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Afghan Airman promotes integrity

  • Published
  • By Mass Communications Specialist 2nd Class Vladimir Potapenko
  • 438th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
Kabul, Afghanistan --  An Afghan Air Force Airman was awarded Gen. David Petraeus' Commander's Coin during a ceremony at the Afghan Air Force Base in Kabul Feb. 22.

Maj. Mer Agha, the AAF's aviation life support equipment shop chief, earned the coin for his honesty and integrity in halting a false promotion as NATC-A advisors focus effort on changing the laissez-faire mentality some Afghans harbor towards accountability.

"Through his actions, Maj. Mer Agha has proven an example to his men," said Brig. Gen. David Allvin, commander of NATO Air Training Commander-Afghanistan, who presented the coin. "An example that shows one person can make a difference, and if we do that around the Afghan Air Force we can work towards improving professionalism and being an example for our men."

"Actions such as these make it easy for us as your partners to see that the Afghan Air Force has great potential for a bright future as a professional force to stand as an example for the people of Afghanistan," added General Allvin.

Major Agha was honored to receive the coin, saying it was the first time in his 39 year career that he received such an award, making him feel good about the direction of the AAF as it builds towards independence with NATC-A support.