Whiteman captain pays tribute to 9-11 in Afghanistan

  • Published
  • By 755th Air Expeditionary Group
BAGRAM AIR FIELD, Afghanistan --  The members of the Combined Training and Advisory Group gathered on Sept. 11 at Camp Dubs in Darulaman to honor the victims and heroes of the 9-11 attacks.

In a truly Combined Joint operation, the CTAG staff spent over two hours paying tribute by flying nearly 20 US flags from the camp flagpole. The flag detail was commanded by Capt. Brian Clough, currently deployed from the 509th Maintenance Operations Squadron.

The ceremonial flags are destined for the United States, where they will be donated to local schools, military units, and individuals who served in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

The troop formation included members of the British Army, US Army National Guard, US Army Reserves, and US Air Force.

Because the Guardsmen hailed from New York, several also served at Ground Zero on and immediately after the 9-11 attacks, making the ceremony deeply personal for many of them. 

The mission of the CTAG is to advise and mentor the staff of the Afghan National Army Training Command responsible for training, education, and development of doctrine that will ensure the future security of Afghanistan by building a capable, professional Army.

By providing basic training, technical training, professional military education, a National Military Academy and even operating a military high school, every member of the ANA is touched by this command during a typical 3-year period.