KABUL, Afghanistan (Feb. 16) – Members of the 4th Combat Aviation Brigade, 4th Infantry Division, Female Engagement Team, stationed at Camp Marmal, visited the Red Crescent Society’s orphanage and school in Mazar-e Sharif district, Balkh province, bringing with them school supplies and clothing items, Feb. 12.
The supplies were gathered by the 4th Combat Aviation Brigade’s chaplain assistants and the mothers’ and children’s programs they are associated with, as well as families and friends of soldiers who responded to requests for support.
“In the mission of aiding Afghanistan in getting back on its feet, governing itself, and securing itself, we want to make sure the women’s needs are met as well,” said, U.S. Army 1st Lt. Rebecca Wagner, effects coordinator and female engagement team officer in charge. “The [female engagement team] is a way to get the Afghan women’s voices heard.”
Wagner continued saying the liaison is also a way to make sure the native women are receiving the messages of the International Security Assistance Force, therefore opening a line of communication that flows both ways.
The trip to the orphanage and school
“It was a great experience,” said U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officer 2 Brenda Muñoz, a human resources technician and member of the female engagement team. “The mothers and teenage girls were very open to talking with us. We found out about their hopes and dreams. We talked about programs they think will benefit them and ways they can become more self-sufficient.”
Wagner agrees with the response that Muñoz received from the women who live at the orphanage with their children because the majority of their husbands are not living or are imprisoned. “They showed an appreciation for the forum,” she said. “They were very enthusiastic.”
“Our mission is to partner with the women and Afghan National Security Forces in [Regional Command] North; to mentor and help them maximize their capabilities,” Wagner said. “This was a valuable experience toward that endeavor.”
Female engagement team teams operate all over Afghanistan with members from all military services
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