Orgun-E sub-governor, Soldiers provide humanitarian assistance

Courtesy Photo | U.S. Army Soldiers with Bravo Company, 864th Engineer Combat Battalion, part of Task Force Pacemaker, distribute humanitarian aid to residents of Tarmirah.  

ORGUN, AFGHANISTAN

07.28.2007

Courtesy Story

Combined Joint Task Force - 82 PAO

By Army Sgt. David E. Roscoe
Task Force Pacemaker Public Affairs Office

FORWARD OPERATING BASE ORGUN-E, Afghanistan- The Orgun-E sub-governor and Soldiers of Bravo Company, 864th Engineer Combat Battalion, provided humanitarian assistance to the locals of Tarmirah village July 10.

In a continual effort to foster relationships with the villagers and local leaders, the Soldiers distributed radios, coal-burning stoves, medical kits, blankets, recreational equipment and food to the 150 residents of the village with the help of Orgun-E sub-governor, Muhammed Moabem.

The village of Tarmirah, located in the foothills surrounding Forward Operating Base Orgun-E, lies along a natural, avenue of approach for insurgents. Forming a peaceful and trusting relationship with the residents of Tarmirah could provide Task Force Pacemaker with warnings of insurgent activities in the area, achieving better troop safety and welfare.

"With coalition forces providing humanitarian assistance to local Afghan villages, it places us within the good graces of the locals," said Army Spc. Jonathan R. Maguire, TF Pacemaker civil affairs, from Greene, Maine. "These efforts provide dependable intelligence, safer working environments for the Soldiers performing road construction near these villages and it also establishes a trusting relationship between coalition forces and the Afghan public."

Army 1st Lt. Joseph R. Mangan, the platoon leader for 2nd Platoon, Bravo Company, from Kent, Ohio, added, "The [Afghans] were very pleased with our efforts. We strive to build good relations with the local populace while still maintaining a tight security perimeter and high state of readiness. Smiles graced the faces of every man and child present."

The mission proved to be a success just a couple of days after the humanitarian assistance mission, the local community discovered and turned-in an improvised explosive device to the local authorities who helped execute the humanitarian assistance drop.

• Date Taken: 07.28.2007
• Date Posted: 07.31.2007 07:37
• Story ID: 11534
• Location: ORGUN, AF