Photo By Staff Sgt. Edward Siguenza | Members of Echo Company, 1-294th Infantry Regiment, Guam Army National Guard, unite...... read more read more
PAKTYA PROVINCE, Afghanistan – Almost a dozen Guam Army National Guardsmen perform their Operation Enduring Freedom mission in an area so isolated, mail arrives just twice a week – and that’s dependent on an available helicopter to deliver it.
But to the Guam Guardsmen from Echo Company, 1-294th Infantry Regiment, mail isn’t a priority. Their responsibilities as guardian angels – personal bodyguards, so to speak – to military and civilian instructors are motivations that keep their minds focused.
“Honestly, the guys are in good spirits,” said Staff Sgt. Phillip Cabedo, noncommissioned officer in charge of the Guam group stationed at Forward Operating Base Lightning. “Yeah, they miss their battle buddies and friends, but they know they have to be here for the mission. They know when they go out as guardian angels, it’s important. The instructors cannot operate without us.”
Daily, the Guam Guardsmen escort principals to the Regional Logistic Support Command – Southeast’s motor pool, just outside FOB Lightning, where they conduct classroom theory and hands-on instructions to Afghan National Army mechanics. Majority of the students are in their 20s. Most of their training involves maintenance of a standard tactical vehicle.
The Guam Guard’s mission began shortly after Task Force Guam assumed responsibility from Task Force Centurion Prime in May.
So far, there have been three different contracting groups that required the Guam Guard’s assistance, Cabedo explained. There have been close to two dozen instructors that the soldiers have provided protection for. While class is in session, the soldiers are watchful of what goes on inside as well as outside of the main building.
“Right there, that’s the future of this operation,” said Sgt. Vincent J. Santos, fire team leader, pointing to the ANA mechanics. “They’re here to learn about these vehicles and what to do when they break down. To do that, they have to learn from the instructors. And the instructors need us so they can perform their duties effectively.”
FOB Lightning is a relatively small compound inside of FOB Thunder, an ANA-operated complex. FOB Lightning is so small, the finance office for soldiers is available just once a month, Cabedo explained. A small post exchange opens just an hour per day and that’s not even seven days a week.
The Guam Guardsmen share billeting with soldiers from the 101st Airborne Division, the main occupiers of FOB Lightning. Guam’s role is simply for Guardian Angel missions. The Guam Guardsmen do not carry any other mission responsibilities.
FOB Lighting is closer to the Pakistan border than it is to Kabul, Afghanistan’s capital and site of the majority of Echo Company soldiers.
“Yeah we’re separated from the rest of the company, but we understand our role here,” Santos added. “And they understand why we’re placed here. We’re getting the support we need.”
Task Force Guam continues assisting the NATO Training Mission-Afghanistan’s goal of building and supporting the Afghan national security force.
| Date Taken: | 07.10.2013 |
| Date Posted: | 07.25.2013 02:02 |
| Story ID: | 110766 |
| Location: | PAKTYA PROVINCE, AF |
| Web Views: | 301 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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