The warriors of Task Force Phoenix VI place a high degree of emphasis on serving the citizens of Afghanistan through rebuilding projects and humanitarian assistance. Through the Commanders Emergency Relief Program (CERP), funds are made available to build schools for the next generation of Afghan children to earn a modern education. CERP funds are used to rebuild roads, bridges and other important infrastructure around Afghanistan. Wells are dug to provide fresh, clean water in a country suffering from nearly eight years of drought. Medicines and hygiene items are purchased and distributed during medical assistance missions. There are almost 50 CERP projects ongoing all across Afghanistan right now. From Herat to Kandahar to Kabul ranging from building schools to building wells, providing school supplies to repairing roads and setting up hospitals.
The people of Afghanistan are so unimaginably poor, that it is common for Soldiers on patrol to see children dressed in rags trudging through the snow with no shoes, gloves, hats or socks. Food and water are difficult to come by and most Afghans live in dilapidated mud huts, tents, or bombed out building shells. Disease and malnutrition thrive in this environment and it is difficult for the people to believe that there is hope for a better future. Many Task Force Phoenix V servicemembers purchase or donate blankets, food and clothing items from their own salaries to help the people of Afghanistan survive the harsh environment.
Humanitarian assistance and rebuilding projects have a profound impact on the citizens of Afghanistan and contribute heavily to the success of Task Force Phoenix VI. By helping Afghan citizens, U.S. Forces are showing them that they can have a better life than what was available under the Taliban regime. The more the Afghans trust U.S. Forces, the more they help the war-fight by volunteering intelligence about insurgent activities. According to a recent poll in the Washington Post, 88% of the Afghan population supports the American presence in Afghanistan contributing directly to the safety of Americans deployed here. Humanitarian assistance and rebuilding projects are often the favorite missions of our servicemembers. Through their participation, our servicemembers have the opportunity to directly improve the lives of Afghan citizens and see the results of our nation-building efforts, as well as contribute to the overall operational safety of our forces.
Operation Not Forgotten is an organization started by U.S. Sailors and Seabees at Camp Phoenix. This organization reaches out to the local community supplying wells, food, clothing, schools, and other health and welfare items. They work with other coalition forces as well as the Afghan National Army.
