By U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Julie Brummund
FORWARD OPERATING BASE GHAZNI, Afghanistan -- U.S. Navy Cmdr. Philip Kapusta, from Valrico, Fla., turned the reins of control over to Cmdr. John Doolittle in a ceremony marking the transition from the outgoing Provincial Reconstruction Team to the new team here, Nov 6.
Polish Brig. Gen. Andrzej Reudowicz, commander of Task Force White Eagle, presided over the ceremony which was rich in naval tradition. Distinguished visitors included provincial Gov. Musa Khan and many of the province’s district governors and provincial council members. Attendance by more than a dozen members of the local press corps emphasized the importance of the PRT’s presence in the province.
Gov. Musa Khan addressed the audience in English focusing on three enemies of Afghanistan: illiteracy and the lack of education, poverty and unemployment, and the insurgency. He spoke of his desire for strong cooperation between coalition forces and the provincial security forces and finished with his wish of success and safety here in Ghazni for the incoming team.
Reudowicz echoed the governor’s focus on the three enemies of Afghanistan and added, “You guys on the PRT are doing the greatest job in Afghanistan. That’s how we can change the situation in this country and provide people safety and security.”
Both the outgoing and incoming commanders delighted the audience with speeches delivered in Pashto. Kapusta offered “hope that Afghanistan and Ghazni will have a good future.” He remembered those, such as Andar police chief Col. Muhammand Nabi Patang, who sacrificed their lives towards that goal.
After the ceremony, a light buffet was available as guests mingled and had the opportunity to make introductions which all hope will lead to cooperation in the building of a safe and secure Afghanistan.
Subscribe
