KANDAHAR AIRFIELD, Afghanistan − The Kandahar Air Wing held a media event Dec. 24 at Kandahar Airfield, to demonstrate its military proficiency and connect with outlets in Kandahar Province. A subdivision of the Afghan air force, the KAW generates, supports, and employs combat air power to serve the people of southern Afghanistan, said Brig. Gen. Haji Muhammad Azam, operations group commander for the KAW and pilot of 32 years. The day’s events began with a demonstration of the KAW’s military discipline

through a series of drills and military movements, all led by Lt. Col. Shah Wali, a battalion commander and director of training at the KAW. “Education and defensive tactics in war are the key to helping our nation stand on its own feet,” said Wali. “If our Soldiers are not educated, how can they help others? If they cannot see, how can they guide others?” The KAW deputy commander, Col. Muhammad Israeli, reiterated the importance of education in building the corps’ capabilities. Every Soldier, he said, has a daily, weekly, and monthly

education plan designed to increase job proficiency. Topics include search and seizure, airport security and downed aircraft recovery. The KAW looks to continue its professional training through its partnership with the newly arrived Task Force Falcon. Together, they will pursue missions in ground maintenance, medical evacuation, Wing Operation Center proficiency and pilot training in southern Afghanistan, with emphasis on the KAW’s mobility, independence and self-sufficiency. More than two decades of war saw the destruction of

an Afghan air force once numbering upwards of 500 aircraft and 7,000 personnel. Brigadier General Azam, who witnessed much of this conflict first hand, said that since the renaissance of Afghan aviation operations in 2005, the air force, and the Kandahar Air Wing with it, is on its own two feet again. “Our people are tired of wars which took everything from them: families, friends, and their will to survive,” said Azam. “It’s my hope that with the help of our [International Security Assistance Force] friends, we can once again have peace.”

By Sgt. Luke Rollins, Task Force Falcon Public Affairs

Soldiers from the Kandahar Air Wing, Afghan air force, perform callisthenic drills during an exhibition event Dec. 24 at Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan. The Kandahar Air Wing is newly partnered with Task Force Falcon such as supporting aviation operations in ground maintenance, medical evacuation, Wing Operation Center proficiency and pilot training throughout southern Afghanistan. The training allows the KAW to become increasingly mobile, independent and self-sufficient. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Luke Rollins)

“I want to say Happy Holidays to my wife in Cotton, La.” - Spc. Johnta Johnson

“Happy Holidays to my wife, Elva. I miss you, baby.” - Spc. Mark DeLeon

“Happy Holidays to my wife and kids back in Savannah, Ga. I’ll be home soon.” - Sgt. Jason Clark

“To my husband in Savannah and my mother in McConnel, Ohio − I miss you both! Happy Holidays!”

- Chief Warrant Officer 3 Aimee Herrera

“I want to tell my dad in Utah and my mother-in-law in the U.S. Virgin Islands that I miss them and love them.” - Spc. Krystal Barker

As One Partnership Ends, Another Begins

KANDAHAR AIRFIELD, Afghanistan - The Kandahar Air Wing senior leadership visited Task Force Wings on Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan Dec. 27 to say goodbye to familiar faces, and greet their new partners, Task Force Falcon, to discuss the way ahead. Task Force Wings—the 25th Combat Aviation Brigade—has developed their partnership over the last year with the KAW, but the partnership responsibility will transition to Task Force Falcon, the newly arrived 3rd

CAB based out of Hunter Army Airfield, Ga. The KAW, under the Task Force Wings mentorship, has taken basic skills to greater heights, such as ground-vehicle maintenance, medical evacuation, and even public affairs. Unit trainers conducting the training offer the experience needed to give the KAW a continued capability. “The capability of the Kandahar Air Wing came through the dedication and commitment to the nation of Afghanistan,” said Col. Frank

Tate, commander of Task Force Wings. Colonel Tate, during his speech to members of both task forces and the KAW, encouraged the TF Falcon team to remain committed with the partnership. He says it will be an enriching experience for the Soldiers involved. Brigadier General Haji Muhammad Azam, the operations group commander of the KAW, said he is very happy that the Task Force Wings unit is returning to their families.

“But I promise you this; we will be able to defend this country,” the Afghan general added. Partnerships may only last one year but friendships endure. Task Force Wings will leave the KAW with friendships formed, but Task Force Falcon will continue to build upon the existing partnership built by Task Force Wings. “The Kandahar Air Wing certainly has made us very proud. We are proud to call them our friends,” Tate said.

By Capt. Chad Ashe, Task Force Falcon Public Affairs

Col. Allan Pepin, right, commander of Task Force Falcon, looks on as Brigadier General Haji Muhammad Azam, left, the operations group commander of the Kandahar Air Wing, talks with a member of the KAW during a partnership luncheon Dec. 27 at Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan. (U.S. Army photo by Capt. Chad Ashe)

Lt. Gen. James Terry, center left, commander of the International Security Assistance Force Joint Command, brings holiday tidings and good cheer to members of Task Forces Falcon and Wings during a dinner with the troops Dec. 24 on Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan. Terry ate a traditional holiday meal with Soldiers from both task forces. Task Force Falcon is scheduled to assume authority of aviation operations in Regional Command − South Jan. 9. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Luke Rollins)