Source: DTN News - - This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources By ISAF Joint Command(NSI News Source Info) KABUL, Afghanistan - December 25, 2010: Italian Air Force Gen. Vincenzo Camporini, Italian chief of defense; U.S. Army Gen. David Petraeus, commander, International Security Assistance Force; and Italian Army Brig. Gen. Marcello Bellacicco, commander, Regional Command-West, met with coalition soldiers and delivered holiday messages of thanks and encouragement in Bakwah District, Farah province today.
“I know that it is difficult for you to be here, especially this time of the year,” said Camporini.
“Boun Natale (Merry Christmas) and Grazie (thank you)”, said Petraeus, as many looked both surprised and impressed when the general addressed them in Italian. He then asked the soldiers to gather around him to be closer and more personal.
Bakwah is one of the more volatile areas in RC-West, and the soldiers based there often engage insurgents in kinetic activities. However, many civilian-military cooperation initiatives and developments continue to improve the situation there.
“Our soldiers here are doing wonderful work in tough places,” Petraeus said. “It’s a privilege for the other 48 ISAF countries to serve with the Italians.”
*This article is being posted from Toronto, Canada By DTN News ~ Defense-Technology News, contact: dtnnews@ymail.com
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Petraeus handed out commemorative coins to troops who had served for 3 or more years since the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks, and awarded several medals, including three purple hearts. He then went by helicopter over desert mountain peaks to the western province of Farah, where the Italian army's 7th Alpini is stationed.
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