Photo By Staff Sgt. Edward Siguenza | The battalion motor sergeant for the Guam Army National Guard's 1-294th Infantry...... read more read more
CAMP EGGERS, Afghanistan - Just 75 days into the Guam Army National Guard's historic Operation Enduring Freedom mission, and the pace has been arduous.
More than 2,500 missions completed. More than 30,000 miles logged. More than 10,000 man-hours produced in about three months, more hours than the past two years gearing up for this mission.
Amidst all this, we will never forget the unfortunate deaths of two of our brothers of the Guam Guard's 1-294th Infantry Regiment within a month of arriving in theater.
"We knew it was a possibility and we are deeply saddened, although we want to slow down and take a breather, it just seems like the pace just keeps picking up," said Maj. Rick Flores, commander, Charlie Company, 1-294th. "We're busier than the company we relieved (in April). It's the summer season now. So, there’s definitely more activity."
When Guam sent its roughly 600-member battalion to support OEF once again, it set precedence: This is the first time in its history it has mobilized a battalion-sized element. The Guam Guard has previously supported OEF in Afghanistan, Africa and Southern Philippines, but has never committed more than a company-sized unit.
This round, there are multiple companies. Guam Guardsmen are dispersed throughout all Afghanistan, covering thousands of square miles, with a mission of providing security forces, guardian angels and personal security detachments. Its overall mission is to support the NATO Training Mission-Afghanistan's (NTM-A) effort establishing an Afghan-led security force.
“Soldiers of the 1-294th Infantry Regiment are making an impressive contribution to the overall effort of the NATO Training Mission-Afghanistan," Task Force Guam commander Lt. Col. Michael Tougher said. "I am extremely proud of each and every one of them.”
The Guam Guard officially relieved Task Force Centurion Prime, 1-167th Infantry, Fourth Alabama, in early May. It commenced mission as Task Force Guam - Chamorri.
In early June, Guam forces provided personal security for U.S. Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel's executive leadership. Hagel met Afghan Minister of Defense Bismillah Khan Mohammadi (www.defense.gov) in that duration. Charlie Company Soldiers, led by noncommissioned officer in charge, Staff Sgt. Mike Palacios, escorted top enlisted advisors to places around Kabul, Afghanistan's capital, and Bagram Air Field.
Palacios' personal security detachment regularly escorts command staff from NTM-A and Combined Security Transition Command-Afghanistan (CSTC-A). Command Sgt. Maj. Gabriel Cervantes, NTM-A and CSTC-A command sergeant major, commended the Guam group, stating, "They've been professional Soldiers from the start. They know how to do their jobs and I'm lucky to have them."
Across the board, the 1-294th soldiers continue escorting military and civilian dignitaries in both tactical and non-tactical vehicles. These dignitaries contribute to the Afghan National Security Force (ANSF) support. Their efforts, with Guam’s assistance, are enabling the ANSF to assume the lead for combat operations throughout Afghanistan.
"This is a tribute to the determination of the people of Afghanistan to take responsibility for their country's future," Hagel stated. "This achievement keeps us and our coalition partners on track to bring our combat mission to a close next year and transition to a non-combat, train, advise, and assist mission that will help ensure Afghans can sustain security into the future."
Several of Guam’s units are stationed throughout Kabul, the country's capital. Flores leads a company with a very high operational tempo. They run missions every day - sometimes more than a dozen per day - making attempts to get together for unit cohesion difficult.
"We're in the capital. We're in the heart of Afghanistan," Flores said. "It's a busy place."
Sadly, the Guam Guard lost two members May 16 when an improvised explosive device killed Sgt. Eugene M. Aguon and Spc. Dwayne W. Flores. They were Guam's 22nd and 23rd OEF casualties since 2003.
The Guam Guardsmen have become a more united group as a result. Their commitment and determination to perform the mission has become more resonate.
"The guys have been great. They're much more resilient now," added Flores. "They're not just more alert, they've adjusted to the situation and developed better TTPs (tactics, techniques and procedures). With the disasters we normally get back home, our guys know how to bounce back."
Flores also credits the support given by families on Guam. Families send care packages and gifts, and various associations are also donating items to lift soldiers' morale.
"What's keeping up the motivation of the guys are care packages," said Flores. "Little things like that make a big difference. Look at my first sergeant. He's stocked up."
Guam is still months away from returning to its Pacific home. The Guam Guardsmen continue their mission to support Afghan security forces. Even though 75 days have passed, no one is counting the days remaining.
"All soldiers from every company take this mission seriously and perform professionally," Flores said. "Although it is dangerous, they continue to do their mission. That is a reflection of their courage."
| Date Taken: | 07.06.2013 |
| Date Posted: | 07.06.2013 04:04 |
| Story ID: | 109792 |
| Location: | KABUL DISTRICT, AF |
| Web Views: | 134 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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