Nuristan PRT attends Nuristan’s Provincial Development council meeting

NURISTAN PROVINCE, Afghanistan – The Nuristan Provincial Reconstruction Team attended the Provincial Development Council meeting with Nuristan leaders to prioritize project developments for villages in the province, Oct. 30. Leah Kaplan, a United States Agency for International Development representative for the Nuristan PRT, from Denver, Colo., (LEFT) and Abdual Ghaffar, the Regional Senior Engineer for the National Rural Access Program, based out of Jalalabad, (RIGHT) discuss the recent success of programs that employ locals to work on community based projects that build up their villages. (U.S. Air Force photo/ 2nd Lt. Natassia Cherne) (RELEASED)

 

NURISTAN PROVINCE, Afghanistan – The Nuristan Provincial Reconstruction Team attended the Provincial Development Council meeting with Nuristan leaders to prioritize project developments for villages in the province, Oct. 30. Leah Kaplan, a United States Agency for International Development representative for the Nuristan PRT, from Denver, Colo., and U.S. Army 1st Lt. Julia Malouin converse with provincial council members on the crucial developments  needed for the future of Nuristan.  (U.S. Air Force photo/ 2nd Lt. Natassia Cherne) (RELEASED)

CONGRATS!!! To NOW Petty Officer 1st Class Frank Garza!

Petty Officer 1st Class Frank Garza is a hospital corpsman, fleet marine force, and combat air crew medical specialist. He has been in the U.S. Navy for 8 years, and is currently a corpsman instructor at the Naval Hospital Core School in Great Lakes, Illinois. HM(FMF/CAC) Garza is from San Antonio, Texas. In his spare time at home, he enjoys spending time and traveling with his wife and daughter. What are his dislikes? "Kimchi!" Other than that, he feels everything should be tried once before a decision is made to dislike something. Wise man Garza, wise man!What is his most memorable experience so far this deployment?: "The concept of the different branches, never working together before, becoming a good mesh and working together to be the best PRT team. Especially the brotherhood I experienced in Barg-e Matal. That was a great experience."

We Support Breast Cancer Awareness Month!

Spc Lucido and Lt. j.g. Gross posing with their save the ta-tas t-shirts!

FOB Kalagush Sends Holiday Greetings Home

Make sure you're watching t.v. this Holiday season, maybe you might see your loved one wishing you seasons greetings!

PRT Nuristan medics treat former afghan border police officer Amputee

By Air Force 2^nd Lt. Natassia Cherne, Nuristan Provincial Reconstruction Team Public Affairs


NURISTAN PROVINCE, Afghanistan – Combat medics and a doctor from Provincial Reconstruction Team Nuristan disinfected and re-stitched sutures on the leg of Sayed Sharif, native from Tupak village, a former commander of an Afghan Border Police unit in the Kandahar Province.

Six months ago, Sharif returned to Afghanistan after living in Iran for 16 years and attended a police academy in Kabul. When he graduated, he became a 2nd Lt in the Afghan Border Police.

“In the past we didn’t have a stable government, but since Karzai was elected, we hope to have a stable government, that’s why I came back to serve my country,” Sharif said.

September 2009, Sharif was clearing out culvert with his men in the Kandahar province, when an anti-personal mine went off causing him to become an amputee. He quickly received medical attention and surgery from Canadian doctors in the Kandahar Province. After his surgery he relocated to his native village, Tupak.

When asked if he regretted his return to Afghanistan he simply replied, “I don’t regret my return to my country, I’m proud to serve my country and I lost my legs serving my country. If the ABP would take me back, I would be ready to work.”

PRT Nuristan medics came across Sharif during a civil assessment in the Tupak Village. Once they heard his haunting experience and examined his sutures on both legs, U.S. Navy Lt., Dr. Jennifer Dreiling, native from McLean, Virginia, recommended he come to Forward Operating Base Kala Gush for treatment on the wound on his left leg because it had started to open.

The doctor and her staff cleaned the wound and re-stitched sutures to prevent them from coming undone in the future. Dr. Dreiling commented, due to the fact that he lost his legs to an anti-personal mine, “I certainly have never seen anything like this, he’s lucky to be alive.”

Sharif will come back to FOB Kala Gush in two weeks for a follow up appointment.

