KANDAHAR AIRFIELD, Afghanistan -- Safety is created by ownership of action. Members of the International Security Assistance Forces are helping local Afghan districts to do just that by opening lines of communication between local leaders.

Alpha Company, 1st of the 24th Infantry Regiment escorted Brig. Gen. Jeff Kendall, Kandahar Airfield Base commander, to the Dand district to meet with their Governor Hamdullah Nazak. The two leaders spoke extensively on responsibilities to secure the region.

Nazak has been the Dand District Governor for three years and has proven to have a high stake in security of his region. He is an elected official and keeps getting elected for his stance on protecting the people of his district.

In a relaxed environment, discussed over tea, the two leaders addressed concerns of enemy weapon movement, and the plan for Afghan police to take a larger role in ensuring safety of the region.

Though there was a sense of ease during the meeting, there was a definite presence of urgency. Everyone in the room knew of a draw down in Afghanistan, and that an all inclusive plan with many variables accounted for is absolutely necessary.

“We are all aware of the impending draw down.” Kendall said, “This further proves that we need to have a strong working plan, so its not effected by a loss in our numbers."

Kandahar airfield falls between two local districts, the Dand and the Daman. This is why so much coordination is needed. To ensure each district has an equal workload of responsibility.

Future talks between the governor and the general were discussed along with the goal of a much larger meeting between governors of both districts and their staffs. All of which will further secure the Kandahar region, strengthening bonds with local leaders and international aid.

“I am looking forward to [hearing] your ideas, and that of the Daman District Governor,” Kendall said as the meeting came to a close on a positive note.

Kendall has been the base commander of Kandahar Airfield for just under a year now, and though reaching out to the communities like this isn’t the only thing he has done, Kandahar Airfield has seen a significant reduction in the number of attacks this year.

“Its not ISAF that will make the region safer, its ISAF’s coordination with tribal leaders that will let this area flourish,” Nazak said.

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