BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan – Afghan National Army soldiers and Coalition forces visited the residents of Saydum, in the Khakrez District of Kandahar Province in southern Afghanistan Feb. 7.
 “When we arrived, we were met by the village elder who was very cordial and hospitable,” explained a Coalition soldier.  
 The elder explained that the villagers were all farmers from the Alokozai tribe.  This winter has been especially tough on the 200 residents of the high-desert village.  Heavy snows and freezing temperatures have isolated the village from surrounding areas making it difficult to obtain food and supplies.
 Villagers were happy to see the combined patrol in their area of the province.  Some villagers reported that it had been over a year since the last patrol.
 “I am pleased to see the security forces in this area,” said the village elder.  “You are good people.”
 While residents of this isolated village are faring well during one of the harshest winters on record, the elders reported they still have many needs.
 “We do not have a well in the village,” reported the elder through an interpreter.  “Our only water source comes from the mountain stream of spring water.”  During the summer, the stream has a tendency to dry out, he said.
 The village elder also said that the closest medical facility is located at the Khakrez District Center.  It can take more than an hour to drive to the district center.  It can also be difficult to find a vehicle that can make the trip, especially when the roads are covered in snow.
 The ANA soldiers said they would take villagers’ concerns to Afghan government officials for future help.
 “The commitment to assist and support the people of Afghanistan by providing aid and addressing quality of life concerns is another example of the positive results being achieved by the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan and the Afghan National Security Forces,” said Army Capt. Vanessa R. Bowman, a Coalition spokesman. “Actions like these continue to demonstrate to the people the growth, strength and ability of their government to provide them a better alternative to the enemies of peace and stability.