NURISTAN, PROVINCE, Afghanistan - U.S. Navy Dr. Jennifer Dreiling native from McLean, Virginia (LEFT), Airman 1st Class Destiney Dowdy, native from Russellville, Arkansas (CENTER) and Petty Officer 2nd Class Frank Garza, native from San Antonio, Texas (RIGHT), medics from the Provincial Reconstruction Team Nuristan, disinfect and re-stitch sutures on the leg of Sayed Sharif, native from Tupak village in Nuristan, on Oct 22. Sharif was a former commander of an Afghan Border Police unit who lost both of his legs by an anti-personal mine while clearing a culvert in the Kandahar province. (U.S. Air Force/photo 2nd Lt Natassia Cherne) (RELEASED)

 

NURISTAN, PROVINCE, Afghanistan - U.S. Navy Dr. Jennifer Dreiling native from McLean, Virginia, a medic from the Provincial Reconstruction Team Nuristan, re-stitches sutures on the leg of Sayed Sharif, native from Tupak village in Nuristan, on Oct 22. Sharif was a former commander of an Afghan Border Police unit who lost both of his legs by an anti-personal mine while clearing a culvert in the Kandahar province. (U.S. Air Force/photo 2^nd Lt Natassia Cherne) (RELEASED)

USAID Mission Director visits PRT Nuristan and 2-77 Field Artillery ReGiment

By Air Force 2^nd Lt. Natassia Cherne, Nuristan Provincial Reconstruction Team Public Affairs


NURISTAN PROVINCE, Afghanistan – William Frej, the U.S. Agency for International Development Mission Director, and other USAID representatives met with the commanders of the Nuristan Provincial Reconstruction Team and 2nd Battalion,77th Field Artillery Regiment, Task Force Steel , and Jamaluddin Badrm, the governor of Nuristan, Oct. 21, to discuss the relationship between USAID and its military counterparts.

Frej has worked 20 years for USAID and is the head of USAID Afghanistan team, that provides billion of dollars for development programs for Afghanistan

The Nuristan PRT is the first that Frej has visited on his tour of bases where PRTs are located in Afghanistan. His goals consisted of viewing field conditions, receiving an update on USAID projects and the working relationship between military members and his field officers.  

Frej said the visit was to, “Improve our ability through our PRT development advisors to support the military in a much more subtenant way in the next coming months.”

U.S Navy Cmdr. Russell McCormack, commander of the Nuristan PRT  and U.S. Army Lt. Col. Michael Forsyth, the 2-77 Field Artillery Regiment commander, shared with Frej their joint vision for the progression of Nuristan and what each unit offers to its development.

“Today was important because it enabled the USAID representatives at the Afghan level to understand the problem and issues in Nuristan so that they can better assist the PRT and Task Force Steel in development, planning, and execution,” Forsyth explained.

Also, Jamaluddin Badr, governor of Nuristan, provided the history of Nuristan, challenges that Nuristan faces and to thank USAID for all of their support in rebuilding his country.

“Sons and daughters of this nation run away, but you stay, I appreciate that,” Badr said.

Frej was greatly appreciative and his response to the governor was, “You have our commitment to help development in Nuristan, that’s why we came here." 

NURISTAN PROVINCE, Afghanistan - U.S. Agency of International Development mission director, William Frej, listens as Nuristan governor Jamaluddin Badr explains the conditions and possible solutions of the province during a briefing on Forward Operating Base Kalagush, Oct. 21. The briefing was held in order to inform USAID, Regional Command East, and Provision Affairs personnel on the status of the field activities of the Nuristan Provincial Reconstruction and their progress. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Ashley Hawkins)(RELEASED) 

NURISTAN PROVINCE, Afghanistan - U.S. Army Lt. Col. Michael Forsyth, commander of the 2nd Battalion, 77th Field Artillery Regiment from Murray, Ky, briefs the U.S. Agency of International Development mission director William Frej on the conditions and security of the province during a briefing on Forward Operating Base Kalagush, Oct. 21. The briefing was held in order to inform USAID, Regional Command East, and Provision Affairs personnel on the status of the field activities of the Nuristan Provincial Reconstruction Team and 2-77’s progress. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Ashley Hawkins)(RELEASED) 

NURISTAN PROVINCE, Afghanistan - U.S. Navy commander of the Nuristan Provincial Reconstruction Team, Cmdr. Russell McCormack from Hampstead N.H., meets with the U.S. Agency of International Development mission director William Frej, and Nuristan Governor, Jamaluddin Badr, in order to brief them on the conditions and security of the province on Forward Operating Base Kalagush, Oct. 21. The briefing was held in order to inform USAID, Regional Command East, and Provision Affairs personnel on the status of the field activities of the Nuristan Provincial Reconstruction Team and their progress. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Ashley Hawkins)(RELEASED)

Tupak and Wolij Village

NURISTAN PROVINCE, Afghanistan – Provincial Reconstruction Team Nuristan, visits Wolij village October 17, to inform the village elders and school teacher’s that their project proposal for a wall to be built around the girl school was approved. Staff Sgt. Shawn Christiance from Elko, Nevada, introduces himself to a village boy. (U.S. Air Force photo/ 2nd Lt. Natassia Cherne) (RELEASED)

