Zormat residents prepare to plant trees at a school, March 15. As part of the Afghan New Year celebration, the Paktya Director of Education, Mihrabudeen Shafaq, organized the tree-planting event for 10 differen More
Paktika Gov. Moheebullah Samim, along with fellow provincial government officials, plants a tree March 21. Government officials planted the tree on the Afghan New Year to symbolize a new beginning and to set an More
Afghan citizens pass through the colors of the Afghan flag which marked the entrance to festivities celebrating the Persian New Year, known to Afghans as “Nowruz,” at the Shah Maqsud Shrine in Kandahar province More
Afghan Maj. Gen Gul Nabi Ahmed Zai, 505th Afghan uniformed police commander, escorts U.S. Army Brig. Gen. John Uberti Combined Joint Task Force-101 and Regional Command – East deputy commanding general for Afgh More
Brig. Gen. Nasrullah Zarifi, right, Afghan National Police Kandahar Regional Training Center commander, introduces U.S. Army Lt. Col. John Hanson, left, Regional Support Command (South) deputy commander, to ANP More
Afghan National Police patrolman Charyogli Allahberdi searches a local man at a vehicle checkpoint outside the Hazar Joft Bazaar with U.S. Marines from Guard Force Platoon, 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, d More
U.S. Marine Gunnery Sgts. Nelson J. Hammer, left, and Michael Rock, with Headquarters Company, Regimental Combat Team 7, prepare an outdoor cooking area at Camp Leatherneck, Helmand province, Afghanistan, March More
Distinguished guests, Afghan cultural advisors, linguists and coalition force members celebrate Nowruz, the Afghan New Year, at Camp Leatherneck, Helmand province, Afghanistan, March 21, 2013. The festivities, More
Afghan National Army soldiers with the 215th Corps play volleyball as observers cheer from the sidelines during Nowruz, the Afghan New Year, March 21, 2014, The sporting event, held at Camp Shorabak, Helmand pr More
Members of the Afghan National Police's color guard stand by as more than 3,500 Afghan citizens celebrate the Persian New Year, known to Afghans as “Nowruz,” at the Shah Maqsud Shrine in Kandahar province's Kha More
Citizens in the district of Zormat organize trees to be planted at 10 schools, March 15, in celebration of the Afghan New Year. The Paktya Director of Education, Mihrabudeen Shafaq, planned and coordinated the More
Afghan Maj. Gen Gul Nabi Ahmed Zai, 505th Afghan uniformed police commander, and U.S. Army Brig. Gen. John Uberti Combined Joint Task Force-101 and Regional Command – East deputy commanding general for Afghan d More
Afghan National Police recruits clap to the beat of a live musical band playing traditional Afghan music during a New Year's celebration event at the Regional Police Training Center in Kandahar, Afghanistan, Ma More
Afghan National Police patrolman Abdul Rasul Mangi (left) and U.S. Marine Lance Cpl. Kirk Lacy, a 19-year-old rifleman with Guard Force Platoon, 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, and native of Jasper, Texas, More
Afghan linguist Atik Azizi cuts onions while preparing a traditional meal for U.S. Marines with Regimental Combat Team 7 at Camp Leatherneck, Helmand province, Afghanistan, March 17, 2013. The linguists and cul More
Afghan linguist Mr. Atiq Azizi plays a percussion instrument while celebrating Nowruz, the Afghan New Year, with other linguists, cultural advisors and coalition force members at Camp Leatherneck, Helmand provi More
Afghans play traditional music as Afghan National Army soldiers with the 215th Corps celebrate Nowruz, the Afghan New Year, during a sporting event held at Camp Shorabak, Helmand province, Afghanistan, March 21 More
A member of the Afghan National Police provides security overwatch as more than 3,500 Afghan citizens celebrate the Persian New Year, known to Afghans as “Nowruz,” at the Shah Maqsud Shrine in Kandahar province More
Citizens of the Zormat District unload trees at a local school, March 15. The Paktya Director of Education, Mihrabudeen Shafaq, coordinated the event which included the planting of trees at 10 different schools More
Paktika Director of Women’s Affairs, Dr. Bibi Hawa, serves a fruit salad, or Haft Mewa, during a Nawroz celebration March 21. In Afghanistan, Haft Mewa is presented instead of the traditional Iranian Haft Sin d More
Musicians play traditional Afghan songs during the Nowruz celebration at the 505th Afghan uniformed police zone headquarters March 21. (Photo by U.S. Army Capt. Kenneth A. Stewart, 17th Public Affairs Detachment)
An Afghan music band rallies Afghan National Police staff, recruits and coalition members during an Afghan new year celebration at the Kandahar Regional Police Training Center in Southern Afghanistan, March 20, More
