Provincial & ANSF leaders, RC-West Commander attend Farah PRT Change of Command Ceremony

FORWARD OPERATING BASE FARAH, AFGHANISTAN

03.13.2010

Story by 2nd Lt. Karl Wiest 

Provincial Reconstruction Team Farah

FARAH, Afghanistan — Farah Provincial Gov. Rahool Amin and Italian Brig. Gen. Alessandro Veltri, the Regional Command West commander, both attended the change of command ceremony for the Farah Provincial Reconstruction Team, March 13, at Forward Operating Base Farah, Afghanistan.

The outgoing PRT commander, Cmdr. Lawrence Vasquez, thanked Amin "for his dedication and commitment to the Afghan people and his principles of fair and honest government." Vasquez went on to say, "It is Afghan citizens like Gov. Amin who will lead this nation to prosperity."

Also in attendance were Afghan national army Brig. Gen. Mohammad Akram Sameh and National Directorate of Security Brig. Gen. Samad, both of whom were recognized by Vasquez for "their bravery and dedication towards the Afghan people."

Under the supervision of Amin and the Farah Provincial Government, Vasquez and his team supported over 50 reconstruction projects during their tour in Farah.

Veltri praised the efforts of the outgoing team during the ceremony and also welcomed the new PRT, which is led by Cmdr. Jim Mann.

"I have been very pleased with the work of the outgoing team and am also thrilled with the attitude and the work ethic I have seen demonstrated so far by the new team and their leadership", said Veltri. "Also, the new PRT will focus on creating more security, more reconstruction, and more development because the Afghan people deserve more."

A mix of civilian agencies and U.S. military forces, the Farah PRT works to promote conditions of Afghan self-sufficiency, enduring prosperity, and a secure, stable environment. From wells to roads to schools, the teams, based throughout Afghanistan, are helping to rebuild the country and to assist Afghan capacity development.

At the conclusion of the ceremony, Mann took a moment to thank his team for their efforts thus far.

"I sincerely appreciate your efforts and am proud to lead you," said Mann. "Thank you all in advance for your teamwork, discipline, flexibility, and professionalism in support of the challenging and important work to come."

• Date Taken: 03.13.2010
• Date Posted: 03.23.2010 00:53
• Story ID: 47047
• Location: FORWARD OPERATING BASE FARAH, AF