Coalition, Afghan forces clear Salang Pass

AFGHANISTAN

03.07.2012

Story by Staff Sgt. Jared Crain 

10th Mountain Division Sustainment Brigade Public Affairs Office

PARWAN PROVINCE, Afghanistan – Record snow falls in Afghanistan have resulted in several fatal avalanches and left some vital travel corridors blocked by tons of snow. One of those critical routes, the Salang Pass, which connects northern and southern Afghanistan, became nearly unusable

U.S. Army Sgt. Shawn Carpenter, the unit’s quick reaction force non-commissioned officer in charge, stated that before their arrival the road was marginally passable with only one lane open.

After assessing the conditions and consulting with Afghan Lt. Gen. Mohammad Rajab, the Minister of Public Works for the Salang Pass, it was determined the guardsmen could best assist by clearing 10 to 15 miles of the road to open a second lane of traffic.

“The locals seemed agreeable to working with us and very happy that we were able to help,” said U.S. Army 1st Lt. Amanda Emerson, a platoon leader for the 661st area clearance platoon.

The combined removal effort of the engineers’ trucks and Afghan workers allowed the joint team to relieve much of the congestion caused by the heavy snowfall, added Carpenter.

“The Afghan workers were very proficient at removing the snow and operating their equipment which made our job a lot easier,” Carpenter said.

The combined effort permitted the Illinois Soldiers to pitch in elsewhere along the route, digging out vehicles from the side of the road and clearing areas for local shopkeepers to return to their businesses.

“It made me feel good knowing that we are doing something good for locals and rewarding to hear some of them say that they were happy to see us there,” said Carpenter.

“If they need our help again, we would be more than happy to assist them,” Emerson said.

• Date Taken: 03.07.2012
• Date Posted: 03.24.2012 01:21
• Story ID: 85728
• Location: AF