An official website of the United States government
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Home : News : Article View
NEWS | March 25, 2013

Kentucky Soldiers help Afghan government work for its people

By Spc. Matthew Thomason Kentucky National Guard

ZHARAY DISTRICT, Afghanistan - Darkness enveloped the landscape as Soldiers from Kentucky Agribusiness Development Team 5 began strategically placing their vehicles and personnel at the Zharay District Education Center on January 23, 2013. They were there to provide security, oversight and facilitation for the government shura.

The shura — an Islamic process of decision making through assembly and deliberation that comes from the Arabic word for consultation — would address multiple issues such as irrigation, pest control and livestock.

“This shura linked over 200 local farmers with GIRoA (Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan) officials at both the district and provincial level,” said Tech Sgt. Nathan Steele. ”By implementing surveys on 15 different topics, we are able to better understand what problems these farmers face.”

ADT 5 has been working alongside officials of the GIRoA to improve the resources and education of the farmers within Zharay District and their ability to provide sustainment for both themselves and the local economy.

“ADT 5 has the ability to indirectly reduce kinetic activity on the battlefield by helping to improve the farmer’s ability to provide food for their families and generate income,” Steele said. “The less money the farmers have to take from the Taliban produces one less IED or enemy fighter to target ISAF (International Security Assistance Force) or GIRoA forces.”

 “This is the first shura of its kind in this area and outside the wire, coordinating security between the Afghan National Army, Afghan Uniformed Police and ISAF personnel that received no interference by opposing forces. This really speaks volumes to the will of the Afghan people and the success of ISAF forces in a region once known as the birthplace of the Taliban,” he explained.

The undisputed success of this shura truly speaks to the dedication of both the ISAF and GIRoA forces who are both working toward a common goal of success for the nation and people of Afghanistan.

Steele said there are broader impacts of the shura’s success, calling it a show of competency in the local government.  He believes that because of actions such as this, the people of Afghanistan can see that their government is working for them.

“This discredits the Taliban and insurgency and helps to ensure the confidence of the people is in their own government, he said.  ”In my opinion, we (ISAF and GIRoA forces) didn’t just aid local farmers today, we helped to ensure the success of Afghanistan and that is a win in my book.”

 

 

Related Articles
(left to right) Capt. George Bouziden and Capt. Derek Teague takes the Oath of Commissioned Officers during their direct commissioning ceremony at the Armed Forces Reserve Center in Norman, Oklahoma, July 30, 2025. The two officers received their commission through a U.S. Army Talent Innovation Division program designed to identify and bring in highly skilled civilian information technology professionals to strengthen the Army’s cyber capabilities.
Cyber Officers Join Oklahoma Guard Through Direct Commissioning Program
By Anthony Jones, | Aug. 1, 2025
OKLAHOMA CITY - The Oklahoma National Guard welcomed two new officers into its ranks on Wednesday during a direct commissioning ceremony at the Armed Forces Reserve Center in Norman, Oklahoma.Capt. Derek Teague and Capt...

U.S. Air Force leaders from the 154th Air Expeditionary Wing pose for a photo during Talisman Sabre 25 in Northern Territory, Australia, July 24, 2025. Talisman Sabre is the largest bilateral military exercise between Australia and the United States, which advances a safe and secure Indo-Pacific by strengthening relationships and interoperability among key allies and partners, while enhancing our collective capabilities to respond to a wide array of potential security concerns.
Air Guard Demonstrates Critical Indo-Pacific Capabilities During Talisman Sabre 25
By Maj. Eve Derfelt, | July 31, 2025
BRISBANE, Queensland – Airmen from Hawaii, California, Guam, Idaho and Wisconsin Air National Guard units participated in Talisman Sabre 25, Australia’s premier military exercise that underscored the U.S. Air National Guard's...

South Dakota National Guard Soldiers with members of the Surinamese Armed Forces during a first-of-its-kind jungle warfare exchange that concluded July 18, 2025. Service members from the SAF and the SDNG spent ten days sharing critical skills in survival, navigation, and patrolling. This successful collaboration is a part of the National Guard State Partnership Program (SPP).
South Dakota Guard, Suriname Armed Forces Strengthen Partnership
By Staff Sgt. Breanne Donnell, | July 31, 2025
PARAMARIBO, Suriname – The South Dakota National Guard and Suriname Armed Forces, or SAF, strengthened their partnership during a first-of-its-kind jungle warfare exchange that concluded July 18.Service members from the SAF...