FORWARD OPERATING BASE GHAZNI, Afghanistan (July 13, 2008)  -- Maj. Gen. Donald J. Goldhorn assumed the duties of adjutant general, Guam National Guard on March 18, 2005. As adjutant general, he’s the principle advisor to Guam’s governor on all military matters, and is directly responsible for readiness, management and combat effectiveness of more than 1,100 men and women of the Guam Army and Air National Guard.

For any general officer in command, who has troops deployed into the field of battle, they are ready to take on the role of protector and mediator amongst family and troops.  For this particular visit and mission to Afghanistan, Goldhorn brought morale and joy to the 1st Battalion, 294th Infantry Regiment that’s stationed in Ghazni province.

“We replaced a military police company and performed the mission with distinction to developing the Afghan National Police Force to be capable of providing security to their respective provinces,” said Capt. Manuel Duneas, Alpha Company 1st Bn., 294th Reg. “The focus is to let the ANP and ANSF do the job and we are here to train and support them.

“With Guam’s expertise at constructing outposts, alpha company was tasked with constructing the Jalrez Combat Outpost in the Wardak province by Task Force Currahee,” Duneas said. “We provided the necessary indirect fire support in the area that used to be out of reach between forward operating bases Warrior and Ghazni.”

Duneas, and many others like him, stand ready for their adjutant general to speak and present them with rewards of merit and letters from family.

“This is the down hill ride of your journey and the last few months of  your deployment,” said Goldhorn. “Lets keep our heads in the game, so we can come home safely to our family and friends.”