Ag Conference

On 2 November 2011, TX ADT-V hosted a conference for the Agriculture experts in Ghazni Province.  Attendees included vetrinarians, agriculture extension agents, specialists in conservation, livestock, and water, and was sponsored by the Director of Agriculture, Irrigation and Livestock for Ghazni Province, Sultan Hussein.  There were more attendees than we had hoped for, and was the first time that all of the experts from the different districts have been in the same room to meet, exchange ideas, and develop plans for their districts.  The event was a huge success thanks to everyone on our TX ADT team, from our Ag Expert Team, SecFor in providing security, and the Headquarters Section.  Great job, guys!

SSG Verdine makes homemade salsa for the luncheon.

SSG Zengerle lays out plates of Afghan dumplings for the luncheon.

LTC Gaudsmith greets the DAIL, Sultan Hussein.

Attendees enjoy their food.



SGM Muckleroy gives a presentation on pruning apple trees.



An Agriculture Extension Agent takes notes.

One of our terps, Mo, poses with SFC Martinez.

Group photo!

Promotion Announcement!

TX ADT-5 would like to congratulate LTC Devin James on his promotion!  LTC James is the officer in charge of the Agribusiness Expert Team (Ag Team) for TX ADT-5.  His knowledge in the industry of agriculture as well as experience from TX ADT-1 made him a sought-after asset for TX ADT-5.  He has been instrumental in the success of our ADT mission, and continues to lead the Ag Team with expert skill.  Thank you to LTC James for your dedication not only to TX ADT-5, but to the ADT mission. 

From all the Soldiers in TX ADT-5, a big congratulations to LTC James!

Promotion Announcement!

TX ADT-5 now has another field grade officer, MAJ Jim Fields.  Like an NCO's promotion to SFC, an officer's promotion to MAJ is an accomplishment signifying the Soldier's knowledge, capability and leadership skill.  MAJ Fields leads our operations section in Headquarters with precision and skill.  We thank him for his dedication to TX ADT-5 and wish him a big congratulations on his well-deserved promotion!

Christmas in October!

The mail situation is frustrating to many, especially the Soldiers of TX ADT-5.  Today, our small FOB received three containers (the giant metal ones that they put on container ships) full of mail.  The amount of packages received lifted our morale here like nothing else could...especially since some have been waiting up to 10 weeks for a specific package!

So, a BIG thank you to all of our friends and family for showing how much you care!  We miss y'all, and keep it coming!

SecFor Section

This week, we visit the Security Force Section.  They are responsible for keeping us safe, which includes much more than you might think.  Our SecFor Soldiers are competent in multiple weapons systems, vehicle maintenance, communications equipment, hand-to-hand combat, mission planning, imagery...and the list goes on.  Not only that, but within our SecFor we have Soldiers that are professionals in the civilian world in the fields of medicine, law enforcement, elemental physics, electricians, carpenters, and computer programming.  To say the very least, they're one extremely talented group of guys, working not only across branches of service with Sailors, Airmen, and Marines, but with multi-national forces as well.  In fact, they train many of them in their free time to help improve their combat skills.

We're grateful for your hard work, guys!



SGT Hill leads our Personal Security Detail with precision.



SecFor setting up a security cordon for our Ag Team members during a key leader engagement.

SPC Helstad finishes working on a truck.

SGT Fortune getting his fitness on!

SFC Fentress goes to the motorpool to check on vehicle maintenance.