GARMSIR DISTRICT, Helmand province, Islamic Republic

GARMSIR DISTRICT, Helmand province, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan - Pfc. Clifford Oyugi heads a soccer ball before playing a soccer game with a local team here, May 28. Oyugi, a native of Las Vegas, is a machine gunner with Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment. The soccer game was held to support the local soccer team and strengthen relationships in the local community. The battalion supports Regimental Combat Team 1, under 2nd Marine Division (Forward), which serves as the ground combat element in Helmand. The mission of the division is to partner with Afghan National Security Forces to conduct counterinsurgency operations to secure the Afghan people, defeat insurgent forces, and enable ANSF to assume security responsibilities in the region. Ultimately, the partnered forces promote the expansion of stability, development and legitimate governance.