NURISTAN PROVINCE, Afghanistan – Provincial Reconstruction Team Nuristan, visits Wolij village October 17, to inform the village elders and school teacher’s that their project proposal for a wall to be built around the girl school was approved. Army 1^st Lt. Julia Malouin, from Manhattan New York of Nuristan (LEFT), Pfc. Jason Dixon from, Payson, Utah (CENTER), and Kathryn Hoffman from Washington D.C. (RIGHT) discuss school curriculum with the teachers of Wolij village. (U.S. Air Force photo/ 2nd Lt. Natassia Cherne) (RELEASED)

NURISTAN PROVINCE, Afghanistan – Provincial Reconstruction Team Nuristan, visits Wolij village October 17, to inform the village elders and school teacher’s that their project proposal for a wall to be built around the girl school was approved. Army 1^st Lt. Julia Malouin, from Manhattan New York of Nuristan, goes over an English book with the local children. (U.S. Air Force photo/ 2nd Lt. Natassia Cherne) (RELEASED)

Thank you for the Halloween Treats

FOB Kala Gush would like to thank the following people for their support and Halloween goodies!

For the note-writing and candy/donation:

Jennifer Robinson

Melissa Robinson

Mary Tatum

Elizabeth Tatum (Coast Guard Academy)

Lael Jackson

Valerie Robinson

Vicki Lowrey

Renita Graham

Adrienne Wagenblast

Terri Murphy

Phyllis Moody

Angela Smith

Anastasia Smith (3 years old)

Nancy Dulebohn

Sarah O’Donnell

Doris Simpson

Sohpia Hurley

Olivia Hurley (3 years old)

JoAnn O’Connell

Ginny O’Connell

Jessie O’Connell

Nicole Mahr

Shawn Mahr

Kathy Pittman

Ericka Lewis

Susi Lewis

Jay O’Shaughnessy

Lynn Novorska

Jim Novorska

Gail Torbeck

Nancy Granecki and church members

Robert Granecki and kids in band class

Denise Cox

Brenda Streit

Wendy Quick

Kris Lee

Valerie Robinson

JoAnn O’Connell

Denise Cox

Robert Sommer – UPS store owner

Susi Lewis - organizer

FOB Kalagush's Warrior's of the Quarter

Petty Officer 1st Class Kathleen Leach is serving in the U.S. Navy as an Operations Specialist. She has been in for eight years and is stationed at the Naval Air Station North Island, in Coranado, Calif. Her hometown is Smithville, Rhode Island, and in her spare time, she likes to read, sew, and hang out with friends at home. Leach Doesn't really dislike anything, but she is looking forward to going back to sea.

 

Petty Officer 3rd Class Dustin Brzezniak is in the U.S. Navy as an Aviation Boatswaine Handler. He has been in the service for three years and is from Matawan, New Jersey. Brzezniak is currently stationed in Norfolk, Virginia. What he likes to do in his spare time? "I like to fish. I lift weights 'cause I'm a badass!! I'm a Yankeys and NEW JERSEY Giants fan!! He dislikes The Eagles!! liver and lazyness in other people. What is his best memory from this whole deployment so far? "At Camp Atterbury when it rained and the lights went out. A lot of us ordered a bunch of Chinese food and just chilled that day."

NURISTAN PROVINCIAL RECONSTRUCTION TEAM ENGINEERS BREAK GROUND

By Air Force Senior Airman Ashley Hawkins, Nuristan Provincial Reconstruction Team Public Affairs

NURISTAN PROVINCE, Afghanistan – The Nuristan Provincial Reconstruction Team attended the ground breaking ceremony of a fourteen-mile (24 km) road connecting the villages of Gondalabuk and Doab in the Nurgram district, Oct. 12.

Navy Lt. j.g. Christopher Saunders from Camarillo, California, is the PRT’s lead engineer on the U.S. funded road project, being built by the local Afghans.

“The road will extend through the Gondalabuk and Doab villages, and will open up trade, education, and future reconstruction opportunities for residents in and around the area,” Saunders stated. “It will allow access to several valleys that were not able to be accessed before. The Nurgram and Doab districts medical facilities and commerce can also be more readily accessible to residents of the area.”

U.S. Navy Cmdr. Russell McCormack, from Hampstead, N.H., commands the Nuristan PRT in its efforts to assist local Afghan leaders and district governors in their effort to prioritize and resource this large scale development project.

"I think that it is extremely important for the residents in this area to be able to have access to commerce,” McCormack said. “The road doesn’t have to be paved, just as long as it’s designed efficiently, so that the people have easy access to connect with their government and have access to surrounding villages.”

Nuristan province is located in a remote region of Afghanistan. Lacking reliable trade routes, the villagers have little interest in the cultivation of cash crops and typically suffer from high percentages of poverty, illness and lack of education.

According to Saunders, PRT engineers and local government officials are building this road to generate increased trade revenues and improve access to schools and local government institutions.

The Nuristan PRT provided the resources for the local Afghan workers to build the road, and will handle all incoming projects to make sure that they are properly managed by the military contracting agency who hired the local workers.

