Tag Archive for 'Nuristan province Afghanistan'

A more detailed battlefield assessment following the Oct. 3 attack in Nuristan has determined that enemy forces suffered more than 100 dead during the well-coordinated defense — significantly higher losses than originally thought.

Two joint International Security Assistance Force and Afghan national security forces outposts were attacked in the Nuristan province of eastern Afghanistan Saturday morning.

Kalagush Radio DJ prepares the Nuristan province, Afghanistan, radio station for broadcast, Aug. 3. The International Security Assistance Forces funded station offers the people of the remote mountain area a variety of news and entertainment programs. Photo by Sgt. Matthew Moeller

According to Hamdard, one of the Kalagush Radio’s most popular shows is a daily music program that allows listeners to phone in with requests. Thousands of people attempt to call the hour-long show every day, but only a few hundred get through.

“We think of the needs of the local people, and what they want,” said Hamdard, remarking on the station’s success.

Jared Monti - Medal of Honor awardee

Sergeant First Class (SFC) Jared C. Monti, a Military Occupational Specialty 13F Fire Support Specialist, was a Targeting NCO assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Troop, 3rd Squadron, 71st Cavalry, 10th Mountain Division, Fort Drum, New York. He distinguished himself by acts of conspicuous gallantry above and beyond the call of duty against an armed enemy in Gowardesh, Nuristan Province, Afghanistan.

Retaking Barge Matal

A U.S. Army Soldier looks through Afghan voter registration cards, July 12, which were taken from women in the Barge Matal area by insurgents, hoping to disrupt the national elections, scheduled for late August, by denying women the right to vote. The cards were found by U.S. forces while service members searched Barge Matal during an operation aimed at taking back the tiny village in Afghanistan’s eastern Nuristan province, which was overwhelmed by insurgents earlier in the week. ISAF and ANSF plan to return the card to local village elders in the coming days. (Photo by U.S. Army Sgt. Matthew C. Moeller, 5th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment)

A gun battle erupted in the late afternoon of July 12, and lasted into the early evening, until ANSF and ISAF personnel successfully repelled the insurgent attack.

Army Staff Sgt. Conrad Begaye stands before fellow soldiers from 2nd Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment, during a ceremony in Vicenza, Italy, June 30, 2009. Begaye was awarded the Silver Star for his valorous actions during an enemy ambush Nov. 9, 2007, in Afghanistan’s Nuristan province. U.S. Army photo by Capt. Joseph Sanfilippo

Garrett spoke of the “warrior ethos” that guides soldiers: place the mission first, never accept defeat, never quit, and never leave a fallen comrade.

“These are just words to some people,” Garrett said. “But the warrior ethos is a way of life to Staff Sergeant Begaye. Amazing acts of bravery and valor were commonplace that grim day. But this morning, we recognize Staff Sergeant Begaye for his courage – and we are thankful for the opportunity to serve with such a man.”