1/8 hosts key leader engagement in Musa Qal’eh

MUSA QAL'EH, AFGHANISTAN

10.03.2010

Story by Cpl. Joshua Hines 

II Marine Expeditionary Force   

MUSA QAL’EH, Afghanistan – Musa Qal’eh District’s political and security force leadership sat down with the unit leaders of 1st Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 2, during a Key Leader Engagement aboard Forward Operating Base Musa Qal’eh, Oct. 3.

The event began as leaders from both sides greeted each other and took their places at the dining table. Prior to the meal, Musa Qal’eh District Governor Naimatullah took part in the promotion ceremony of Maj. Scott Stephan, battalion operations officer, by pinning on a gold oak leaf to his collar, an honor usually reserved for Marines.

“The Key Leaders Engagement is a [battalion]-driven event meant to bring the key leaders within Musa Qal’eh together to let them know that we are here to support them and together we’re going to make sure Musa Qal’eh is secure,” said 1st Lt. Aaron Johnson, the supply officer with Headquarters Company, 1st Bn., 8th Marines.

In attendance were District Governor Naimatullah, Commander Koka, District chief of police; Lt. Col. Abdul Rahman, national directorate of security and the commanders within their ranks.

“Our goal is to create a better relationship between the government of Afghanistan and coalition forces, which makes the KLE important,” said Sgt. Maj. Steve Rice, battalion sergeant major. “It takes time to build up trust and understanding, not only between two people, but two organizations and the KLE allows us to gain that trust and understanding.”

Over the course of dinner both sides discussed current issues along with possible future goals.

“The hope for the dinner is that both parties walked away happy and satisfied that all of our mutual goals are being obtained and achieved,” said Rice.

The District Governor brought the evening to a close, giving his best regards and wishing that all in attendance be successful in their ventures. With more key leader engagements to come, 1st Bn., 8th Marines, has high hopes for their future in Musa Qal’eh.

• Date Taken: 10.03.2010
• Date Posted: 10.08.2010 08:36
• Story ID: 57735
• Location: MUSA QAL'EH, AF