“Our biggest job here is to work ourselves out of a job,” McCormack said. “What we are trying to do is formulate the most effective, cost efficient way to help reconstruct and rebuild this province, while teaching the people how to manage it themselves.”

The Gondalabuk-Doab road, with the help of the PRT, is expected to provide a safe, transportable route for the local villagers to be able re-establish their economy, through commerce. The road is expected to be completed within a year.

“The heart of the country is the people,” McCormack said. “The way to the heart is through its roads.”

NURISTAN PROVINCE, Afghanistan – Nuristan Provincial Reconstruction Team engineer officer, U.S. Navy Lt. j.g. Christopher Saunders from Camarillo, Calif., gives a speech during a ground breaking ceremony in the Nurgram district, Oct. 12. The ceremony was held in order to celebrate the opening project of a fourteen mile road from the Gondalabuk to Doab villages, which will provide access to better health care facilities and commerce for residents in and around the area. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Ashley Hawkins) (RELEASED)

NURISTAN PROVINCE, Afghanistan - U.S. Navy Cmdr. Russell McCormack of the Nuristan Provincial Reconstruction Team, from Hampstead, N.H., hands a village elder a gift during a ground breaking ceremony in the Nurgram district, Oct. 12. The ceremony was held in order to celebrate the opening project of a fourteen mile road from the Gondalabuk to Doab villages, which will provide access to better health care facilities and commerce for residents in and around the area. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Ashley Hawkins) (RELEASED)

NURISTAN PROVINCE, Afghanistan - Nuristan Provincial Reconstruction Team engineer officer, U.S. Navy Lt. j.g. Christopher Saunders from Camarillo, Calif., cuts the ribbon during a ground breaking ceremony in the Nurgram district, Oct. 12. The ceremony was held in order to celebrate the opening project of a fourteen mile road from the Gondalabuk to Doab villages, which will provide access to better health care facilities and commerce for residents in and around the area. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Ashley Hawkins) (RELEASED)

Happy 234 th Birthday Navy

By Air Force 2^nd Lt. Natassia Cherne

Provincial Reconstruction Team-Nuristan- Public Affairs

FOB KALA GUSH, Afghanistan – The Provincial Reconstruction Team Nuristan celebrated the Navy's 234th birthday with cake, laughter, and reflection of Navy history, Oct. 13. 

NURISTAN, PROVINCE, Afghanistan - Provincial Reconstruction Team Nuristan celebrates the Navy's 234th Birthday Oct. 13 with a cake made made by Petty Officer Travis Mobley. (U.S. Air Force/photo 2nd Lt Natassia Cherne) (RELEASED)

NURISTAN, PROVINCE, Afghanistan - Provincial Reconstruction Team Nuristan celebrates the Navy's 234th Birthday Oct. 13. (U.S. Air Force/photo 2nd Lt Natassia Cherne) (RELEASED)

NURISTAN, PROVINCE, Afghanistan - Provincial Reconstruction Team Nuristan celebrates the Navy's 234th Birthday Oct. 13. (U.S. Air Force/photo 2nd Lt Natassia Cherne) (RELEASED)

PRT NURISTAN MEDICS HELP GIVE BURN PATIENT SENSE OF HOPE

By Air Force Senior Airman Ashley Hawkins, Nuristan Provincial Reconstruction Team Public Affairs



PRT NURISTAN MEDICS HELP GIVE BURN PATIENT SENSE OF HOPE

By Air Force Senior Airman Ashley Hawkins, Nuristan Provincial Reconstruction Team Public Affairs

NURISTAN PROVINCE, Afghanistan – The Nuristan Provincial Reconstruction Team medical team helped a four year-old boy from the Alishang village in Laghman province recover from second degree burns on both arms and minor burns on his face, on Forward Operating Base Kalagush, Oct. 6.
Afsar Khan was playing in his home, approximately three weeks prior, with his three brothers and bumped into the kitchen stove, spilling a pot of boiling water on him, causing burns on his upper body, mostly his left arm.
After a local clinic in Laghman did everything they could for the boy, his father, Noor Muhammad took him to the Nuristan PRT medical team, Dreiling said. After showing his referral at the control point, he was escorted to the PRT clinic where he was greeted by U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Destiney Dowdy, medical service journeyman from Russellville, Arkansas, ten days after the incident, on Sept. 24.
“I didn’t know how bad his burns were when Afsar and his father came into the clinic,” said Dowdy. “As soon as we took the bandages off, I was shocked at how badly his wounds were bleeding. It was a lot worse than I pictured it to be.”
“I was in my morning briefing when I got a call from Dowdy, saying that there was a patient who needed to be seen,” stated Dreiling. “The bandages weren’t taken off until I got there and I was surprised to see how bad it was. It’s not a typical injury you normally see.”
According to Dreiling, when Afsar first came into the clinic, he was constantly crying from the pain and very uncomfortable the entire time. He wasn’t used to seeing Americans, let alone servicmembers in uniform with weapons. His father was reluctant to allow the medics to treat his son, but knew he had tried all he could and was more concerned with Afsar’s well-being.

