PAKTIKA PROVINCE, Afghanistan - Cmdr. Brian Hoyt of Provincial Reconstruction Team Paktika assumed command in a morning ceremony attended by the provincial governor, several line directors and many other influential government leaders of Paktika province here March 10.
"This is a noble cause, and it's worth fighting for," said Hoyt. "Everyone who is here today, whether American or Afghan, has made a commitment to this fight."
"The mission of the PRT is to assist in the stabilization and security of Paktika province by concentrating on development, governance and agriculture initiatives. The PRT will provide the government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan with the tools necessary to provide for the long-term needs of the provincial population," Hoyt said.
Hoyt, a native of Phoenix, Ariz., leads a team of roughly 100 Air Force, Army and Navy service members from active duty, reserve and National Guard units across the country. In addition, the PRT has several civilian workers from the Department of State, United States Agency for International Development, the United States Department of Agriculture and the local Afghan populace.
"Coalition forces have done outstanding jobs on security for Paktika," said Gov. Abdul Qayum Katawazay, the governor of Paktika and the guest speaker for the ceremony. "A long time ago, Paktika didn't have very good development. But now we can see development here. Paktika didn't have schools, roads or bridges. But now we can see these developments for Paktika."
Hoyt takes command of the Paktika PRT team from Cmdr. Timothy Cauthen.
"The Afghan people have a saying, 'One flower does not make spring,'"
said Hoyt. "But when I look around, I see many flowers and I know that spring is coming."
Hoyt also directed some comments at the provincial governor.
"The team that stands before you represents the best America has to offer. I stand shoulder to shoulder with you. You have our full commitment that we are dedicated to defeating this insurgency. I cannot know for certain what steps we will take together, but I assure you we are ready to assist you in your job."
| Date Taken: | 03.10.2010 |
| Date Posted: | 03.15.2010 09:05 |
| Story ID: | 46677 |
| Location: | AF |
| Web Views: | 170 |
| Downloads: | 110 |
This work, PRT Paktika Changes Hands, by Capt. Mark Lazane, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
