Ambassador to Afghanistan visits Camp Nathan Smith

Photo By Sgt. April York | Ambassador Ryan Crocker, U.S. ambassador to Afghanistan, addresses the Afghans, U.S. civilians and international security forces stationed at Camp Nathan Smith, Oct. 29. Crocker visited CNS to thank the residents for their preparedness, vigilance and determination during a failed enemy attack of the base Oct. 27. He also thanked the joint team for their continued efforts to bring stability and security to Kandahar.  

KANDAHAR, AFGHANISTAN

10.29.2011

Story by Spc. April York 

2nd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division

KANDAHAR CITY, Afghanistan – Ambassador Ryan Crocker, U.S. ambassador to Afghanistan, visited Camp Nathan Smith Oct. 29 to thank the residents for their valiant efforts in defense of their camp.

“I’m down here today for one reason,” Crocker said. “To thank you all, military, civilian, international partners and our Afghan partners for what you did two days ago.”

The enemy launched a failed attack Thursday by firing rocket propelled grenades and machine guns at the base from a nearby abandoned building.

During Crocker’s visit to the camp, he received a brief from Col. John S. Kolasheski, commander of 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, and his staff explaining the attack in detail.

“The residents of CNS were honored to have the ambassador visit,” said Maj. Kevin Toner, brigade spokesperson. “He is a remarkably busy man with a remarkably challenging job, but he found the time for us.”

Crocker presented combat action badges to 10 soldiers who were chosen to represent the many who earned the badge. Crocker pinned on the badges and thanked each soldier for the roles they filled during the attack.

“I’m deeply honored to have the privilege to pin on the combat action badges to those who have earned them.” Crocker said. “I was pleased to note that two out of the 10 soldiers were women. It’s a new war, a new military and our women carry a tremendous amount of the burden in keeping our company safe overseas.”

In closing, he said, “Thanks to your preparedness, your vigilance and your determination that attack was a defeat for our adversaries. The Afghan forces, which you and your colleagues helped train, performed admirably, and we now continue the mission jointly of building a stable and secure Kandahar.”

• Date Taken: 10.29.2011
• Date Posted: 10.30.2011 07:36
• Story ID: 79276
• Location: KANDAHAR, AF