“I hope the people here put more trust in Americans because we really are here to help and our medics want to make sure that they get the medical attention they need,” Dowdy said.
Since that day, Afsar hasn’t cried at all and he looks forward to going back to the clinic every other day. He even helps to take off the bandages and holds it in place when they’re being wrapped around his arm, according to Dreiling.
“It’s certainly rewarding, as a U.S. servicemember, to be able to go to other countries and help those around us who really need it and who probably can’t afford to see a doctor,” said Dreiling. “It makes my job worthwhile and I look forward to seeing Afsar. He truly is my favorite patient.”
Most of Afsar’s wounds are healed, with the exception of his left arm, which the PRT Nuristan medics are routinely treating to make sure that he has a full recovery.
The Nuristan PRT is a joint force consisting of Navy, Air Force, and Army. The services work side by side also with the local community in order to provide structure and governance within the area of operation.

NURISTAN PROVINCE, Afghanistan - Afsar Khan, a 4-year-old from the Alishang village, takes off his own bandage while getting his routine treatment on Forward Operating Base Kalagush, Oct. 6. Afsar is seen by the PRT medics in order to treat his second degree burn, which occurred three weeks ago and is progressively healing. (U.S. photo/Senior Airman Ashley Hawkins)(RELEASED)

NURISTAN PROVINCE, Afghanistan - U.S. Navy Lt. Jennifer Dreiling, medical department head and senior medical officer from, McLean, Virginia, applies antibacterial cream to 4-year-old Alishan village native Afsar Khan's arm on Forward Operating Base Kalagush, Oct. 6. Afsar is routinely seen by the PRT medics in order to treat his second degree burn, which occurred three weeks ago and is progressively healing. (U.S. photo/Senior Airman Ashley Hawkins)(RELEASED)

NURISTAN PROVINCE, Afghanistan - U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Destiney Dowdy, medical service journeyman from Russellville, Arkansas, puts a smile on 4-year-old Alishan village native Afsar Khan's face during his routine visit to treat his left arm. Afsar is seen by the PRT medics in order to treat his second degree burn, which occurred three weeks ago and is progressively healing. (U.S. photo/Senior Airman Ashley Hawkins)(RELEASED)

PRT Nuristan Meet with Nuristan Provincial Council and Community Leaders

By Air Force 2^nd Lt. Natassia Cherne

Provincial Reconstruction Team-Nuristan- Public Affairs

FOB KALA GUSH, Afghanistan – U.S. Navy CDR. Russell McCormack the Provincial Reconstruction Team Nuristan commander met with six newly elected members of the Provincial Council of Nuristan, and community leaders Oct. 9 to discuss PRT Nuristan’s strategy on security and development for the province.

The six members of the Provincial Council were accompanied by Senator DadMohammed, the Waygul district representative of the Ministry of Rural Rehabilitation and Development, and community leaders from the Wama, Waygul, Parun, Dow Ab, and Nurgarm districts. In total, 17 men came to voice their concerns about recent withdrawals of coalition forces of in Barg-e Matal and Kamdash.

A community member from Wama said, “People are with the government, we don’t want to go back in time.”  A different community member said, “We don’t want to live in the stone age.” These statements show that the people of Nuristan want to work with the government of Afghanistan, it’s security forces, as well as Coalition Forces.

The council members and the community leaders fear that with Coalition Forces pulling out of certain areas and canceling infrastructure projects, the Taliban will get the upper hand. One community leader said that the Taliban use their people’s lack of education, work, and money to recruit Nuristanis to work for them and attack Coalition Forces.

“The meeting was productive because it engaged the new Provincial Council members of Nuristan of the requirements necessary for continual development including demonstrating support of Coalition Forces and the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, as well as not tolerating and reporting Anti Afghanistan Forces activity in the area, ” said. McCormack

The bottom line for the Provincial Council members and community leaders is, not only do the people have to ensure security, but they must be willing to help themselves. Nuristan has many problems with their roads being washed out, snowed in and blocked by boulders. To levitate this issue, PRT Nuristan purchased road building equipment to turn over to the Department of Public Works, but there was no representative in the Nurgaram district to take over the equipment.

One of the goals for the Provincial Council members and community leaders to accomplish by the next meeting with McCormack was to find a representative to be responsible for the equipment and name a person PRT engineers can train to work the equipment.

“There is no need to throw seeds on a field full of rocks. It’s their responsibility to clear the field of rocks and ensure it is fertile ground to grow those seeds. The seeds are symbolic of Coalition Forces and American dollars,” said McCormack.

