Gen. John Campbell, the commander of the International Security Assistance Force visited Train, Advise, and Assist Command -- South on Nov. 17 to gain an appreciation of the progress of the numerous transitions in southern Afghanistan.
Campbell first visited Camp Hero, the headquarters of the Afghan National Army's 205th Corps. He began his visit by laying a wreath to honor those soldiers who died securing Afghanistan. He also took the opportunity to visit Maj. Gen. Abdul Hamid, the 205 Corps commander to discuss ongoing operations in Kandahar, potential improvements within the Corps as well as the challenges the unit was facing.
During the discussion Hamid highlighted the cooperation of security forces in Kandahar, saying, "there is very good cooperation between all ANSF elements in Kandahar."
Following his visit to the Corps headquarters, he traveled to the Kandahar International Airport with the TAAC-South commander, Brig. Gen. Douglas Gabram, to meet with the provincial governor, Dr. Tooryalai Wesa and the Director of Kandahar International Airport, Ahmadullah Faizi. During the meeting, the leaders discussed the ongoing transition to the Resolute Support mission, while also discussing the continuing transition of the Afghan government following the inauguration of President Ghani.
During the meeting, the governor stressed the importance of Kandahar to Afghanistan, saying, "Kandahar is Afghanistan," highlighting that the progress of Kandahar will lead to progress nationwide.
Immediately after his meeting with the governor, Gen. Campbell took time to eat lunch with service members stationed at Kandahar Airfield. During the meal, he spoke with the service members and told them to "Thank your families and take care of each other."
His advice was taken to heart by those in attendance, who appreciated the opportunity to sit down with Gen. Campbell.
"It was great to hear his advice for young leaders; it's not every day you get the opportunity for the theater commander to take an hour out of his busy schedule to talk with you," said Tampa Florida native, 1st Lt. Meghanne Majdecki, the TAAC-S battle captain. "We had the opportunity to talk about everything from current operations to football."
He concluded his visit by taking the opportunity to recognize 14 Soldiers and one airman during an awards ceremony. Spc. Dalan Ramey, a communications specialist from Florence, Colorado, received his end of tour award from the general during the ceremony. Following the ceremony, Ramey said, "It's an honor to get nominated and recommended by my chain of command to get my award from Gen. Campbell."
Following the awards ceremony, Campbell spoke briefly to the assembled group, thanking them for their contributions and highlighting the future of Afghanistan.
"I see good things in the future for Afghanistan," Campbell said. "It couldn't have happened without your contributions."
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