long-lasting peace here. I look forward to serving you both here and in Marjeh." "I encourage you to do this the right way and support us to rebuild a strong Afghanistan," said Zahir, district gov. of Marjeh, who led many of the conversations for the govt reps. "We want to make sure you keep your land. The Marines are here to help us. They're not only bringing safety and security, but they're helping with the roads, hospitals, mosques and schools." "Once the people are able to go see these completed govt projects, firsthand, after the meeting, I think that'll speak volumes to the positive impacts of future projects," said Lt. Col. Todd Finley, comm. officer of 3rd Bn, 10th Marine Regt, whose Marines helped organize the day's events. "It also helps build people's confidence in their govt." "There are a lot of good people here who'll work with Marines and the govt," said a man from Shorshorak, who has lived with more than 30 years of conflict. "We're happy they're building mosques and schools for our children to be engrs, doctors and teachers. We'll try to help the Marines here and in Marjeh in the future."

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