Another goal included building a better relationship with the people of Kunar. Nuristan and Kunar have had poor relations in the past, is preventing the people of Nuristan access to the road in the Chapa Dara valley of Kunar.  The road is the only way for Nuristanis to reach the south and it is currently controlled by the Taliban. The objective is to let the past be the past and to create a partnership to regain control of not only the road Chapa Dara valley, but of their country as well.

Nuristan Provence, Afghanistan – U.S. Navy CDR. Russell McCormack, native from Hampstead, New Hampshire, with Provincial Reconstruction Team Nuristan, and Kathryn Hoffman, native from Washington D.C., a Foreign Service Officer, with Department of State, hold a meeting with 17 members of the Provincial Council, Oct. 09. PRT Nuristan, Department of State and the Provincial Council identify issues has been preventing security, governance, and infrastructure in Nuristan. (U.S. Air Force photo / 2nd Lt Natassia Cherne) (RELEASED)

PRT Engineers teach local Afghans self reliance

Story by U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Ashley Hawkins, Provincial Reconstruction Team-Nuristan Public Affairs


NURISTAN PROVINCE, Afghanistan – Engineers assigned to Nuristan’s Provincial Reconstruction Team conducted a concrete self-help class for local Afghans at Forward Operating Base Kalagush, Oct. 8.

Held every Thursday, the self-help class, which averages 10 to 15 students a week, teaches villagers basic construction techniques they can use to improve their local communities.

“When I started the development of the classes, I looked into the Nuristan province’s state of living and sanitation issues,” U.S. Navy Lt. Christopher Saunders, who began the classes shortly after the new PRT arrived this summer, said. “I decided that the best plan of action was to have the local community do self-help projects that would teach them something to take back to their villages so they can improve their sanitation and ventilation conditions.”

The current project, headed by the PRT engineers, but taught by Afghan engineers working with the PRT at FOB Kalagush, is the construction of a pit latrine. The students learned to excavate a deep hole, and line the inner wall with brick. The students also discussed ventilation techniques, decreasing the chances of spreading infectious diseases.

“We’re hoping that in addition to the materials we provide for them to improve their villages, that they gain a better understanding of the construction we teach them, and also develop better relationships with the people from other villages that they are working here with,” Saunders said.

After the class, PRT engineers sent the Afghan villagers home with ten bags of cement to work on the projects discussed in the class. Periodically, the PRT will send the Afghan engineers to the villages to check on the students’ progress.

“I get a great deal of satisfaction when I see pictures of finished projects from the locals,” said Saunders. “It shows that they’re taking in these lessons and using what we’ve taught them to give back to their villages.”

The Nuristan PRT is a joint force consisting of U.S. Air Force, U.S. Army, and U.S. Navy servicemembers, whose ongoing mission is to aid in reconstruction efforts within the province.

NURISTAN PROVINCE, Afghanistan - U.S. Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Jordan Parker of Provincial Reconstruction Team Nuristan, from , loads cement mixer into a cement truck while Lt. j.g. Christopher Saunders supervises during the cement self-help class on Forward Operating Base Kalagush, in this photo taken Oct. 1. The self help concrete class, headed by Provincial Reconstruction Team Nuristan engineers, but taught by local engineers who work on the FOB, is held every Thursday and teaches locals from all over the Nuristan province various projects that they take back to their villages to help rebuild it. (Courtesy Photo)(RELEASED

NURISTAN PROVINCE, Afghanistan - Afghan students of the self-help concrete class carry bags of cement out of a shed to be taken to their village in order to finish their current project on Forward Operating Base Kalagush, Oct. 8. The self help concrete class, headed by Provincial Reconstruction Team Nuristan engineers, but taught by local engineers who work on the FOB, is held every Thursday and teaches locals from all over the Nuristan province various projects that they take back to their villages to help rebuild it. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Ashley Hawkins) (RELEASED)

Team Nuristan Visits Kandah Village

NURISTAN, PROVINCE, Afghanistan - U.S. Navy CDR. Russell McCormack, native from Hampstead, New Hampshire, with Provincial Reconstruction Team Nuristan and the Alingar district governor Nangali, discuss the priorities for the Rajai village, Oct 07. PRT Nuristan make routine visits to villages to discuss major priorities which include, community self-help projects to repair wash outs from floods and build retaining walls along a steep-sided watercourse for dry areas, or a wadi. (U.S. Air Force/photo 2nd Lt Natassia Cherne) (RELEASED)

NURISTAN PROVINCE, Afghanistan - U.S. Navy CDR. Russell McCormack, native from Hampstead, New Hampshire, with Provincial Reconstruction Team Nuristan and the Alingar district governor Nangali, discuss the priorities for the Kandah village, Oct 07. PRT Nuristan make routine visits to villages to discuss major priorities which include, community self-help projects to repair wash outs from floods and build retaining walls along a steep-sided watercourse for dry areas, or a wadi. (U.S. Air Force photo/2nd Lt Natassia Cherne) (RELEASED)

