Courtesy Photo | U.S. Army Col. Joel Ward (right), commander, 45th Infantry Brigade Combat Team,...... read more read more
By: U.S. Army 1st Lt. Kathleen Argonza-Pangburn
RC-East PAO
LAGHMAN PROVINCE, Afghanistan — When then Maj. Ron Boyer of Liberty, Mo., first came to eastern Afghanistan over a month ago, he found himself the new guy.
With the official unit commander delayed in the U.S., Boyer stepped in and took responsibility, accepting the authority transfer of the outgoing Laghman province ADT mission commander.
“My first thought was that I wish I had been part of the team from the beginning so I would have had better knowledge of the team,” said Boyer, discussing his initial reaction to finding out he would deploy the team into Afghanistan. “Fortunately, we had been together for about seven weeks when I found out, so I had integrated pretty well by that time.”
For his continued support of the U.S. Army and the ongoing mission, U.S. Army Col. Joel Ward, commander, 45th Infantry Brigade Combat Team promoted Boyer to lieutenant colonel Nov. 1.
“It was good to get promoted,” states Boyer after many members of his unit, and other inhabitants of the FOB warmly congratulated his accomplishment. “I have been fortunate to work with some outstanding soldiers, non-commissioned officers and officers. I have had excellent mentors throughout my career.”
ADT troops embody the counter-insurgency mission of today’s Army. Their primary mission is to create sustainable agricultural projects in Laghman province, and from their efforts, years of economic growth, better farming techniques and a reversal of the deforestation and scorched earth policy that the former Soviet Union left in it’s wake two decades ago.
After his promotion, troops prodded Boyer for his advice for others considering following in his footsteps.
“I enjoy what I do very much and I would recommend a military career to most everyone,” said Boyer. “My advice is to make sure you are prepared for the next step, but do not be in a hurry for your next position or promotion. Work hard, solve your boss’ problems and take care of the soldiers you work with and the promotions and accolades take care of themselves.”
| Date Taken: | 11.12.2011 |
| Date Posted: | 11.19.2011 18:55 |
| Story ID: | 80281 |
| Location: | LAGHMAN PROVINCE, AF |
| Web Views: | 129 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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