U.S. Marine Pfc. Bao Tuong, a 20-year-old armorer with Guard Force Platoon, 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, and native of Garden Grove, Calif., smiles at a fellow Marine’s comment while waiting for his hand More
Afghan cultural advisors chop vegetables while preparing a traditional meal for U.S. Marines with Regimental Combat Team 7 at Camp Leatherneck, Helmand province, Afghanistan, March 17, 2013. The advisors prepar More
Afghan National Security Force members celebrate Nowruz, the Afghan New Year, with Afghan linguists, cultural advisors and coalition force members at Camp Leatherneck, Helmand province, Afghanistan, March 21, 2 More
Afghan traditional clothing and other ceremonial items are displayed for attendees at the Afghan Cultural Center as they celebrate Nowruz, the Afghan New Year, aboard Camp Leatherneck, Helmand province, Afghani More
More than 3,500 Afghan citizens gather to celebrate the Persian New Year, known to Afghans as “Nowruz,” at the Shah Maqsud Shrine in Kandahar province's Khakrez District, March 21. The celebrations included a l More
Afghan music band members dance to entertain and rally Afghan National Police recruits to participate in a New Year's celebration at the Kandahar Regional Police Training Center in southern Afghanistan, March 2 More
U.S. Marine Cpl. Rick Ulrich, a 22-year-old radio operator with Guard Force Platoon, 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, and native of Orangeville, Pa., watches an Afghan National Police patrolman interact with More
Afghan cultural advisor Dauod Darwani sorts lentils while preparing a traditional meal for U.S. Marines with Regimental Combat Team 7 at Camp Leatherneck, Helmand province, Afghanistan, March 17, 2013. The advi More
Afghan linguist Mr. Nasim Bunyad serves haft mewa, a sweet dish consisting of a mixture of seven types of dried fruits served in their own syrup, during the Nowruz, the Afghan New Year, celebration at Camp Leat More
Brigadier Gen. Daniel D. Yoo, commanding general, Regional Command (Southwest), addresses American and Afghan attendees as they celebrate Nowruz, the Afghan New Year, during an event held at the Afghan Cultural More
Khakrez District Gov. Haji Abdul Qayum Khan provides opening remarks to more than 3,500 Afghan citizens who celebrated the Persian New Year, known to Afghans as “Nowruz,” at the Shah Maqsud Shrine in Kandahar p More
U.S. Marine Lance Cpl. Stuart Ferreri, a 21-year-old dog handler with Guard Force Platoon, 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, and native of Northglenn, Colo., and his improvised explosive device detection dog More
Afghan cultural advisors Khalid Popal, left, and Dauod Darwani wash potonoes while preparing a traditional Afghan meal for U.S. Marines with Regimental Combat Team 7 at Camp Leatherneck, Helmand province, Afgha More
Afghan linguist Mr. Atiq Azizi sings a traditional song while celebrating Nowruz, the Afghan New Year, with other linguists, cultural advisors and coalition force members at Camp Leatherneck, Helmand province, More
Major Gen. Sayeed Malook, commanding general, 215th Corps, Afghan National Army, addresses American and Afghan attendees as they celebrate Nowruz, the Afghan New Year, during an event held at the Afghan Cultura More
More than 3,500 Afghan citizens gather to celebrate the Persian New Year, known to Afghans as “Nowruz,” at the Shah Maqsud Shrine and district center in Kandahar province's Khakrez District, March 21. Some trav More
U.S. Marine Lance Cpl. Stuart Ferreri, a 21-year-old dog handler with Guard Force Platoon, 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, and native of Northglenn, Colo., speaks to a local boy as Afghan National Police pa More
U.S. Marine Cpl. Edward Ocana, from Chicago, Ill., with Headquarters Company, Regimental Combat Team 7, peals potonoes while assisting Afghan cultural advisors prepare a traditional meal at Camp Leatherneck, He More
Afghan cultural advisor Mr. Ashraf Abasy, left, greets distinguished guests, linguists and coalition force members while celebrating Nowruz, the Afghan New Year, at Camp Leatherneck, Helmand province, Afghanist More
(From right to left) Brigadier Gen. Daniel D. Yoo, commanding general, Regional Command (Southwest); Maj. Gen. Sayeed Malook, commanding general, 215th Corps, Afghan National Army; and Brig. Gen. Zamen Hassan E More
An Afghan national army soldier provides security overwatch as more than 3,500 Afghan citizens gathered to celebrate the Persian New Year, know to Afghans as “Nowruz,” at the Shah Maqsud Shrine in Kandahar prov More
Fancy, an improvised explosive device detection dog, stands next to Afghan National Police patrolman Dost Mohammad (right) while U.S. Marine Lance Cpl. Stuart Ferreri, a 21-year-old dog handler with Guard Force More
