Gor Tepa, RC-North leaders visit coalition forces

KABUL, AFGHANISTAN

01.12.2011

Courtesy Story

ISAF Joint Command

KABUL, Afghanistan – While constructing a combat outpost along the main road that runs throughout the region, soldiers from the U.S. Army 1st Battalion, 87th Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division were visited by the deputy commander of International Security Assistance Force Regional Command North, U.S. Army Col. Sean P. Mulholland Jan. 9.

The deputy commander was presented a briefing on security and development operations in the immediate area and had the opportunity to speak with Afghan National Police officers and walked along the road visiting local merchants.

“I want to thank you for your hard work and dedication to this mission,” said Mulholland to the soldiers at checkpoint five. “Know that the work you are doing is bringing not only security, but hope to this region. Your efforts are seen by the world.”

U.S. Army Lt. Col Russell Lewis, battalion commander, 1-87th Infantry, characterized the mission as successful and continues to build upon the successes achieved by Afghan National Security Forces and his battalion.

“Not too long ago, the possibility of security in this area was out of the question,” said Lewis. “We, as a combined team, had to fight for this ground against the insurgents and we were successful. We knew that the government needed to connect with the people out here and to provide that security along with ANSF has been a tremendous gain. We are building a product, being security, for the future.”

When asked about the unit’s morale, U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. Stephen Travers, battalion sergeant major, 1st Battalion, 87th Infantry, described it as “incredible.”

“The soldiers are fighting under austere conditions, yet they continue to work hard without question,” said Travers. “Our time here has shown in the successes we’ve achieved with ANSF. The combined team is truly making history.”

• Date Taken: 01.12.2011
• Date Posted: 01.12.2011 21:16
• Story ID: 63449
• Location: KABUL, AF