Photo By Tech. Sgt. Tyler Meister | Soldiers from Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team,...... read more read more
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ARGHANDAD DISTRICT, Afghanistan — In effort to build camaraderie and relieve deployment stress, soldiers from 2nd Battalion, 1st Infantry Regiment will scale Kandahar province’s Mahalic Mountain several times during their deployment. The mountain is a secure area located inside Compound Gheko near the District Police Center-Arghandab in Arghandab District.
“My goal behind having soldiers attend climbs was to instill a winning attitude and resiliency,” said Command Sgt. Maj. Michael Green, 2nd Battalion, 1st Infantry Regiment command sergeant major and Fayetteville, N.C. native, who founded the mountain-climbing idea. “The climb helps soldiers realize that if they put their mind to it, they can accomplish it.”
Green said many new soldiers entering the battalion’s units may find it hard to integrate and feel like part of the team. The climb, he said, is a way for soldiers to bond and accomplish a group activity.
Staring up about 1,050 feet at flags waving in the wind atop of Mahalic Mountain, some of the 2-1 Inf. soldiers doubted their ability to conquer this intimidating obstacle during the Aug. 31 climb.
Despite the mountain’s enormous appearance, however, dozens of Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2-1 Inf. soldiers-nicknamed Legionnaires- laced their boots, swallowed any fears and started the long, hot climb. This was the second time soldiers stood before Mahalic summit this month.
Approximately 45 minutes later, the soldiers stood atop the mountain and took in the breath-taking views of the Arghandab River Valley. To get to the top, they traversed steep cliffs, held their footing on the loose gravel, and relied on each other for both mental and physical support.
The Arghandab-based soldiers said this was the second of many climbs to come. The regiment plans to continue climbing Mahalik Mountain throughout its deployment to improve soldiers’ physical fitness, camaraderie and self-confidence.
“This was my first time climbing Mahalic Mountain,” said Spc. James T. Hornbuckle, of Detroit, Mich. who is a human resources specialist in HHC, 2-1, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division. “It was very tough at first, but I told myself I couldn’t give up until I reached the top.”
Hornbuckle said he’s proud he accomplished something that not many people have done. The participants vary to give everyone an opportunity to take a break from their everyday schedules and relieve stress with a summit attempt.
“The climbs are a healthy way to show soldiers that even in a combat environment, there are ways to release and de-stress,” said 1st Sgt. James Griffith, a Pomona, Calif. native in HHC, 2-1 Inf. “I feel that the main purpose is to allow soldiers to challenge themselves and overcome adversity.”
Griffith said he enjoys participating in the climbs and likes to motivate soldiers. He said the idea to climb the mountain was conceived by the battalion sergeant major.
“Personally, I find it funny to see soldiers intimidated when they look up at the top of the mountain,” Green said. “It comes full circle when I get to witness the smiles on the soldiers’ faces once they reach the top.”
Green said climbs are a great way to get away from the hustle and bustle of a deployment and seeing soldiers reach the summit is very rewarding.
“We have short, precious moments to sit down and enjoy the peaceful serenity after reaching the top,” Green said. “Then it’s back to the grind.”
| Date Taken: | 08.31.2012 |
| Date Posted: | 09.14.2012 09:12 |
| Story ID: | 94713 |
| Location: | ARGHANDAB DISTRICT, AF |
| Web Views: | 369 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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