U.S. Marines with Headquarters Company, Regimental Combat Team 7 assist Afghan cultural advisors prepare a traditional meal at Camp Leatherneck, Helmand province, Afghanistan, March 17, 2013. The advisors prep More
Afghan linguist Mr. Nasim Bunyad recites a poem while celebrating Nowruz, the Afghan New Year at Camp Leatherneck, Helmand province, Afghanistan, March 21, 2013. The festivities, held in the Afghan Cultural Cen More
More than 3,500 Afghan citizens gather to celebrate the Persian New Year, known to Afghans as “Nowruz,” at the Shah Maqsud Shrine in Kandahar province's Khakrez District, March 21. Some traveled more than 250 m More
Afghan National Police patrolman Dost Mohammad (second from left) waits for vehicles to approach Checkpoint Drahbiash while U.S. Marines with Guard Force Platoon, 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, interact wi More
Afghan cultural advisor Dauod Darwani washes meat while preparing a traditional meal for U.S. Marines with Regimental Combat Team 7 at Camp Leatherneck, Helmand province, Afghanistan, March 17, 2013. The adviso More
Afghan cultural advisors, linguists and coalition force members listen to poetry while celebrating Nowruz, the Afghan New Year, at Camp Leatherneck, Helmand province, Afghanistan, March 21, 2013. The festivitie More
Tomatoes soak in a wash basin as a meal is prepared for U.S. Marines with Regimental Combat Team 7 at Camp Leatherneck, Helmand province, Afghanistan, March 17, 2013. The advisors prepared the meal to celebrate More
Afghan linguist Mr. Atiq Azizi plays percussion instruments while celebrating Nowruz, the Afghan New Year, with linguists, cultural advisors and coalition force members at Camp Leatherneck, Helmand province, Af More
An Afghan marching band performs for more than 3,500 Afghan citizens who gather to celebrate the Persian New Year, known to Afghans as “Nowruz,” at the Shah Maqsud Shrine in Kandahar province's Khakrez District More
U.S. Marine Lance Cpl. Stuart Ferreri, a dog handler with Guard Force Platoon, 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, and 21-year-old native of Northglenn, Colo., and Fancy, an improvised explosive device detectio More
U.S. Marines with Headquarters Company, Regimental Combat Team 7 peel eggplants while assisting Afghan cultural advisors prepare a traditional meal at Camp Leatherneck, Helmand province, Afghanistan, March 17, More
Two U.S. Marines eat a Nowruz meal while attending an Afghan New Year celebration, at Camp Leatherneck, Helmand province, Afghanistan, March 21, 2013. The festivities, held in the Afghan Cultural Center, includ More
Abdullah Nughore, a Kandahar musician, entertains Afghan citizens who gathered to celebrate the Persian New Year, known to Afghans as “Nowruz,” at the Shah Maqsud Shrine in Kandahar province's Khakrez District, More
Afghan linguist Atik Azizi stirs ingredients while preparing a traditional meal for U.S. Marines with Regimental Combat Team 7 at Camp Leatherneck, Helmand province, Afghanistan, March 17, 2013. The linguists a More
Afghan linguists perform a traditional music piece during Nowruz, the Afghan New Year, celebration at Camp Leatherneck, Helmand province, Afghanistan, March 21, 2013. The festivities, held in the Afghan Cultura More
Afghan linguist Atik Azizi prepares a traditional meal for U.S. Marines with Regimental Combat Team 7 at Camp Leatherneck, Helmand province, Afghanistan, March 17, 2013. The linguists and cultural advisors prep More
U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Walter Miller Jr., commanding general of Regional Command (Southwest), and other distinguished guests eat a meal while attending Nowruz, the Afghan New Year celebration, at Camp Leat More
Afghan cultural advisors cook rice while preparing a traditional meal for U.S. Marines with Regimental Combat Team 7 at Camp Leatherneck, Helmand province, Afghanistan, March 17, 2013. The advisors prepared the More
U.S. Marine Staff Sgt. Mariajose Borja, center, with Headquarters Company, Regimental Combat Team 7, has her photograph taken with a group of Afghan linguists while celebrating Nowruz, the Afghan New Year, at C More
Afghan cultural advisors add rice to a dish while preparing a traditional meal for U.S. Marines with Regimental Combat Team 7 at Camp Leatherneck, Helmand province, Afghanistan, March 17, 2013. The advisors pr More
Afghan National Security Force members celebrate Nowruz, the Afghan New Year, with Afghan linguists, cultural advisors and other coalition force members at Camp Leatherneck, Helmand province, Afghanistan, March More
Afghan cultural advisors and linguists prepare a traditional Afghan meal for U.S. Marines with Regimental Combat Team 7 at Camp Leatherneck, Helmand province, Afghanistan, March 17, 2013. The advisors and lingu More
