TF Taskmaster celebrate iftar during engagement

NANGARHAR PROVINCE, Afghanistan -- In the land of beautiful contrasts, a place of rugged snow-capped mountains, barren hills, green valleys and trickling rivers, better known as the Nangarhar province, Afghan leaders and coalition forces gathered for a peaceful discussion and celebration Aug. 21.

Mullahs in the immediate area surrounding Forward Operating Base Fenty met with Task Force Taskmaster for an iftar hosted by coalition forces at their newly renovated passenger terminal.

It is a custom for Muslims to celebrate iftar, the evening meal where they break their fast during the holy month of Ramadan. It is not often Soldiers are part of the religious ceremony usually shared among the Afghan communities.

“This is a really critical time in Afghanistan’s time period, especially in the Jalalabad area,” said U.S. Army Capt. Micah J. Klein of Pittsburg, operations and training officer, TF Taskmaster. “This year is the surge period so positively affecting what goes on in the next year could write history for Afghanistan. So, what we want to do is interact with the locals as much as we can because the locals are the key to the safety and security of Afghanistan as a whole.”

Each Mullah stood before the crowd and expressed his concerns, such as security, governance, construction projects and jobs.

“They have mentioned that security has gotten better, and the overall relationship between coalition forces and the residence of the Beshood district of Jalalabad has [improved],” said Klein.

Due to most key leadership engagements taking part outside the FOB, the invitation to have it on Fenty came as a surprise to the local leaders.

“Before we came, they had not done a key leadership engagement on FOB Fenty,” said Klein. “This was a new thing for them. They said this was a first. Two times this has happened in years.” Because of this, engaging with the population as a whole has gotten better.”

During the ceremony, the Maliks, or tribal leaders, agreed that they would not support insurgency and would remain committed to serve their Afghan government and the international security forces.

As the leaders gathered their food and began to enjoy the rice, bread, beef and various other foods, the TF Taskmaster commander left them with some encouraging words.

“We look forward to working closer together and strengthening our friendship with you,” said Lt. Col. Ferguson of Sylacauga, Ala., TF Taskmaster commander.