Task Force Phoenix Welcomes Oklahoma Guard [Afghanistan]

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Task Force Phoenix Welcomes Oklahoma Guard

By U.S. Army Staff Sergeant Robert R. Ramon
Combined Joint Task Force Phoenix

KABUL, Afghanistan, April 8, 2004 — The C-17 Globemaster III made its way to the end of the runway before coming to a stop. As the door opened, soldier after soldier made the trip out of the red-lit interior into the darkness of Afghanistan, and for most, it was their first time here.

This was the scene recently at the Kabul International Airport, when during a recent three-day span, approximately 350 soldiers from the Oklahoma National Guard’s 45th Infantry Brigade, 1st Battalion, 279th Infantry Regiment headquartered in Sand Springs, Okla. made the long journey from their homes in the United States to the frontlines of the war on terrorism as part of Coalition Joint Task Force Phoenix.

Since last fall, several hundred other members of the 45th have been in Afghanistan serving under Task Force Phoenix. Comprised of National Guard units from more than 20 states, along with the Oklahoma National Guard’s 45th Infantry Brigade Headquarters, and contingents from seven different countries, the Task Force Phoenix mission is to train the Afghan National Army, which will contribute to stability of the country and help prevent the re-emergence of terrorism.

The new personnel were a welcome sight to soldiers who have been serving here during the past several months. Many of the new soldiers were excited when they recognized friends they hadn’t seen in months.

“When we arrived and I saw some of my friends, it was just like old times,” said Staff Sgt. Daniel L. Lowe, a personnel services sergeant from Tulsa, Okla. “The soldiers here have been very helpful to me whether I knew them or not. They offered advice on easier ways of doing things here.”

In addition to the informal advice from their fellow soldiers, newly arrived troops received a formal briefing as part of their in-processing at Camp Phoenix. The briefing included important information on pay, medical issues, rules of engagement, life on Camp Phoenix, and security issues.

Oklahoma National Guard soldiers exit a C-17 Globemaster airplane that delivered them to Afghanistan. U.S. Army photo by Staff Sergeant Robert R. Ramon 4 More Pictures

“The briefing was excellent,” said Lowe. “It gave me a good idea of what life here would be like.”

The facilities at Camp Phoenix are better than what most of the new soldiers expected before their arrival.

“The camp here really surprised me. I thought I’d be working in a tent so I was surprised to see that I’m working in an actual building,” Lowe said of the wooden B-hut structures.

“Considering we’re in Afghanistan, we’re lucky to have something like the Post Exchange,” said Lowe. “The food here is pretty good, too.”

After settling in, the new soldiers were soon ready to begin their mission here in Afghanistan. Actually, most were ready even before they arrived.

“Morale was high and we were ready to go when it was time to get on the plane,” said Lowe. “Food was available for us before we boarded the plane back in the States, but most of the soldiers were too excited to eat.”

The soldiers of the 279th will play a large role in Afghanistan, providing a measure of stability to the country and their expertise and high morale will ensure a successful mission.

“I don’t know how long I’ll be here, but I’m not too worried about it,” said Lowe. “I’m prepared to be here until the mission is complete.”

Kabul Arrival

Oklahoma National Guard soldiers complete forms required for in processing after their arrival at Camp Phoenix in Kabul, Afghanistan. U.S. Army photo by Staff Sergeant Robert R. Ramon

~* 45th Infantry Brigade (Light) (Separate/Enhanced) *~

An Oklahoma National Guard soldier receives protective equipment immediately after arriving in Afghanistan recently. U.S. Army photo by Staff Sergeant Robert R. Ramon

~* 1st Battalion — 279th Infantry Regiment *~

An Oklahoma National Guard soldier signs for the receipt of equipment immediately after arriving in Afghanistan. U.S. Army photo by Staff Sergeant Robert R. Ramon

~* Oklahoma National Guard *~

Chief Warrant Officer Claude Garner, Deputy Personnel Officer and Spec. Tanya Gilstrap, Administrative Specialist, review records during a briefing for newly arrived soldiers at the Camp Phoenix Gym. U.S. Army photo by Staff Sergeant Robert R. Ramon

~ * ~

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