Photo By Tech. Sgt. Tyler Meister | Lt. Col. Ryan B. Wolfgram (right), the commander of 2nd Battalion, 1st Infantry...... read more read more
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ARGHANDAB DISTRICT, Afghanistan - A ribbon-cutting ceremony marked the completion of a police checkpoint in Pirpaymal Sept. 5 near District Police Center-Arghandab in Arghandab District of Kandahar province.
The Pirpaymal Checkpoint is designed to ensure long-term security and stability in the region. Pirpaymal is a police sub-garrison in the Arghandab River Valley.
District Governor Haji Shah Mohammad, along with Lt. Col. Ryan B. Wolfgram and Maj. Darren Keahtigh received the privilege of cutting the ribbon.
Wolfgram is the commander of 2nd Battalion, 1st Infantry Regiment, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division and Keahtigh is the commander of 4th Infantry Division’s Security Forces Advisory Team 37.
“I hope this checkpoint will provide security and ensure the stability of the area,” Mohammad said.
Construction of the checkpoint was completed by Afghan contractors in about 90 days at a cost of approximately $194,660. To complete the checkpoint, the contractors: renovated two buildings by sealing cracks and repairing windows and they constructed a parameter wall, a fuel point, a guard tower and a latrine.
International Security Assistance Forces provided funding and oversight of the project. The oversight was managed by 1st Lt. Thomas Weadon, a Lehigh Acres, Fla. native, who is an engineer in SFAT 37.
“I feel that the project went smoothly,” said Weadon. “The checkpoint will improve the overall security of the area and allow the Afghan Uniform Police to stabilize the area.”
Weadon said increased security promotes a better standard of living for the valley’s villagers. He also said the AUP can now prioritize their mission of securing the valley and banishing any Taliban threats.
“I have been working at the Pirpaymal Checkpoint for almost two years,” said 2nd Lt. Baryely, an Afghan Uniform Police platoon officer. “I’m honored to work here and also proud that, with the help of our ISAF partners, we have brought dependable security to the area.”
Baryley said before the checkpoint was renovated, there was no gate on the door and the policemen slept in tents. He said before the checkpoint was established, the area was full of Taliban and the people could not even work their orchards.
“Villagers thought we were only temporarily here to provide security and then leave,” said Baryely. “Now that we have a compound, the people trust that we are here to provide long term security and that makes them happy.”
| Date Taken: | 09.05.2012 |
| Date Posted: | 09.08.2012 10:19 |
| Story ID: | 94400 |
| Location: | ARGHANDAB DISTRICT, AF |
| Web Views: | 608 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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