QALAT, Afghanistan -- Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz met with members of Provincial Reconstruction Team Zabul here, Jan. 20, during a trip to the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility.
Schwartz received a mission briefing from PRT staff and thanked the team personnel for their hard work.
"It takes a special type of person to perform this mission, and I can sense that you have a lot of pride in the progress that’s been made in the province," Schwartz said. “I’m certainly appreciative of everyone in this organization and for the willingness of your families to allow you to do this unique mission.”
After visiting with PRT military and civilian personnel, GSchwartz met with the Zabul Provincial Governor Ashraf Naseri. During the meeting, they discussed security gains and projects in the province.
"We have a strong and committed team of Afghan and International Security Assistance Force forces that are working hard to improve the situation of the Zabul people,” said Naseri.
The governor also told the general that the development projects funded by the U.S. government are vital to security and improvements in the potential of the local economy.
“I would like thank U.S. development agencies for their assistance,” Naseri said. “They have brought both quantitative and qualitative services that improve the lives of the Zabul people, and history will not forget this assistance.”
The visit to PRT Zabul wraps up a tour of the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, where Schwartz met with military leaders and held “All Calls” to get feedback from Airmen serving in deployed locations.