SF veteran reflects on Afghanistan trip

[SR-25]

By Sgt. Joe Healy
U.S. Special Operations Command Public Affairs

FORT BRAGG, N.C. (USASOC News Service, Aug. 26, 2005) — A retired Special Forces veteran who recently returned from southeastern Afghanistan says Special Forces Soldiers there are being aggressive in their pursuit of Taliban insurgents and the country is heading in the right direction.

Mr. Eric Crum, an anti-terrorism manager for the 3rd Special Forces Group (Airborne) returned from a 45-day assessment near Kandahar Aug. 22.

“The morale of our Soldiers is very good,” Crum said. “They are deeply engaged, focusing on offensive operations in and around the area.”

Crum, a native of Bedford, Va., served 27 years as a Soldier with Special Forces.

He said even though it was his first trip to Afghanistan, his experience there reinforced his belief that Afghanistan’s future is bright.

“When I first landed on the ground I was amazed by the country’s austere conditions and the resiliency of the Afghan people,” Crum explained. “The Afghan children are a tough lot. They were not afraid of me. They enjoyed talking to me and learning about America. I think their society is more open now after last year’s free elections.”

Crum said the recent completion of roads leading to the Tarmac River Bridge linking Rawanii, Raubud, Dand, Karaizak and Kawajali districts to Kandahar are tangible improvements to the area.

“The Soldiers serving there now are doing a superb job and I am highly impressed,” Crum said.

Special Forces plans, prepares and conducts special operations throughout Afghanistan, focusing on combined direct action and unconventional warfare.

Army-reserve special operations civil affairs units provide humanitarian and medical aid to local villages in Afghanistan. Civil affairs assessments evaluate population, living conditions and medical care throughout the region.

http://www.soc.mil/News/releases/05AUG/050826-01.htm