Afghanistan Maj. Gen. Eman Nazar visits 303rd EFS airmen

KANDAHAR, AFGHANISTAN

03.13.2018

Story by Staff Sgt. Neysa Canfield 

2nd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division

KANDAHAR, Afghan. – Maj. Gen. Eman Nazar, the 205th Corps commander for Afghanistan, recognized eight airmen of 303rd Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, 451st Air Expeditionary Group with a certificate of appreciation, March 13, in Kandahar.

The airmen, who received the certificates, were part of the A-10 Thunderbolt II squadron.

The A-10’s, which arrived in Kandahar in January, are a fixed wing aircraft designed to provide close air support to friendly group troops.

For Nazar the support the airmen provide to his soldiers on the ground was worthy of showing appreciation in person.

With the help of the 205th Corps advisors, who are part of TAAC-S and the 40th Infantry Division out of the California National Guard, Nazar was able to meet the pilots.

“On behalf of the 205th Corps, the assistance [these airmen] have provided to support the Afghanistan National Army in bringing peace is much appreciated,” said Nazar.

Nazar had the opportunity to present the certificates of appreciation to each airmen as well as look at a static display of an A-10.

In the group of airmen who received a certificate was Lt. Col. Jeremiah Parvin, a pilot with the 303rd EFS, 451st AEG.

“It’s a great honor to meet our Afghan partners because every time we launch we know there are Afghan [soldiers] putting their lives on the line,” said Parvin. “It was great to see that the general in charge of those [soldiers] came out to recognize us. It really strengthens our [partnership].”

Parvin, who is currently on his fourth tour to Afghanistan, said days like this one make him proud to be in the Air Force and to be able to support our nation’s allies in Afghanistan.

“Every time we get to [interact] with each other we learn new things about how we operate,” said Parvin. “I believe it really strengthens the relationship between us and helps us as we go forward and allow us to be able to effectively do our mission.”

Like Parvin, Nazar also believes it’s important to continue to building upon the partnership.

“We have a common goal of bringing peace back to the country,” said Nazar. “The relationship we have been able to build has not only helped strengthen the Afghanistan National Army but has also saved some of our soldiers’ lives.”

• Date Taken: 03.13.2018
• Date Posted: 03.18.2018 10:17
• Story ID: 269785
• Location: KANDAHAR, AF