Replies

In this photo released Friday, July 15, 2005, by Jonathan Powers is U.S. Army Capt. Jonathan Powers with an unidentified orphan at a playground at the Adhamiya Public Orphanage in Baghdad, Iraq. Powers, 27, is director of the upstart Orphans and Street Kids Project, whose goal is to coordinate the country's ill-equipped orphanages and offer vocational training for children living on the streets and out of the facilities' reach. (AP Photo/Jonathan Powers)

Fri Jul 15, 9:52 PM ET - US troops secure an area where a suicide car bomber attacked their convoy in Baghdad. Twelve suicide bombers blew themselves up in separate attacks in Baghdad and northern Iraq, killing at least 28 people and wounding more than 100, including seven US soldiers, Iraqi and US forces said(AFP/Ahmad Al-Rubaye)

Fri Jul 15, 9:52 PM ET - Iraqi soldiers secure their military vehicle that was hit in a suicide car bomb attack in Baghdad. Twelve suicide bombers blew themselves up in separate attacks in Baghdad and northern Iraq, killing at least 28 people and wounding more than 100, including seven US soldiers, Iraqi and US forces said(AFP/Ahmad Al-Rubaye)

Fri Jul 15, 9:52 PM ET - A US soldier secures an area where a suicide car bomber attacked a US convoy in Baghdad. Twelve suicide bombers blew themselves up in separate attacks in Baghdad and northern Iraq, killing at least 28 people and wounding more than 100, including seven US soldiers, Iraqi and US forces said(AFP/Ahmad Al-Rubaye)

Former POW Pfc. Jessica Lynch chats with Mohammed Khan before speaking to the Charleston Rotary Club, at the University of Charleston, in Charleston, W.Va., Friday, July 15, 2005. Lynch is the spokesperson for the 'Keep 'Em Flying' organization which works to keep the West Virginia National Guard 130th Airlift Wing intact. Lynch spoke about her experiences as a POW in Iraq, her ongoing recovery and the importance of keeping the 130th Airlift Wing intact. (AP Photo/Bob Bird)

Pace Visits Afghanistan, Thanks Troops, Examines Progress

Marine Gen. Peter Pace, vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, talks to soldiers while visiting Forward Operating Base Langman, Afghanistan, July 13, 2005. Pace was in Afghanistan to thank the servicemembers for what they have accomplished while deployed in the global war against terrorism. (Photo by Staff Sgt. D. Myles Cullen, USAF)

By Jim Garamone - American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, July 15, 2005 – When Marine Gen. Peter Pace visited Afghanistan July 11 to 13, the gratitude of the people was proof to him that progress is being made in the country.

Pace, the vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, made his unannounced trip to Afghanistan primarily to thank servicemembers in the country, an official who traveled with him said.

"It is always good to see firsthand what is going on in a place," Marine Col. Katie Haddock, the vice chairman's spokeswoman, said. "This was the general's first visit to the country since last November, and he was impressed with the progress he saw there. The markets are full; billboards are up advertising items; kids are going to school; there are vehicles on the streets; and there are repairs being made."

Pace met with Afghan President Hamid Karzai; Army Lt. Gen. Karl Eikenberry, the commander of Combined Forces Command Afghanistan; Turkish army Lt. Gen. Ethem Erdagi, International Security Assistance Force commander; and Army Maj. Gen. Jason Kamiyah, commander of Combined Joint Task Force 76.

He visited U.S. and Afghan officials in Kabul, Bagram, and Forward Operating Base Langman.

Pace said he is impressed with the progress that has been made and the feeling in the populace. He said the mood is good in the country as the Sept. 18 national-assembly and provincial elections approach.