The fourth Kansas Agribusiness Development Team takes helm in Laghman Province

LAGHMAN PROVINCE, Afghanistan – Members of the Kansas National Guard continue their presence here, in a Transfer of Authority ceremony,Oct. 11.

Members of the third and fourth Kansas Agribusiness Development Team formed ranks at Forward Operating Base Mehtar Lam to witness U.S. Army Col. Joel P. Ward, commander of the 45th Infantry Brigade Combat Team and Pryor, Okla. native, officially transfer authority of the Laghman Province ADT mission from outgoing commander, U.S. Army Col. Frank Wheeler a Manhattan, Kan. native, to the acting incoming ADT 4 commander U.S. Army Maj. Ron Boyer and Liberty, Mo. native. 

 “You’ve got a great team here,” said Wheeler, as he makes his parting comments to the Soldiers and guests that stand before him.  “And you will build on the success of prior ADTs and serve the people of Laghman well.”

As the sun peeks over the crest of the jagged Afghan Mountains, chasing away the brisk evening with its warm sunlight, today marks the start of the journey home for the members of ADT 3.  While their rotation in Laghman was demanding, it proved to be very productive and rewarding for them and the residents of the province.

The Kansas ADT worked  hand-in-hand with a wide variety of stakeholders to include local village leaders, the provincial Director of Agriculture, Irrigation, and Livestock (DAIL), and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to improve Laghman’s agricultural situation.  The team also has a special reach back capability with Kansas State University.  This unique collaboration allows the team to brainstorm and problem solve agribusiness issues.

Once a lush and abundant landscape, Laghman province was a leader in agricultural exports.  However, years of war and tribal unrest, overgrazing and deforestation left the region and its people in need of assistance from the ADT’s expert agribusiness specialists.

“We are here with the goal of creating a sustainable lifestyle and agriculture for the people of Laghman,” explains Capt. Todd Stuke, Topeka, Kan. native and  Officer-In-Charge of the ADT 4 Agriculture Section. “And to reverse the damage that was done when the Russians burned and de-forested the area.”
 
The Transfer of Authority Ceremony closes with the casing of the outgoing ADT 3 guidon, and the uncasing and unfurling of the incoming ADT 4 guidon.  This symbolic military ritual signifies a new chapter for Laghman Province, as a fresh group of agricultural experts arrive with a new perspective on how Afghani life can be improved.

“We are looking forward to working together with the local government and the people of Laghman Province to continue the successes of ADT 3,” Boyer said.  “This is a challenging mission and we have trained hard.  We are ready to get started.”