U.S. Army National Guard Staff Sgt. James Bates (center),

U.S. Army National Guard Staff Sgt. James Bates (center), a security force squad leader of Provincial Reconstruction Team Farah, delivers a speech during a ceremony at the base 9/11 memorial to commemorate Patriot Day at Forward Operating Base Farah, Farah province, Afghanistan, Sept. 11. PRT Farah is a unit of soldiers, sailors and airmen working with various government and non-government agencies tasked with facilitating governance and stability in the region by working hand in hand with local officials and the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan. PRT Farah's security force is made up of National Guard infantrymen out of Alaska who are responsible for ensuring the safety of everyone assigned to the PRT. The goal of the PRT is to promote the Afghan government and their ability to resolve local issues and provide security to the people.