Soldiers special guests at Khaga school graduation

KHAGA, AFGHANISTAN

11.13.2010

Story by Staff Sgt. Ryan Matson 

Combined Joint Task Force 101

By U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Ryan C. Matson

KHAGA, Afghanistan - Soldiers from 2nd Platoon, Troop C, 1st Squadron, 61st Cavalry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division, attended a graduation of 50 students from the Computer English Education Center, Nov. 11, in Shura Hall in the town of Khaga in eastern Afghanistan’s Nangarhar province.

The platoon was invited to attend the graduation by Khaga police chief Adam Kahn. Second platoon has worked closely with the Khaga police since they arrived here from Fort Campbell, Ky., nearly three months ago, providing training on a variety of topics including weapons maintenance and driver’s training.

Before the graduation, C Troop commander U.S. Army Capt. David Brown, an infantry officer from Woodstock, Conn., took a few minutes to speak with the graduating students and faculty from the school.

“Education is a powerful weapon,” Brown told the class. “We see it as stronger than guns and bombs. Schools and education are the foundation for the future of Afghanistan.”

This is the eighth class to graduate from the school, which spans six months. Students said they learned English and computer skills at the school.

As the students asked Brown questions, he said he could tell they learned a lot during their six months.

“Your English is very, very good,” he told one student.

Brown also asked if there was anything his troop could help the school with in the future. A student said they needed more computers to develop their classes.

A student asked Brown why the Americans had come to Khaga.

Brown explained the students were there for the security of the people and to help the government continue to develop.

“Hopefully some day we can walk down the street here, and we won’t have to wear body armor or carry weapons,” he said.

• Date Taken: 11.13.2010
• Date Posted: 11.13.2010 13:58
• Story ID: 60068
• Location: KHAGA, AF