Secretary of the Army Geren visits Ghazni, Texas ADT

Photo By Sgt. Paul Ondik | Secretary of the Army Peter Geren visits troops at Forward Operating Base Ghazni as part of a visit to Afghanistan last week.  

BAGRAM AIR FIELD, AFGHANISTAN

09.20.2008

Story by Sgt. Paul Ondik 

Combined Joint Task Force 101

By Sgt. Paul David Ondik
Combined Joint Task Force - 101

BAGRAM AIR FIELD, Afghanistan - Secretary of the Army Peter Geren visited an Agricultural Development Team at Forward Operating Base Ghazni last week during a visit to Afghanistan.

The ADT which is comprised of elements from the Texas National Guard and attached to 1st Battalion, 506th Infantry Regiment, Task Force Currahee, briefed the secretary of the army on their mission.

"He did take an interest in the Texas ADT," said Lt. Col. Stan Poe, the unit's commander. "I was encouraged by the questions he asked. It was positive."

When Poe meets with Afghan leaders he stresses the importance of agriculture for the local population and Afghan society as a whole.

Anywhere from 70 to 90 percent of the population's livelihoods are tied to agriculture, said Poe.

"If we can help them improve their agricultural techniques, we can improve their livelihood," Poe said.

Geren also toured medical facilities and talked to the Ghazni Provincial Reconstruction Team, mechanics, and infantrymen in addition to meeting with the ADT.

During his visit Geren assessed the troop's quality of life and was briefed on operations and recently-fielded equipment.

• Date Taken: 09.20.2008
• Date Posted: 09.25.2008 07:10
• Story ID: 24122
• Location: BAGRAM AIR FIELD, AF