Marines, Afghans talk education, health during shura

PATROL BASE BOLDAC, AFGHANISTAN

04.29.2011

Story by Cpl. Adam Leyendecker 

Regional Command Southwest

PATROL BASE BOLDAC, Afghanistan– Leaders from 1st Battalion, 23rd Marine Regiment met with Afghan elders to discuss community issues such as education, health care and the poppy harvest at a shura at Patrol Base Boldac, April 29.

With the upcoming poppy harvest, elders brought up security concerns, said Sgt. Eric Garza, intelligence chief for Company C, 1st Battalion, 23rd Marines, and native of Corpus Christi, Texas. “The elders are very happy to be working with us and are grateful for our presence in the area. They stated they feel safer at home from the Taliban due to our increased patrols.”

However, water for other crops, an alternative to poppy, was the main topic of discussion.

The locals want Marines to provide them with more water or divert the river, which is about 70 kilometers away, said Garza.

Other quality of life issues were also areas of concern for local Afghans.

“The elders were concerned about education and health care in the area due to the lack of a school and local medical clinic,” said Maj. Christopher J. Toland, company commander for Headquarters and Service Company, 1st Battalion, 23rd Marines.

After the exchange, the group engaged in friendly conversation, laughs and traditional Afghan food.

“The Marines have a great relationship with the local Afghan citizens because they not only ensure a safe area, but they constantly work to build friendships,” said Toland. “Since our deployment here, the atmospherics have stayed positive due to this continued engagement and clear concern for all aspects of their lives.”

This was the fourth shura between the two groups and lasted about two hours. They are slated to meet again in a few weeks.

• Date Taken: 04.29.2011
• Date Posted: 05.09.2011 05:27
• Story ID: 70093
• Location: PATROL BASE BOLDAC, AF