NURISTAN PROVINCE, Afghanistan - U.S. Navy Lt. J.G. Stacy Gross, native from Lakeville, Minnesota, with Provincial Reconstruction Team Nuristan, looks at one child’s English book in the Kandah village, Oct 07. PRT Nuristan make routine visits to villages to discuss major priorities which include, community self-help projects to repair wash outs from floods and build retaining walls along a steep-sided watercourse for dry areas, or a wadi. (U.S. Air Force photo/2nd Lt Natassia Cherne) (RELEASED)

NURISTAN PROVINCE, Afghanistan – Afghanistan National Police officer Zawa, of the Alingar district, shakes hands with children in the Kanda village while on patrol with the Provincial Reconstruction Team Nuristan, Oct 7. PRT Nuristan make routine visits to villages to discuss major priorities which include, community self-help projects to repair wash outs from floods and build retaining walls along a steep-sided watercourse for dry areas, or a wadi. (U.S. Air Force photo/2nd Lt Natassia Cherne) (RELEASED)

NURISTAN PROVINCE, Afghanistan - U.S. Army 1st Lt. Julia Malouin, native from Manhattan, New York, with Provincial Reconstruction Team Nuristan and the Alingar district governor Nangali, discuss the priorities for the Kanda village, Oct 07. PRT Nuristan make routine visits to villages to discuss major priorities which include, community self-help projects to repair wash outs from floods and build retaining walls along a steep-sided watercourse for dry areas, or a wadi. (U.S. Air Force photo/2nd Lt Natassia Cherne) (RELEASED)

NURISTAN PROVINCE, Afghanistan - U.S. Navy CDR. Russell McCormack, native from Hampstead, New Hampshire, with Provincial Reconstruction Team Nuristan and the Alingar district governor Nangali, discuss the priorities for the Kanda village, Oct 07. PRT Nuristan make routine visits to villages to discuss major priorities which include, community self-help projects to repair wash outs from floods and build retaining walls along a steep-sided watercourse for dry areas, or a wadi. (U.S. Air Force photo/2nd Lt Natassia Cherne) (RELEASED)

BRINGING THE ARMY 10-MILER TO ALL NURISTAN TROOPS

By U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Ashley Hawkins, Nuristan Provincial Reconstruction Team Public Affairs


NURISTAN PROVINCE, Afghanistan – The sun had not yet risen over Forward Operating Base Kalagush in Afghanistan’s Nuristan province, Oct. 4, but there were Army, Navy, Marine Corps and Air Force troops on the track, preparing themselves for a long journey, a 10-mile run.

Eighteen servicemembers from Forward Operating Base Kala Gush participated in the 10-mile shadow run, around the FOB, in support of the 25th annual Army 10-Miler, an Army tradition that is held every October at the Pentagon in Washington, D.C.

The Army 10-Miler is the largest ten mile race held in America. It is sponsored by U.S. Army Military District of Washington. The purpose of the run is to support all ambitions in maintaining good health, and boost interaction within the community, while still providing support for the Army.

U.S. Army 2nd Lt. Randal Maurer and 1st Lt. George Pierce, who are stationed together with the 2nd Battalion, 77th Field Artillery Regiment in Fort Carson, Colorado, decided to bring that tradition, in what is called a shadow run, to other servicemembers stationed at FOB Kala Gush.

Maurer has participated in the D.C. marathon before, and thought it would be a good idea to let other troops unfamiliar with the Army tradition, get a taste of what he believes is a genuine self-motivating, valuable experience.

“I wanted to try to better myself and to see if I could do it,” Maurer said. “I wanted to give others the opportunity to do that also.”

Pierce, who also sponsored the run for his former Army ROTC class at University of North Carolina, decided to help promote the run as soon as he got to FOB Kala Gush.

“I decided, with Lt. Maurer, to coordinate the marathon as a fun run, a morale booster,” said Peirce. “Something like this allows people to work hard and have fun at the same time. It also promotes camaraderie.”

That camaraderie was shown by Soldiers of the 2-77 to a fellow troop who was on his last two laps, and they all decided to join him and encourage him to finish it out. Everyone finished the race.

The Army 10-Mile Shadow run was a marathon that consisted of servicemembers from 2-77 FA and the Nuristan Provincial Reconstruction team, which is a joint force of Army, Navy, Marine Corps, and Air Force.

For more information on the Army 10-Miler, visit www.thearmytenmiler.com. 

