News>CSAF meets with PRT, local leader in Afghanistan
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Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz presents a gift to Ashraf Naseri, the Zabul Provincial governor, during a visit Jan. 20, 2011, to Forward Operating Base Smart, Afghanistan. The visit was part of the general's trip to the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Brian Ferguson)
Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz (left) receives a mission brief from Lt. Col. Andy Veres, the Provincial Reconstruction Team Zabul commander, during a visit Jan. 20, 2011, to Forward Operating Base Smart, Afghanistan. The visit was part of the general's trip to the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Brian Ferguson)
Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz walks through the main military quarters of Provincial Reconstruction Team Zabul Jan. 20, 2011, during a visit to Forward Operating Base Smart, Afghanistan. The visit was part of the general's trip to the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Brian Ferguson)
Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz listens as Ashraf Naseri, the Zabul provincial governor, talks about the relationship between the local government and Provincial Reconstruction Team Zabul Jan. 20, 2011, during a visit to Forward Operating Base Smart, Afghanistan. The visit was part of the general's trip to the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Brian Ferguson)
by 1st Lt. Brian Wagner
Provincial Reconstruction Team Zabul Public Affairs
1/20/2011 - QALAT, Afghanistan (AFNS) -- Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz met with members of Provincial Reconstruction Team Zabul Jan. 20 here, during a trip to the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility.
General Schwartz received a mission briefing from PRT staff members and thanked the team members for their hard work.
"It takes a special type of person to perform this mission, and I can sense that you have a lot of pride in the progress that's been made in the province," General Schwartz said. "I'm certainly appreciative of everyone in this organization and for the willingness of your families to allow you to do this unique mission."
After visiting with PRT military members and civilians, General Schwartz met with Ashraf Naseri, the Zabul provincial governor. During the meeting, they discussed security gains and projects in the province.
"We have a strong and committed team of Afghan and International Security Assistance Force forces that are working hard to improve the situation of the Zabul people," Mr. Naseri said.
The governor also told the general that the development projects funded by the U.S. government are vital to security and improvements in the potential of the local economy.
"I would like thank U.S. development agencies for their assistance," Mr. Naseri said. "They have brought both quantitative and qualitative services that improve the lives of the Zabul people, and history will not forget this assistance."
The visit to PRT Zabul wraps up a tour of the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, where General Schwartz met with military leaders and held "all calls" to get feedback from Airmen serving in deployed locations.
