FEATURE RELEASE

International Security Assistance Force - Afghanistan

Committed to the security, reconstruction and extension of governance in Afghanistan

2009-160

$3.9 million spent on the road to success in Afghanistan

KABUL, Afghanistan (February 19) - International Security Assistance Forces announced the opening of an improved road and the closing of a Combat Outpost (COP) in two separate ceremonies Feb. 5 in Konar Province, Afghanistan.

After $3.9 million and more than two years of construction the road in Deywagal Valley was built with the combined efforts of the Unique Builders Construction Company, Konar Provincial Reconstruction Team (PRT) and the Provincial district governments.

Navy Commander Murray Tynch, Konar PRT commanding officer from Edenton, North Carolina, spoke of the benefits of the new road and how it will allow for the ability to provide security and basic medical care to remote areas of the province. Tynch also emphasized how the road will decrease the risk of Improvised Explosive Devices on these routes and improve trade in and out of the rural areas.

The 11-kilometer road is ready for traffic and COP Seray, which provided security for the road construction crew, is no longer necessary, showing progress in the region, the commander said.

“In the past you only dreamt of a road,” Sayed Fazlullah Wahidi, Governor of Konar province, said. “Now we see it and drive on it. We have all sacrificed for the road and paid a high price. We paid this price for access to schools, hospitals and markets.”

The original idea of improving the road began when the 1st Battalion, 32nd Infantry Regiment, 10th Mountain Division, were in the area during Operation Enduring Freedom Seven in 2006, and has come full circle as they are back to see the completion of the project. The unit saw the need for development in the area and spoke with elders about what they wanted and needed. The road and COP were the result.

“We saw that it was an isolated valley and seemed to be very poor,” 1st, 32nd Infantry, Army Command Sgt. Maj. James Carabello, from North Andover, Massachusetts, said. “When we met with the elders they said they wanted two things: A new road and security by coalition forces during the construction and we came through on our promise.”

The completion of the road through the Deywagal Valley is not the end of road work in the province and COP Seray will not go to waste. The construction company will take over the outpost and will use it as they continue roadwork in the province.

ISAF is turning over direct security of the valley to the Afghan government, but 1st, 32nd Infantry, will continue to have a presence in the province.

Bagram Air Field, Afghanistan -- Sayed Fazlullah Wahidi, Governor of Konar province, cuts the ribbon, opening the newly constructed road in the Deywagal Valley, Feb. 6. International Security Assistance Forces provided security for the road construction. (ISAF photo)

Bagram Air Field, Afghanistan - Army Pfc. Henry Gardner, C Company, 1st Battalion, 26th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, connects a container to a crane at Combat Outpost Seray, Feb. 6. (ISAF photo)

-ends-

Notes for Editors:

1. More information on the International Security Assistance Force can be found here <http://www.nato.int/isaf>

2. The latest broadcast quality video imagery of ISAF operations can be downloaded here <http://www.dvidshub.net/?script=general/general_search.php&table=video&query=isaf&type=>

3. The latest High Resolution stills can be downloaded for news purposes here <http://www.flickr.com/photos/29456680@N06/>

4. If you cannot access these hyperlinks please contact this office

Issued by Headquarters ISAF Public Affairs Office ◦ E-mail: [e-mail]

Telephone: [phone] ◦ Mobile: [phone]

---