NURISTAN PROVINCE, Afghanistan - U.S. servicemembers participate in the Army 10-mile shadow run on Forward Operating Base Kalagush, October 4. The marathon was held in honor of the annual Army 10-Miler that is held in October in Washington D.C., in support of maintaining good health, boosting interaction within the community, and providing support for the Army. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Ashley Hawkins) (RELEASED)

 

 

 

NURISTAN PROVINCE, Afghanistan – U.S. Army 1st Lt. Randall Maurer, runs by a concession stand while participating in the Army 10-mile shadow run on Forward Operating Base Kalagush, October 4. The marathon was held in honor of the annual Army 10-Miler that is held in October in Washington D.C., in support of maintaining good health, boosting interaction within the community, and providing support for the Army. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Ashley Hawkins) (RELEASED)

 

NURISTAN PROVINCE, Afghanistan - U.S. Army Spc. Rich Kutch, Fort Collins, Colorado, reviews runners' times during the Army 10-mile shadow run on Forward Operating Base Kalagush, October 4. The marathon was held in honor of the annual Army 10-Miler that is held in October in Washington D.C., in support of maintaining good health, boosting interaction within the community, and providing support for the Army. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Ashley Hawkins) (RELEASED)

 

 

October is here, a time for tricks, treats, and memories

Commentary
By Air Force 2^nd Lt. Natassia Cherne
Provincial Reconstruction Team-Nuristan- Public Affairs

FOB Kala Gush, Nuristan Afghanistan – Being deployed reminds me of the movie Groundhog Day, every day is the same, so it’s hard to remember good old American holidays. Now that October is here, Halloween comes to mind, and memories of past Halloweens flood not only my memory, but the memory of Halloween for other service members as well.

I remember being eight years old and going to a haunted tent with some of the neighborhood kids. We went as a group through the tent and finally made our way to the haunted cemetery, when Jason came around the corner with his chainsaw and hockey mask, and I took off running. I rounded the corner and ran into a wire holding the tent down, that same night I also ruined my beloved Beauty and the Beast shoes. It’s a memory I will never forget and it still makes me laugh till this day.

Below are some Halloween memories of service members here in Afghanistan.

Pfc. David Loomis, security force for the Provincial Reconstruction Team Nuristan, said his fondest childhood memory is, “When I was little kid, I dressed up like Zorro and I had a light sword, it was awesome!”

Marine Corps 1st Lt. Bradley Brill, Afghanistan National Army embedded training team leader said, “When I was 13, I chased down kids who stole another kid’s candy.” As you can see, Lt. Brill was always a motivated and dedicated Marine, even in his youth.

“One Halloween, when I was eight, I didn’t have a costume, so I took a box, wrapped it in aluminum foil, put it on my body and called myself a robot,” said Spc. Miles Sleeper, PRT Nuristan, security force.

Another memory from the past was from radio operator for the 2-77 Field Artillery Task Force Steel Warriors, Pfc. Allan Vargas, “In the sixth grade, I dressed up as Darth Vader from the movie Star Wars and the force was with me all night long because I got a whole bunch of candy!”

Not all Halloween memories are childhood ones, some of the most memorable Halloweens are ones we spend as adults.

“Last Halloween when I was going home from my deployment in Iraq, we had gotten held over in Germany and got to stay in a five star hotel and eat a five course meal for free,” said Senior Airman Ashley Hawkins, PRT Nuristan, Public Affairs photographer.

Petty Officer 3rd Class, Travis Mobley, radio operator and mail clerk for PRT Nuristan said, “Last year was the first year I celebrated Halloween, I was in downtown San Diego dressed up like Stewie Griffin from Family Guy. It was great I was the only Stewie downtown and I got all the girls.”

One memory that many families can relate to is a memory from Capt. Luis Arriola, the 2-77 Field Artillery Task Force Steel Warriors Battalion communication officer, who said his fondest memory was, “When my wife, daughter and I took a ride on a horse carriage through a pumpkin patch, my wife picked out a pumpkin and my daughter said no, she wanted two other pumpkins, she picked up two big pumpkins at the same time and fell over, it was so cute!”

I asked service members at Kala Gush what are some of the best traditions of Halloween they miss, here is what they said:

* Trick-or-treating with their families
* Watching scary movies
* Going to Halloween parties
* Having an excuse to dress up
* Setting up the yard with decorations
* Haunted Houses
* Carving pumpkins
* Pumpkin and Pecan pie
* CANDY!!!!!

If anyone would like to send any candy, decorations or anything that will help to lift the spirits of our service members at FOB Kala Gush, please send it to:

Public Affairs Office
PRT Nuristan/FOB Kala Gush
APO AE 09354

A meeting in Kowtalay Village

NURISTAN PROVINCE, Afghanistan - Cmdr. Rodney Ottinger, Nuristan provincial reconstruction team executive officer, and other Nuristan PRT members meet with the Kowtalay village elders to discuss village reconstruction ideas and provide atmospherics for future operations outside of forward operating base kalagush, October 1. The Nuristan PRT routinely conducts ground assault convoys to local villages in order to identify local leadership, which helps reinforce their commitment to governance and gain support for coalition forces.