Laghman Provincial Reconstruction Team completes transfer of authority

03.13.2010

Story by 2nd Lt. Rachel Davenport 

Combined Joint Task Force - 82 PAO

LAGHMAN PROVINCE, Afghanistan -- U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Christopher J. Possehl assumed command from U.S. Army Lt. Col. Benjamin R. Ungerman of the Laghman Provincial Reconstruction Team at Forward Operating Base Mehtar Lam during a Transfer of Authority Ceremony, March 13.

Throughout the ceremony, sincere words of appreciation, hope and encouragement were expressed by both commanders as well as U.S. Army Col. Randy A. George, the commander of Task Force Mountain Warrior, who presided over the ceremony.

The province has come a long way since Ungerman arrived almost a year ago, however there is still much to be done, according to George.

"Thank you for the hard and great work you have given that has made such an amazing difference in this province," said the colonel.

Though the previous team endured many challenges, their accomplishments resonated throughout the speeches, and Possehl promised to continue their progress.

"Ten years from now you will not remember our names, but with God's help you will remember the good things we accomplished together," he said in Pashto, the predominant language of the area.

"We still have a hard journey ahead," said George to the incoming team, but "I am completely confident that you will build upon the successes of Ben [Ungerman] and his team."

The future continues to look bright for Laghman province as the new team picks up where the outgoing team left off in its mission to connect the provincial government to its people.

• Date Taken: 03.13.2010
• Date Posted: 03.16.2010 18:40
• Story ID: 46770