Photo By Staff Sgt. Christina Westover | Capt. Tyler Lightfoot, the commander of Comanche Troop, 1st Squadron, 1st Cavalry...... read more read more
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FORT BLISS, Texas-- When Afghan evacuees arrive at Fort Bliss, many of them have questions about what comes next. The unfamiliar surroundings and difference in cultures can provide a stressful situation. The only familiarity is the Franklin Mountains off in the distance, which bears a striking resemblance to the Hindu Kush Mountain range that spans across their home country.
“The children get off the plane and love looking around,” said Sgt. Samranjeet Litter, a cavalry scout in the 6th Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division, and the primary translator at the Fort Bliss Arrival and Departure Air Control Group. “They are so curious. They talk about the area and get very excited that this is their new home.”
The moment the Afghan evacuees step off the plane at the Fort Bliss ADACG is the first time the soldiers of Comanche Troop, 1st Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division, are able to interact and help integrate them to the area.
As the Afghan evacuees deboard the plane, they are greeted with smiles and waves. The soldiers ensure to show signs of respect by placing their hand over their chest. The kids fist bump and high five the soldiers as they walk from the flightline to the processing center.
“We want to keep familiarity and build trust, so each family is assigned to a soldier that will help assist them from the flight line to the processing center here at the ADACG,” said Staff Sgt. Billy O’neal, a section leader. “We separate them primarily by family members, as they get off of the plane so we are able to help process them together.”
Soldiers are on standby daily waiting on flights to land. Comanche Troop is not just there to escort Afghan evacuees, they are there to carry luggage and assist by any means necessary.
“When we arrive, we get a brief from our operations manager about what the itinerary is for the day,” said Capt. Tyler Lightfoot, the Comanche Troop commander. “We have designated personnel that escort the families as they get off the plane to the processing center, where they stay with them as they receive their initial screening. We also have soldiers that are able to answer questions if they need assistance. We are involved from the beginning to the end.”
On an average day, the Fort Bliss ADACG can receive and process two to nine flights per day. Regardless of weather, the soldiers are prepared to help the Afghan evacuees.
“The soldiers have motivation,” said O’neal. “They come in with a positive attitude and are excited to be here. They treat the Afghan evacuees with the utmost respect and handle their baggage as if it were their own. They’re doing an amazing job.”
As a cavalry unit, the troops’ training and mission set is to provide advanced intelligence and information about troop movements, enemy positions and tactical situations on a battlefield. However, they have adapted to the change in requirements and provide reception support for Operation Allies Welcome.
“This is a really unique mission,” said Spc. Bailey Meyer. “It’s personally rewarding in the aspect that I am actually helping people. That’s the reason I joined the Army - to help people. The kids getting off the plane smiling and waving is my favorite part because they’re so happy to be here. We get to interact with the kids and they always want to give us high fives and fist bumps.”
The Department of Defense, through U.S. Northern Command, has tasked units from across the Army to provide essential support to Afghan personnel in order to fulfill America’s commitment to them.
“My troops are the best,” said Lightfoot. “They understand the necessity and the importance of the nation's call. We are glad to have an opportunity to serve in this capacity.”
| Date Taken: | 09.09.2021 |
| Date Posted: | 09.10.2021 21:00 |
| Story ID: | 404846 |
| Location: | FORT BLISS, TEXAS, US |
| Web Views: | 164 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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