Gen. Dunford visits FOB Zangabad, awards badges

By 2nd Lt. Daniel Koszalka, 1st Squadron, Combined Task Force DragoonAugust 25, 2013

Gen. Dunford visits FOB Zangabad, awards badges
1 / 3 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Gen. Joseph F. Dunford, commander of International Security Assistance Force and U.S. Forces Afghanistan pins on a Combat Action Badge on a Soldier during a visit to Forward Operating Base Zangabad, Afghanistan Aug. 23, 2013. During his visit Dunford... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
Gen. Dunford visits FOB Zangabad, awards badges
2 / 3 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Gen. Joseph F. Dunford (center), commander of International Security Assistance Force and U.S. Forces Afghanistan speaks with Combined Task Force Dragoon during a visit to Forward Operating Base Zangabad, Afghanistan Aug. 23, 2013. During his visit D... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
Gen. Dunford visits FOB Zangabad, awards badges
3 / 3 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Gen. Joseph F. Dunford (left), commander of International Security Assistance Force and U.S. Forces Afghanistan speaks with Brig. Gen. Ahmad Habibi, 1st brigade, 205th Corps commander during his visit to Forward Operating Base Zangabad, Afghanistan A... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

FORWARD OPERATING BASE ZANGABAD, Afghanistan -- Gen. Joseph F. Dunford, International Security Assistance Force and U.S. Forces Afghanistan commander visited Forward Operating Base Zangabad Aug. 22, 2013, to view the progress made in Regional Command South.

Dunford received a briefing from the Afghan National Army about their capabilities and progression toward an increasingly independent fighting force. Before the official portion of the visit he was able to interact with Soldiers and present some awards.

After landing, Dunford and his team toured the base briefly before conducting an award ceremony for Combat Infantry and Action Badges. These Soldiers from the Regimental Tactical Assault Command and 4th Platoon, Troop B (Bull Troop), 1st Squadron were awarded the badges for recent fighting in Panjwa'i. Over thirty Soldiers were recognized and awarded their badges.

Following the awards ceremony, Dunford, along with Maj. Gen. Paul LaCamera, RC-South commander, Maj. Gen. Shir Ahmad Hamid, 205th ANA Corps commander, Brig. Gen. Ahmad Habibi ANA 1st brigade, 205th commander, Col. D.A. Sims, Combined Task Force Dragoon and commanders of the Afghan Uniformed Police and Afghan National Civil Order Police were briefed by Maj. Stanikizai Shah, 2nd Kandak's operations officer, on the ANA's most recent operations and successes in Panjwa'i.

Dunford stated that the high confidence levels and morale of the soldiers within the ANA are due to effective leadership at the top that has spread down to each soldier. He attributed this success to Habibi and his commanders.

After the briefing, attendees shared lunch in the dining facility. The meal was filled with stories and smiles.