KANDAHAR PROVINCE, Afghanistan — Soldiers of the Augusta-based 878th Engineer Battalion hit ground in southern Afghanistan last week. The unit’s main body arrived here March 29 and was greeted by the 120th Engineer Battalion, the Oklahoma-based unit that it will be replacing.
The 878th is in Afghanistan to provide route clearance for coalition forces and local populations and to assist in the development of the Afghan National Army engineer force.
As the U.S. prepares to leave Afghanistan next year, the unit’s mission is a reminder that the overall U.S. legacy is an enduring one.
“We want the people of Afghanistan to know that we care,” said Lt. Col. Ed Granados, commander, 878th Engr. Bn. “We want to leave this country better than when we arrived 10 years ago.”
The 878th has spent months preparing for its mission, and morale is high, now that it can finally implement those skills that have been developed.
“It’s good to see so many of our soldiers in high spirits while being away from home,” said Sgt. Tyler Morris, the unit chaplain’s assistant.
While still trying to find their bearing in their new surroundings, the Soldiers of the 878th Engineer Battalion are adapting quickly.
“We’re a family and it’s really starting to show,” said Morris. “I think most of us have learned that the way we’re going to get through this is by leaning on our families back home and our unit family here.”
Here, camaraderie is key.
| Date Taken: | 04.04.2013 |
| Date Posted: | 04.13.2013 07:48 |
| Story ID: | 105148 |
| Location: | KANDAHAR PROVINCE, AF |
| Hometown: | ATLANTA, GEORGIA, US |
| Hometown: | AUGUSTA, GEORGIA, US |
| Hometown: | GAINESVILLE, GEORGIA, US |
| Hometown: | SAVANNAH, GEORGIA, US |
| Hometown: | STATESBORO, GEORGIA, US |
| Web Views: | 194 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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