Combined Joint Task Force - 82 PAO

Story by Spc. Eugene Cushing

KUNAR PROVINCE, Afghanistan - Headlights of vehicles light up the early morning darkness at a remote base in Afghanistan's Kunar province. Soldiers stir while contemplating the difficult drive up a snake-like mountain road that connects Kunar to its outlying provinces.

This is the start to another day for the U.S. Army Soldiers of the 704th Brigade Support Battalion, who provide security for local Afghan drivers delivering supplies to remote military bases in eastern Afghanistan, serving under Task Force Mountain Warrior.

U.S. Army 1st Lt. Chris B. Fisher of Sugar Grove, Ill., leads one of the platoons tasked with escorting the local drivers. He explained that the 704 th BSB allows the maneuver battalions to focus on their missions without having to worry about logistics.

Before their missions, units like Fisher's spend a majority of their time planning the mission, and figuring out the best way to protect the local drivers and their vehicles.

"Different trucks require different kinds of security," Fisher said.

Fisher, a former infantryman, went on to say that serving with the support battalion has really made him appreciate the logistical side of operations, and the importance of the battalion's mission.

"This is where all the training we did at Fort Carson is really paying off," he said.

The units continue training in Afghanistan as well, conducting rehearsals and performing review training to keep them ready for when they conduct their next mission.

According to U.S. Army Spc. Jalan K. Marshall of Oakland, Calif., a gunner within the unit, it feels good to help fellow Soldiers directly involved in the fighting.

"We all appreciate what they're doing, and we're glad to be able to help them," he said.

While conducting these missions, units also see their own fair share of the battle. It's here that they use their training to keep supplies moving and have a positive impact on the entire brigade.

"It's not easy," Fisher said. "But, it's rewarding."

U.S. Army Spc. Daniel C. Roodzant of Victorville, Calif., a communications specialist assigned to Company A, also spoke about the hidden rewards of the unit's mission.

"You know you've helped your fellow Soldier out when you get here," he said, after finishing a mission. "It makes it worth it."

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