Afghan cultural advisors, linguists and coalition force members are served a meal during the Nowruz, the Afghan New Year celebration, at Camp Leatherneck, Helmand province, Afghanistan, March 21, 2013. The fest More
Afghan linguist Mr. Atik Azizi stirs a pot of rice and meat while preparing a traditional meal for U.S. Marines with Regimental Combat Team 7 at Camp Leatherneck, Helmand province, Afghanistan, March 17, 2013. More
Guests eat a meal during Nowruz, the Afghan New Year celebration, at Camp Leatherneck, Helmand province, Afghanistan, March 21, 2013. The festivities, held in the Afghan Cultural Center, included a meal, live t More
Afghan cultural advisors and linguists take a moment to relax while the food they prepared for U.S. Marines with Regimental Combat Team 7 simmers at Camp Leatherneck, Helmand province, Afghanistan, March 17, 20 More
Afghan cultural advisors, linguists and coalition force members listen to music while celebrating Nowruz, the Afghan New Year, at Camp Leatherneck, Helmand province, Afghanistan, March 21, 2013. The festivities More
Afghan cultural advisors transfer rice prepared for U.S. Marines with Regimental Combat Team 7 onto a serving platter at Camp Leatherneck, Helmand province, Afghanistan, March 17, 2013. The advisors prepared th More
Guests listen to a traditional song performed by an Afghan National Security Force member while celebrating Nowruz, the Afghan New Year, at Camp Leatherneck, Helmand province, Afghanistan, March 21, 2013. The f More
An Afghan cultural advisor transfers a traditional dish prepared for U.S. Marines with Regimental Combat Team 7 to a serving platter at Camp Leatherneck, Helmand province, Afghanistan, March 17, 2013. The advis More
Afghan cultural advisors, linguists and coalition force members celebrate Nowruz, the Afghan New Year, at Camp Leatherneck, Helmand province, Afghanistan, March 21, 2013. The festivities, held in the Afghan Cul More
U.S. Marine Corps Col. Austin E. Renforth, the commanding officer of Regimental Combat Team 7, serves himself a plate of food prepared by Afghan cultural advisors at Camp Leatherneck, Helmand province, Afghanis More
An Afghan musician sings a traditional song for distinguished guests, Afghan cultural advisors, linguists and other coalition force members while celebrating Nowruz, the Afghan New Year, at Camp Leatherneck, He More
U.S. Marine Corps Chief Warrant Officer 2 Thomas Epperson, Headquarters Company, Regimental Combat Team 7, serves himself a plate of food prepared by Afghan cultural advisors at Camp Leatherneck, Helmand provin More
Afghan linguists perform a dance for distinguished guests, Afghan cultural advisors, and coalition force members while celebrating Nowruz, the Afghan New Year, at Camp Leatherneck, Helmand province, Afghanistan More
U.S. Marines with Headquarters Company, Regimental Combat Team 7, serve themselves food prepared by Afghan cultural advisors at Camp Leatherneck, Helmand province, Afghanistan, March 17, 2013. The advisors pre More
A coalition force member, right, shares a traditional Afghan meal with U.S. Marines with Headquarters Company, Regimental Combat Team 7 at Camp Leatherneck, Helmand province, Afghanistan, March 17, 2013. Afghan More
U.S. Marines with Headquarters Company, Regimental Combat Team 7, serve themselves food prepared by Afghan cultural advisors at Camp Leatherneck, Helmand province, Afghanistan, March 17, 2013. The advisors prep More
A U.S. Marine with Headquarters Company, Regimental Combat Team 7, serves himself food prepared by Afghan cultural advisors at Camp Leatherneck, Helmand province, Afghanistan, March 17, 2013. The advisors prepa More
U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Adam Henderson, Headquarters Company, Regimental Combat Team 7, holds a plate of food prepared by Afghan cultural advisors at Camp Leatherneck, Helmand province, Afghanistan, March More
U.S. Marines with Regimental Combat Team 7 share a meal prepared by Afghan cultural advisors at Camp Leatherneck, Helmand province, Afghanistan, March 17, 2013. The advisors prepared the meal in celebration of More
U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Adam Henderson, Headquarters Company, Regimental Combat Team 7, eats a plate of food prepared by Afghan cultural advisors at Camp Leatherneck, Helmand province, Afghanistan, March 1 More
Afghan cultural advisor Mr. Khalid Popal, left, addresses U.S. Marines with Regimental Combat Team 7 while they eon a traditional Afghan meal at Camp Leatherneck, Helmand province, Afghanistan, March 17, 2013. More
Two Georgian Army officers share a meal prepared by Afghan cultural advisors at Camp Leatherneck, Helmand province, Afghanistan, March 17, 2013. The advisors prepared the meal in celebration of Nowruz, the Afgh More