Subscribe
HELMAND PROVINCE, Afghanistan — Countless men and women have stepped up and honored their country by serving in their nation’s military.
In Afghanistan, it is no different, but Capt. Kamal is one of the many Afghan soldiers who has dropped everything and came running in the defense of his country.
Kamal is the commander of an explosive ordnance disposal company with 2nd Brigade, 215th Corps of the Afghan National Army and currently serves in Helmand province.
“I have been in the Army for the last two years and love it,” said Kamal. “I enjoy knowing that I am contributing to the improvement of my country. It is an honor.”
Growing up, Kamal had ambitions like those of most children and led a traditional childhood.
“Growing up was normal like any other childhood,” said Kamal. “We all wanted to be doctors or lawyers or soccer players.”
Kamal’s traditional childhood can be compared to any other child’s in the United States, minus the fighting. He is fighting for a nation that has been in a state of conflict for more than 30 years, a nation he wishes to see prosper through all the adversity.
“I joined the Army to help my people,” said Kamal. “They are who I am here for. They are who I fight for.
“I want to help create a safer future for them,” added Kamal. “I want to see an Afghanistan with better education, more jobs for the people and a safer place for the population.”
To bolster their efforts, Kamal and his company have been working with Marines to improve key skills.
“The Marines (who) have been mentoring us are great,” said Kamal. “They help us day and night. They have helped certify a number of our soldiers. They can now officially hold the EOD title. They also showed us better (improvised explosive device) sweeping techniques and helped improve our Humvee driving.”
These are critical skills needed by an EOD soldier, the more proficient they are the better they can perform.
“That is not the future of Afghanistan,” said Kamal, referring to an IED blast that occurred about an hour prior to being interviewed. “We want to finish the fighting, finish the war and watch everything change for the better.”
This is a goal Kamal said he will see through until the end.
“I plan on staying in the Army until they’re done with me,” said Kamal. “That won’t be until the job is done or I am dead.”
| Date Taken: | 09.11.2012 |
| Date Posted: | 09.11.2012 11:32 |
| Story ID: | 94504 |
| Location: | AF |
| Web Views: | 118 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
This work, An Afghan soldier’s desire for Afghanistan, by Cpl Anthony Ward Jr, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
LEAVE A COMMENT