Panjshir PRT under new leadership

PANJSHIR PROVINCE, Afghanistan – Air Force Lt. Col. Curtis Velasquez assumed command of Panjshir Provincial Reconstruction Team from Air Force Lt. Col. Eric Hommel during the Panjshir PRT Transfer of Authority Ceremony in Panjshir province, Afghanistan, March 9.

Air Force Maj. Gen. Stephen Mueller, director of Air Component Coordination Element, Air Force Central Command; Army Brig. Gen. Lonnie Culver, Task Force Cyclone commander; James DeHart, Panjshir PRT director; and Abdul Rahman Kabiri, Panjshir Province deputy governor, were among the special guests in attendance who watched the casing of Panjshir PRT 9-12’s guidon and the uncasing of Panjshir PRT 10-13’s guidon.

“I would like to offer my deep appreciation to Lt. Col. Eric Hommel and his PRT, whose success had yielded fantastic results,” Velasquez said during command assumption speech. “I hope to continue your success working with the provincial and district governments as they support the Panjshiris for the greater good of Afghanistan.”

Velasquez, an Abilene, Kan., native, is now responsible for all International Security Assistance Force led governance, reconstruction and security operations in the Panjshir valley, in addition to more than 100 military interagency and Mujahedeen security force personnel.

“As a (PRT), we will demonstrate through our actions, that we are worthy of the trust and confidence of the people of Panjshir,” said Velasquez. “Together we will foster a partnership with our fellow Afghans, focused on the highest standards of excellence, with accountability for our actions.”

The Panjshir Province deputy governor said, through a translator, he is looking forward to working with the new PRT. He also highlighted many accomplishments of the outgoing PRT and said that all of the hard work is an example of the positive things that happen when the government works with the people.

The excitement of the new team preparing to run the PRT overshadowed the bittersweet feeling Hommel said he had about leaving.

“It’s been the experience of a lifetime,” said Hommel. “What you’ll soon learn is the people of Afghanistan – the people of Panjshir, are good people, and it’s been a pleasure serving them.”   

Hommel is returning to Washington D.C. where he serves as an Air Force Reserve Legislative Liaison.