Leader determined to leave legacy

Published Sept. 29, 2006
By Tech. Sgt. Joseph Kapinos
455th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affais

BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan -- The Army officer with the tan shoulder holder sits comfortably in his office chair. The walls of his office are covered with photos, memorabilia and letters from children from all across America. His uniform is proudly worn, his hair cut to regulation with just a touch of silver. He is a gentle man in a rough land and is dedicated to leaving a lasting legacy with the people of Afghanistan.

This former associate professor of military science from Cornell University and devout Christian has made it his mission to help bring stability and prosperity to a country that has seen much conflict in the past 20 years.

Major Don Johnson is the Parwan team leader for the Bagram Provincial Reconstruction Team. He works hand in hand with local contractors to complete construction projects throughout the Parwan province, located in Northern Afghanistan. The projects range from medical clinics to wells. It is a job that the major has taken to with fervor.

"I feel what we are doing here is a noble cause," proclaimed Major Johnson. "We are here to rebuild rather than destroy."

"I believe that we can leave a legacy here that will last forever," he stated. "At least in the minds of the Afghan people."

Married with three children, the Spencer, N.Y. native takes a paternal role in his dealings with the Parwan team.

"Overall, I am responsible for the team. That's job one," said Major Johnson. "I look after the safety and welfare of the team, my goal always is to make sure that everyone comes home alive."

Working with local contractors, village elders and government officials is not a problem for this Army veteran. The prior air defense officer worked for several civilian companies before taking up residency at the university. All that experience gave him a myriad of tools to use when out in the field surveying on-going projects.

"In this assignment, I get to use a lot of the tools I learned after resigning my commission. Working at both civilian and military organizations gave me people and negotiation skills. Both come in handy out here," said Major Johnson.

Major Johnson wears many hats during his duty day. He is the team leader, a manager, a coordinator and lastly a goodwill ambassador to the local towns and villages. It is this last role that this self-proclaimed "fun-loving Christian" truly relishes.

"I want to show the people of Afghanistan we are here to bring security and prosperity to this country. Not war and destruction," exclaimed Major Johnson, determination set in his face.
Working with professionals from both the Air Force and Army gives the major the largest portion of his job satisfaction. Although it is a joint unit, incorporating elements from all corners of the military, such as active duty, National Guard and civilians; he doesn't consider it a drawback. In fact, he considers it a major asset.

"Having people in the unit that come from different backgrounds bring new and different perspectives to the table," commented Major Johnson. "I think a wise man said once 'If everyone is thinking the same way, then it is a pretty poor unit."

"I believe that," stated the major. "It doesn't matter to me if you are an E-1 airman or an O-6 Army colonel. If you have something to offer, I will listen."

Major Johnson remembered a time when the team was in an area where they repeatedly stopped. One of his gunners, a sergeant, offered a better solution to where they could park the convoy. The sergeant's suggestion gave the team better security while minimizing the impact on the local traffic.

"That's the kind of teamwork I'm looking for," he said. "I appreciate everyone's opinion as they may see something that I didn't."

PRT...a tale of two bridges