Photo By Jeff Nagan | Richard Riley, Nangarhar Provincial Reconstruction Team senior civilian representative...... read more read more
By U.S. Air Force 1st Lt. Jeff M. Nagan
RC-East PAO
NANGARHAR PROVINCE, Afghanistan – In celebration of the winter holiday season and the coming new year, the Nangarhar Provincial Reconstruction Team invited more than 40 local dignitaries to a luncheon at Forward Operating Base Finley-Shields, Dec. 29.
In addition to provincial council members and line directors, guests at the luncheon included Mohammad Hanif Gardiwal, Nangarhar deputy governor; Malik Nazir, the chairman of the provincial peace committee; and Fazal Hadi Fazil, Nangarhar chief judge of the appellate court.
The luncheon served as an opportunity for the PRT to share in the holiday tradition with Afghan partners, said U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. John Notter, PRT commander. Earlier in the week, provincial governor Gul Agha Sherzai invited service members serving in Nangarhar to Karzai Hall in downtown Jalalabad for a holiday celebration.
“As I look back on the last six months since this PRT arrived in Nangarhar, I remember the many successes we have shared together,” said Notter to the guests. “Under the leadership of the provincial government … Nangarhar has achieved some tremendous successes this past year.”
Last month, five districts within Nangarhar transitioned security control to the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, marking an important milestone for the province, said Notter.
“This wonderful achievement is a testament to the strength and dedication of all of those who are here with us today,” Notter said.
After Notter’s speech, Gardiwal spoke, thanking the PRT and all Americans who instead of sharing this season with friends and family are far from home helping the people of Afghanistan.
“We are very thrilled to have such a strong relationship with the international community, especially the United States,” said Gardiwal. “The Nangarhar administration has close coordination with the PRT and Department of State, which has made it easy to boost security.”
The relationship between Nangarhar government officials and coalition forces is one that other provincial leaders are envious of, added Gardiwal. The relationship has taken years to develop and is stronger than ever.
Richard Riley, Nangarhar Provincial Reconstruction Team senior civilian representative and U.S. Department of State foreign service officer, also spoke during the luncheon.
“We both know there is risk associated with the job you do,” said Riley. “We know why you take such a risk … It’s for the people of this province, for this nation. Like you, we also share that risk.”
Although forces continue to draw down throughout Afghanistan, Riley reassured the guests of an enduring US presence in Nangarhar and continuing commitment in an effort to ensure peace and prosperity.
| Date Taken: | 12.29.2011 |
| Date Posted: | 01.03.2012 14:00 |
| Story ID: | 82000 |
| Location: | NANGARHAR PROVINCE, AF |
| Web Views: | 145 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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