CAMP DWYER, Helmand province, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan – More than 30 Afghans, including the district governors of Marjah, Garmsir and Nawa, visited the Marines of Regimental Combat Team 1 and Afghan National Army soldiers here, April 17.
The local nationals met with leaders of the 1st Brigade, 215th Corps, toured the ANA the facilities here and interacted with ANA troops.
At Camp Garmsir, the ANA camp here, ANA Brig. Gen. Mohammad Shujaee, the commanding general for 1/215, gave the local nationals a welcome brief, thanking the government officials for their leadership and reaffirming the ANA’s commitment to the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan.
“We have a great partnership with the Marines of RCT-1,” Shujaee stated. “They have been training us day and night to help us, and we will not forget it.”
He continued by discussing the relationship between the army and the local nationals.
“We are committed to supporting the people of Afghanistan; when they call, we will answer,” stated Shujaee. “The ANA is here to support you.”
Following the welcome brief, the local nationals toured the training facilities and ate lunch with the soldiers. For some of the locals, it was their first experience with ANA soldiers.
After walking into a room full of newly-joined soldiers, one local national elder stated, “Now I’m starting to understand that we have an army and a willing government.”
Their trip concluded at a tent mosque where the local nationals prayed together with the soldiers of Camp Garmsir.
The visit was part of an event called Voices of Religious Tolerance, a program that promotes religious tolerance and coexistence of different faith groups. The program featured a seminar, hosted by Jordan, on moderate Islam. The Jordanian Armed Forces supported the program.