MHAFB sergeant helps win "hearts and minds" in Afghanistan

Donkeys loaded with medical supplies and humanitarian aid accompany members of the Panjshir Provincial Reconstruction Team Aug. 7 in Afghanistan. (U.S. Air Force photo/Master Sgt. Jim Varhegyi)

For Tech. Sgt. Ralph Binion III, 366th Services Squadron food services, a year-long deployment in Afghanistan is unlike any other deployment he's experienced during his time in the Air Force.

"For me this is a different kind of deployment. Normally we're positioned in a heavily defended base," said Sgt. Binion. "Here we live among the people we are trying to help. We shop in their stores and deal personally with them on a daily basis."

During his deployment at Forward Operating Base Lion in the Hindu Kush Mountains of eastern Afghanistan, Sgt. Binion is responsible for all aspects of the services career field, including arranging lodging for visitors, contractors and distinguished visitors and preparing meals three times a day, six days a week for more than 100 people.

In addition, all morale, wellness, readiness and fitness center functions are carried out by Sgt. Binion.

He also fulfills duties that include being an M240B machine gunner for ground assault convoys, performing as a driver or truck commander in convoys, assisting with site or landing zone security and providing aid on humanitarian missions.

In early August, he joined a group of Airmen, Soldiers, U.S. government civilians and Afghan interpreters in a four-hour trek over mountain ridges and valleys to set up two medical clinics in the village of Roydara in the Panjshir Province as part of the Panjshir Provincial Reconstruction Team.

Tech. Sgt. Ralph Binion III plays with a flying disc with village boys Aug. 7 in Roydara village in the Shutol district of Panjshir province, Afghanistan. (U.S. Air Force photo/Master Sgt. Jim Varhegyi)

"I find this mission to be one that is very fulfilling on a personal level. To see the look on the faces of children when we give them something as simple as a pen, kite or soccer ball is extremely rewarding," said Sgt. Binion. "Our mission as a PRT is to win the hearts and minds of the people -- from what I see when I go to the different villages in the valley, we are doing just that."

The team also delivered personal hygiene kits, rice, tea and toys, which they carried on donkeys through the Hindu Kush Mountains.

"The children are great." said Sgt. Binion. "They are always trying to speak English they have learned. The biggest things that they just can't seem to get enough of are pens. No matter where I go in the valley they always want a pen."

"I have had a wonderful experience so far on this deployment," said Sgt. Binion. "I have done things here I've never done before and most likely will never do again. I've played volleyball and soccer with local villagers. I've wrestled with livestock to assist vaccinations and taught Afghan children how to throw an American football."

For Sgt. Binion the time away from wife and children is hard. But he adds "While the separation from the family is difficult, the rewards make it easier."