Soldiers in Afghanistan Help Women's Center

U.S. Army Sgt. Jeremy Hancock, civil affairs specialist for the Bagram Provincial Reconstruction Team, hands a bag of supplies and materials, everything from blankets to toiletries, to one of the workers at the Department of Women’s Affairs in the Kapisa Province, Afghanistan, March 5.

U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Matt Lichtenberg

By Air Force Staff Sgt. Matt Lichtenberg

BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan, March 7, 2007 — Bagram’s Provincial Reconstruction Team visited Kapisa Province to deliver materials and supplies to the Department for Women’s Affairs, March 5.

Several workers welcomed the soldiers as they arrived with a trailer full of food, blankets, toiletries and other items. These much-needed items will be distributed during a ceremony March 8 to the women of the province.

“It’s necessary, and I also enjoy helping these people,” said Army Sgt. Jeremy Hancock, Bagram Provincial Reconstruction Team, Kapisa team civil affairs specialist.

The Kapisa team provides this type of aid once a month all over the province. This is their third drop to this area.

“I’m proud to be a part of this team,” said Army Capt. Birma Gonzalez, truck commander for the trip to Kapisa. “They deliver items all throughout this area, so anything I can do to help I’m excited to do.”

Afghan women, who have endured under extreme conditions over the past few decades, will make good use of the supplies.

“The women of Kapisa have suffered both psychologically and economically for many years because of war, so we’re very thankful for the Bagram PRT,” said Saifora Kohistani, director of the Department of Women’s Affairs in Kapisa Province. “We appreciate everything they’re doing for us.”

The benefit of helping the Afghan people is two-fold: they get much-needed supplies, and it shows them that Coalition forces are here to help them.

“The biggest thing is the government and the people are more willing to work with us because of our help,” Hancock said. “The locals are more permissive to Coalition forces, and they’re also more loyal to their government.”

The Bagram PRT Kapisa team has $6 million in projects planned for the province. This includes building roads, health clinics and schools. Overall, these projects will help the Afghan economy grow to become more independent.