Submitted courtesy of the Oklahoma National Guard
Last summer, Afghanistan Ambassador to the United States Hamdullah Mohib, visited the United States to find out how Americans feel about the war on terrorism. During his travels, the dignitary formed a special bond with a Soldier who had lost a friend on the battlefield.
“This is a small token of what the larger picture is, and it’s a small representation of people among the hundreds of thousands of Veterans out there,” Ambassador Mohib said. “I hope we keep doing more of these and bring Afghanistan veterans so they can share their stories.”
Witnessing firsthand a U.S. Army Soldier’s commitment to a better Afghanistan, the ambassador lobbied to have this Army National Guard Soldier, CPT Austin Bond, formally recognized during the Afghan president’s visit to New York for the 72nd Session of the United Nations General Assembly.
The ambassador’s effort to honor the Soldier came to fruition. On Sept. 21, 2017, Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani Ahmadzai presented an award to CPT Bond, commander of C Company, 1st Battalion, 179th Infantry Regiment, 45th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, Oklahoma Army National Guard.
During the event, the Afghan president also honored 22 Veterans and Gold Star Family members with letters of appreciation for their dedication and sacrifice during the war on terrorism.
“I wanted the president to get to know some of these amazing Veterans, and CPT Bond is one of those special individuals who I have come to know personally,” Ambassador Mohib said. “Not only did he help his interpreter get a visa, but he put him up in his own house and was there for him. That personal love is an inspiration to many others, and the president was touched to hear this story.”
Ambassador Mohib said CPT Bond possesses admirable qualities that are rarely seen. He said Bond’s contributions to his U.S. visit made him a prime candidate to be honored by President Ghani.
“It feels awkward [to be honored] because I know there are so many Soldiers, Airmen, Marines and Sailors who deserve this more than I do,” CPT Bond said. “On the ground in a combat environment, there’s no time – even over a cup of chai – to really gain the perspective of what you’re doing, so to have the Afghanistan president thank us and acknowledge our sacrifice is humbling.”
“We’re tied in blood, the Afghan and American people, who’ve fought together against our common enemies,” Ambassador Mohib said. “The president’s visit is recognition of Soldiers who have put their lives at risk training our security forces, which wouldn’t have been possible without people like CPT Bond.”
Ambassador Mohib said Afghans and Americans share the same values as hard-working people of faith, family and hospitality. He added that he hopes to see U.S. Veterans break bread with their counterparts.
“This is a small token of what the larger picture is, and it’s a small representation of people among the hundreds of thousands of Veterans out there,” Ambassador Mohib said. “I hope we keep doing more of these and bring Afghanistan veterans so they can share their stories.”
