FOB Lightning assists ANA with humanitarian assistance mission

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. James Bardo
  • Deployed from 52nd Equipment Maintenance Squaron
FOB LIGHTNING, Afghanistan --  Late November, as folks were getting ready for their Thanksgiving dinners, service members from Forward Operating Base Lightning, Gardez prepared for a different event. Troops from the Afghan National Army were joined by U.S. service members from the Army, Navy and Air Force, as well as personnel from the Wojsko Polskie (Polish Army) to conduct a Humanitarian Assistance mission. 

The purpose: to improve relations between the ANA and local residents in the Niazi-kala village. During coalition operations in 2001, Niazi-kala was heavily bombed and the destruction is still evident today. The U.S. and Polish military provided security while ANA soldiers handed out a truckload of donated clothing, school supplies and various other items to the local residents. The mission lasted for an hour and ended with a short meeting between the village elders and members of the ANA. 

While the ANA conducted the HA mission, U.S. and Polish soldiers had and opportunity to meet and take pictures with some of the local residents. They all seemed grateful and the more than 300 children that showed up were eager to have their pictures taken by and with the ANA, U.S. and Polish forces. 

In the end, the mission was announced a complete success by the Afghan National Army and Niaza-kala Village leaders. For the service members from FOB Lightning that got to assist in the mission, it was a great opportunity to meet the people they are here to help and an experience that many others will not have to see people that are truly thankful for things others often take for granted.