FOB Gardez remembers why we are here

Courtesy Photo | U.S. Army Capt. Kurt Geib, Task Force Avalanche chaplain and a resident of Burlington, Vt., leads a minute of silence during the 9/11 memorial service at Forward Operating Base Gardez here, Sept. 11. Most of the units on FOB Gardez were represented during the 20-minute ceremony held to honor those who gave their lives in the terrorist attack nine years ago. (U.S. Army photo by Capt. Mark Steskal)  

AFGHANISTAN

09.11.2010

Courtesy Story

Combined Joint Task Force 101

By U.S. Army Capt. Mark Steskal

PAKTYA PROVINCE, Afghanistan – A remembrance ceremony for the 9/11 attacks was held at noon Sept. 11 on Forward Operating Base Gardez for about 25 soldiers.

The ceremony was led by U.S. Army Capt. Kurt Geib, Task Force Avalanche chaplain, and a resident of Newport, Vt., in the qalat, a rustic mud and wood structure, where some of the initial planning for Operation Enduring Freedom occurred.

Most of the tenant units on FOB Gardez were represented during the 20-minute ceremony, which included a minute of silence and was concluded with the group singing “Amazing Grace.”

For one attendee, the 9/11 ceremony held special significance, as the tragedy inspired him to rejoin the military after a long separation.

U.S. Army Spc. Jaime Narvaezcotto of Egg Harbor Township, N.J., TF Avalanche, came to the United States from Puerto Rico in 1983 and joined the Army. In 2005, after a 14-year break in service, he again joined the Army, enlisting in the Army National Guard.

“My joining again after being out for so long was in some part due to the tragic events of Sept. 11, 2001,” said Narvaezcotto.

Concerning his contributions in Afghanistan he says, “I am here to help the people of Afghanistan to work their way up to independence and be able to defend themselves against external control.”

• Date Taken: 09.11.2010
• Date Posted: 09.13.2010 09:12
• Story ID: 56199
• Location: AF