Photo By 2nd Lt. Rebecca Linder | Gov. Mike Rounds awards Staff Sgt. Justin Pederson, 196th Maneuver Enhancement...... read more read more
CAMP PHOENIX, Afghanistan – Gov. Mike Rounds visited South Dakota Army National Guard Soldiers in Kabul today. He and several governors continued their visit of the Middle East this week, as part of a United States Department of Defense delegation.
Rounds met with Soldiers from the Sioux Falls based 196th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade, who have been providing installation management for 11 military bases in the capital of Afghanistan. The purpose of the delegation’s visit is to receive an overview of military operations and reconstruction efforts in the region.
The Governor visited with Soldiers on Camp Phoenix and thanked them for their service.
“It’s our privileged to be here with you today,” Rounds said of the delegation. “Being considered the commander and chief of the National Guard for our home state comes with the realization that nothing gets done unless the Guard is involved and we are proud of what you’re doing.”
This is Gov. Rounds first trip to Afghanistan to visit South Dakota troops. On Wednesday, the Governor made his second trip to Iraq where he met with service members stationed in Baghdad.
“The mission is getting accomplished and you are the reason why,” the Governor said. “The men and women of the 196th and the rest of the armed services that are here are doing a great job. God-speed, stay safe and thank you for your service.”
Rounds also presented four 196th Soldiers with the United States Army Combat Action Badge during a brief ceremony here. Spc. Brittany A. Ketcham, Spc Jacob T. Nelson, Staff Sgt. Robert J. Schmidt, and Staff Sgt. Jason S. Sussner were awarded the badge for having received direct enemy fire while on a mission in Kabul earlier this month.
Rounds has been traveling throughout the Middle East with Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick, Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty, Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon, Vermont Gov. Jim Douglas and the Chief of the National Guard Bureau Gen. Craig McKinley.
| Date Taken: | 07.23.2010 |
| Date Posted: | 07.23.2010 08:46 |
| Story ID: | 53269 |
| Location: | CAMP PHOENIX, AF |
| Web Views: | 337 |
| Downloads: | 269 |
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