(Host) The head of Vermont’s National Guard said the troops sent to Afghanistan earlier this year are facing their toughest job since World War II.
General Michael Dubie told lawmakers the troops should be back in Vermont late this year or early next. He said they may need additional services as they re-adjust to home life.
VPR’s John Dillon reports:
(Dillon) Adjutant General Dubie choked up for a moment as he read from a letter he just received from Colonel Will Roy, the commander of the 15-hundred Vermonters in Afghanistan. Dubie said Roy wrote to thank the state for its support.
(Dubie) "It makes all the difference in the world knowing we have the great support that we have at home. I would like to add that they have every reason in the world to be proud of their mountain soldiers."
(Dillon) Dubie says the Vermonters are stationed near Kabul and in areas to the north and east, including positions near the Pakistan border.
He said the morale is high, but the troops – especially those serving near Taliban-held areas – face austere and difficult conditions.
(Dubie) "I don’t think I can say it any better than Col. Roy did. I can tell you I have never been more proud of the men and women serving in the Vermont National Guard. And I would tell you we have never been this challenged. We would have to go back to World War II when General Wing led the 43rd Division to find a time when so many people in this state have done so much for this country."
(Dillon) Dubie said the mission for the Vermonters has changed from primarily training Afghan soldiers and police to one that involves more traditional combat.
He described the Afghan police force as a work in progress. And he said Vermont police officers deployed in the Guard serve as valuable role models.
(Dubie) "We take it for granted that we live in a society where the rule of law, rules, that we have universal respect for human rights regardless of what tribe you’re from or what religion you are."
(Dillon) In a question-and-answer period with lawmakers, the general was asked if the Guard had enough services in place to help soldiers when they got home.
Dubie said some soldiers will have health issues, such as traumatic brain injuries and post traumatic stress disorder. He said officials are trying to anticipate those needs now.
(Dubie) "We feel like we are ready, or we’re getting ready, for the return and to deal with the issues that you brought up. But we don’t know. And we don’t know how big the issue will be. But if we run into a problem, we’re going to come ask for help. And that probably means we’re going to need some financial help to assist, to augment what we already have in place for mental health providers. I mean, we could have some big numbers here. Big numbers of people."
(Dillon) Dubie said Vermont still has enough Guard members in the state to handle emergencies or natural disasters.
For VPR News, I’m John Dillon in Montpelier.