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COMBAT OUTPOST CASTLE, Afghanistan – In celebration of Eid, Marines and Afghan national security forces passed out food to Afghan locals during Operation Ramadan, Sept. 8 and 9.
From sunrise to sunset, Afghan locals fasted during the month for Ramadan. After fasting they partook in Eid al-Fitr, a three-day celebration where the families spent time together commemorating the sacrifice of Abraham.
“We gave rice, beans, flower, tea, sugar and salt to the local nationals to honor their Ramadan and Eid,” said Maj. Trevor Howell, a team leader with 3rd Civil Affairs Group attached to 1st Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion.
The food items that were given to the locals are part of the traditional items they use to cook their feast. Members of ANSF interacted with the locals during the distribution of these foods, which were given to those most in need.
“The intent of Operation Ramadan is to show the government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan giving these gift items to the poorest of each community,” said Howell, a Mira Bile, Mich., native. “We teamed up with the Afghan uniformed police and Afghan border patrol to help pass out these items.”
Mullahs from the outer-laying villages also arrived at Combat Outpost Castle to pick up the foods assigned to their communities.
“The mullahs were very happy because they had food for the people of their village who don’t have the resources for a big celebration like this one,” said Lance Cpl. Jose Campos, a civil affairs Marine with 3rd CAG attached to 1st LAR Bn.
“This is to show that we honor their holiday and its traditions, but most importantly it shows the government of Afghanistan supports the local people in the celebration of Eid,” Howell said.
Operation Ramadan was extended to villages from all of 1st LAR Bn’s area of operation.
“We took the foods and divided it into portions so we could give each village, that we operate in, enough to supply for the three days,” said Campos, a Moreno Valley, Calif., native.
Marines and their Afghan partners patrolled through these villages on a daily basis, prior to the end of Ramadan, asking the locals what they need and how they can help them.
“I think it’s a good way to show that we are here for them and that we care,” Campos said.
| Date Taken: | 09.08.2010 |
| Date Posted: | 09.13.2010 20:26 |
| Story ID: | 56215 |
| Location: | COMBAT OUTPOST CASTLE, AF |
| Web Views: | 80 |
| Downloads: | 8 |
This work, Marines, ANSF help local Afghans celebrate end of Ramadan, by Sgt Eugenio Montanez, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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