Local Villagers Express Concerns

We heard reports of a local village being harrassed at night by Anti-Afghan Forces so we sent a joint patrol consisting of the Afghan National Army (ANA), the USMC, and ourselves to listen to their concerns. The villagers were very hospitable and expressed that they were looking forward to voting at the elections on August 20th. We exchanged some information and at the end the ANA distributed some humanitarian aid to the locals through the elders. Recently, several villagers in our area have fought back against the Taliban and kicked them out of their villages. We hope this is a sign that the locals are begining to see that the Taliban offers them no hope for their future.

More on Governor Visit

In these photos Governor Gibbons is promoting Staff Sergeant Christian Riege of Yerrington, NV to Sergeant First Class and addressing the troops afterwards. The Governor thanked the troops for their service and let them know that they are in the thoughts and prayers of the folks back home.

Transfer of Authority Ceremony

Yesterday was the transfer of authority ceremony from the outgoing 1-178 IN ILARNG to the Wildhorse Squadron. We were very pleased to have in attendance Nevada's own Governor Jim Gibbons and Governor Pat Quinn of Illinois. In addition, Governor Lutfallah Mashal of Laghman Province was in attendance. During the ceremony the outgoing and incoming commanders made speeches along with both U.S. governors and PRT Commanders. Security was tight and fortunately everyone had a safe day. After the ceremony Governor Gibbons visited with and took pictures with the troops. He was then guided on a walking tour of FOB Methar Lam. The Governor seemed very interested and asked a lot of questions. Following the tour both Govenors thanked us for our service and hospitality and moved on via helicopter to their next destination. Connection speed is very slow but more pictures will soon follow.

Incoming and Outgoing Commanders

The incoming commander, 1-221 CAV NVARNG, LTC Scott Cunningham (left), is standing next to the outgoing commander, 1-178th IN ILARNG, LTC Daniel Fuhr, at COP Najil, Laghman Province. For about three weeks both units work hand in hand during the relief in place, and transfer of authority period. Once the transfer is complete, 221 CAV will take full command of the mission.

Footmarch

Here you can see an unidentified soldier on a footmarch somewhere in the Alishang Valley. Notice the walled "Qalat" type compound in front of him. Most of the structures here are made from mud that is baked into very solid bricks.

Alingar Valley

The photo that you see here is one of two main valleys here in Laghman, the Alingar. The Alingar is fed by the snow melt of the Western Hindu Cush which meets the Alishang Valley near Methar Lam, forming a "Y" shape. This area has long been known as one of the most fertile in Afghanistan. The "square" shaped compounds that you see along the banks are called Qalats. They are Afghan homes that are surrounded by brick walls for protection.

Squadron arrives in theater!!

Hello all and thanks for being patient while we transitioned into country. We are currently headquartered in Laghman Province which is a beautiful, furtile, and lush area located between Kabul and Jalalabad just off of Highway 1. Pictures of the area will be uploaded soon...stay tuned!