Michigan Marine FET helps Afghan women, makes a difference in Sangin

1/12/2012  By Cpl. Meredith Brown  , 2nd Marine Division 

SANGIN, Afghanistan  — Cpl. Brandy Bates, a team member with Female Engagement Team 8, supports soldiers from the Afghan National Army’s 215th Corps and Marines from Lima Company, 3rd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, during a recent foot patrol through the village of Tughay, Sangin district, Helmand province.

Bates, who is 23 years old and a native of Ann Arbor, Mich., graduated from Saline High School in 2006. She is a reservist with Detachment B, Marine Wing Support Squadron 471, out of Mount Clemens, Mich. As part of FET, Bates supports the battalion by engaging with local women and performing contraband searches for women when necessary. Bates said she feels like her role with FET is important because the team is reaching out to the Afghan women, giving them a voice, and helping them as much as possible.