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BAGRAM AIR FIELD, Afghanistan - The U.S. Ambassador to Afghanistan met with the Panjshir Provincial Reconstruction Team, June 11, and expressed his condolences for the team's recent loss of four members. He also showed his appreciation and pride in the continuing efforts of the team's development throughout the province.
Ambassador Karl Eikenberry, accompanied by Gen. Bismullah Khan, chief of staff of the Afghan national army and Jelani Popal, the director of the Afghan Independent Directorate of Local Governance, addressed the team in the PRT's dining facility.
"The visit to Panjshir by Ambassador Eikenberry, General Khan, and Mr. Popal, highlights the success Panjshir has achieved with the assistance of the PRT in security, governance and development. This success was underscored by Ambassador Eikenberry's statement that Panjshir has become a model for the rest of Afghanistan," said Tom Kelsey, the PRT's director and U.S. State Department representative.
On May 26, an insurgent detonated explosives against the PRT's convoy while it travelled from Panjshir through the Kapisa province to Bagram Air Field.
"This visit came at a challenging time for the PRT, given the recent loss of four of our team members at the hands of a suicide bomber. The words of consolation and appreciation expressed by the ambassador and General Khan reflect that the work of the PRT can come at a price," said Kelsey. "They also reflect that the ultimate sacrifice made by our fallen will not be forgotten, and that we will rededicate ourselves to continue the important work they gave their lives for on behalf of the Afghan and American people."
Khan thanked the team for their service in Panjshir. He also explained that Afghans and Americans are united by a common enemy and mission.
"The local people are happy with the PRT and what each member is doing," he said. "The Afghan people and nation will not forget your service."
Service members within the PRT were impressed with the ambassador's sincerity as well as his congenial nature and his passion for what he called "the future of a nation."
"It meant a lot to me and our team for the ambassador and ANA chief of staff to visit with us and express their condolences, as well as spend their day learning more about our PRT's mission and the people of Panjshir," said Sgt. Ramon Guzman, from the 426th Civil Affairs Battalion, Company D, Upland, Calif.
Eikenberry also expressed his pride and astonishment at the progress the PRT has made during its nearly nine-month rotation.
"You here at the Provincial Reconstruction Team for Panjshir have an amazing opportunity to change the future for an entire nation of people, and I can see the change happening in every facet of life here in the valley," said Eikenberry of the service members and civilians in attendance. "Years from now, you will be able to look back on this as one of your life's crowning achievements."
After meeting with the PRT, Eikenberry and Kahn met with Panjshir's Governor, Haji Bahlol, and visited several PRT projects, including a 16-room primary school and a wind farm. The leaders also visited the bazaar in Rohka District, pausing to meet a shop owner and his customers. The ambassador purchased soft drinks from the vendor and distributed them to those passing on the street.
The Panjshir PRT is responsible for 47 development projects worth more than $42 million throughout the seven-district province ranging from small, quick-impact projects like farms and generators to major projects, such as paving roads. The team continues to pursue new avenues of development that help Panjshir remain a model province for the future of Afghanistan.
| Date Taken: | 06.15.2009 |
| Date Posted: | 06.15.2009 23:06 |
| Story ID: | 35110 |
| Location: | BAGRAM AIR FIELD, AF |
| Web Views: | 297 |
| Downloads: | 203 |
This work, U.S., Afghan leaders visit Provincial Reconstruction Team Panjshir, by Maj. Stacie Shafran, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
