MEHTER LAM, Afghanistan — When they’re not pulling security at the Entry Control Points or training for missions, a company of Afghan National Army Soldiers stationed here open their doors to U.S. troops to share their meals and friendship.

 

The ANA Soldiers have a cook, Bahador Khan, who prepares rice, chicken and a variety of vegetables over an open fire, along with flat bread for ANA Soldiers and other troops to get a taste of Afghan cuisine.

 

“We share our meals with the troops because we appreciate what they are doing for our country,” said ANA company commander Capt. Ahmed Shah. “The Soldiers here are good people, just like us.”

 

ANA Soldiers also protect the village of Mehtar Lam, just outside the FOB’s walls.  A number of villagers work on base and a few operate a restaurant and shopping venues offering cultural foods, trinkets and ethnic artifacts.

 

“If you’re walking past their headquarters, it is no surprise to receive an invitation to eat a meal with them,” said Sgt. Booker T. Washington, the networking noncommissioned officer-in-charge at FOB Mehtar Lam. “If you eat one meal with them, the invitation is open for you always.”

 

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