Photo By Master Sgt. Gregory Williams | Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani Ahmadzai (right) and Thomas G. Bowman, deputy...... read more read more
Story by U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Gregory Williams
NEW YORK – This past summer, Afghanistan Ambassador to the U.S., Hamdullah Mohib, visited the United States in order to find out how Americans feel about the war on terrorism. During his travels, the dignitary formed a special bond with a Soldier who lost a friend on the battlefield.
Witnessing firsthand a U.S. Army Soldier’s commitment to a better Afghanistan, the ambassador lobbied to have the Army National Guard Soldier he met during his visit, Capt. Austin Bond, formally recognized during the Afghan president’s visit to New York during the 72nd Session of the UN General Assembly.
The ambassador’s effort to honor the Soldier came to fruition.
Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani Ahmadzai presented an award to Bond, commander of Charlie Co., 1st Battalion, 179th Infantry Regiment, 45th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, Oklahoma Army National Guard, here Sept. 21, 2017.
During the event, Ghani also honored 22 veterans and gold star family members with letters of appreciation for their dedication and sacrifice during the war on terrorism.
“I wanted the president to get to know some of these amazing veterans, and Captain Bond is one of those special individuals who I have come to know personally,” Ambassador Mohib said. “Not only did he help his interpreter get a visa, but he put him up in his own house and was there for him. That personal love is an inspiration to many others, and the president was touched to hear this story.”
Ambassador Mohib said Capt. Bond possesses admirable qualities that are rarely seen. He said Bond’s contribution to his U.S. visit made him a prime candidate to be honored by President Ghani.
“It feels awkward (to be honored) because I know there are so many Soldiers, Airmen, Marines, and Sailors who deserve this more than I do,” Bond said. “On the ground in a combat environment there’s no time even over a cup of chai to really gain the perspective of what you’re doing, so to have the Afghanistan president thank us and acknowledge our sacrifice is humbling.”
Bond said he invited the ambassador to meet with local veterans in order to strengthen community relationships between Americans and Afghans in the U.S.
For the gold star families in attendance, it would be their first time meeting an Afghan.
“As the global war on terror begins to take a new phase, I think a lot of people are wondering ‘what is it going to be like when we are in our sixties, and how’re we going look back on this war?’” Bond said. “I came to the conclusion after meeting with the ambassador, that if there is still a free Afghanistan, and if there’s still a chance that people can pass on a better life to their children, then it was worth it.”
“We’re tied in blood, the Afghan and American people, who’ve fought together against our common enemies,” Mohib said. “The president’s visit is recognition of Soldiers who have put their lives at risk training our security forces, which wouldn’t have been possible without people like Captain Bond.”
Ambassador Mohib said Afghans and Americans share the same values, as both are hardworking people of faith, family and hospitality. He added that he hopes to see U.S. veterans break bread with their counterparts once again.
“This is a small token of what the larger picture is, and it’s a small representation of people among the hundreds of thousands of veterans out there,” Mohib said. "I hope we keep doing more of these and bring Afghanistan veterans so they can share their stories.”
| Date Taken: | 09.21.2017 |
| Date Posted: | 09.24.2017 21:26 |
| Story ID: | 249481 |
| Location: | NEW YORK, NEW YORK, US |
| Web Views: | 780 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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