By Army Spc. Henry Selzer
173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team Public Affairs
FORWARD OPERATING BASE MEHTAR LAM, Afghanistan – Though it may not be the most glamorous job, paratroopers of Golf Battery, 4th Battalion, 319th Airborne Field Artillery Regiment work hard nonetheless at Forward Operating Base Mehtar Lam, logistically supporting their fellow Soldiers.
"We basically act as a lifeline to the companies of our battalion, delivering supplies by any means necessary to make sure the job gets done," said Army Capt. Jonathan Beck, 29, of Oswego, N.Y., Golf Company commander.
The Paratroopers of Golf Battery help increase the morale and safety of those paratroopers living in the outlying FOBs by delivering Hesco barriers, ice water and sports drinks. Paratroopers also conduct combat logistic patrols to the battalion's observation posts and FOBs, delivering ammunition, maintenance repair parts and other supplies.
Though it is only approximately 35 kilometers from FOB Mehtar Lam to FOB Kalagush, the almost three-hour convoy is quite a rough ride for these Soldiers, navigating around tight curves in the road along steep cliffs and ravines. Despite the bumpy ride, the Soldiers have learned how significant CLPs are to those receiving the supplies.
"If it wasn't for these Soldiers, the outlying FOBs would not be able to get the necessities they need to complete their mission properly," said Army 1st Sgt. George Lee of Christiansburg, Va.