BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan – Afghan National Security Forces, assisted by Coalition forces, visited the snow-bound village of Mienah, in Khas Oruzgan District, Oruzgan Province, Jan. 25.
 The harsh Afghan winter dumped more than one meter (3.3 feet) of snow in the remote area of Afghanistan, which is more than 9,000 feet (2,700 meters) above sea level.  The Afghan National Army’s 201st Kandak and Afghan National Police negotiated rarely traveled, narrow, icy roads to provide much needed supplies to the villagers in the district.
 In Mienah, the district chief spoke with more than 20 male residents of the village to update them on current events and governance activities in the district.  Villagers were eager to hear from their district chief.  The latest news rarely reaches the isolated area when snowy conditions make travel nearly impossible.
 The district chief also provided bags of rice, flour and beans to residents to help restock villagers’ shelves for the long winter.  The district chief also handed out several AM-FM solar-powered radios to villagers to help keep them informed of Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan programs.
 ANA, ANP, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan officials and Coalition forces made several visits this winter to remote villages throughout Oruzgan Province. With each visit, ANSF and government officials listen to the concerns of villagers and provide food, fuel, blankets and warm clothing, and school supplies for children.  During some visits, the combined forces are also able to provide limited medical care for those who need it.
 “The Government of Islamic Republic of Afghanistan wants to help citizens in remote sections of the country,” said Army Maj Chris Belcher, a Combined Joint Task Force-82 spokesman.  “Providing food to help them get through the winter and radios to keep them informed is one way the Afghan government shows their concern for the welfare of all Afghan citizens.”