The trip to Afghnstn, Pakstn,India, and NATO was very informative. This will give you a general idea of the meetings we attended while there.

Friday, February 12 – Thursday, February 19, 2010

Kuwait

Meeting with senior contracting officials in Kuwait regarding transfer of equipment and Logistics Civilian Augmentation Program (LOGCAP) contracting.

Toured Navy Support Element (NSE) facility where the delegation observed equipment returning from Iraq and being refitted for transfer to Afghanistan. The tour included visits to maintenance shades, vehicle staging lots and convoy staging areas.

Afghanistan

Meetings with U.S. Ambassador to Afghanistan Karl Eikenberry, General Stanley McChrystal and Lieutenant General (LTG) William Caldwell.

Briefing with U.S. Forces–Afghanistan command, the Joint Contracting Command in Afghanistan and LOGCAP officials.

Briefing with LTG William B. Caldwell, Commander, North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Training Mission – Afghanistan and Commander, Combined Security Transition Command – Afghanistan (NTM-A / CSTC-A). The NTM-A / CSTC-A, in coordination with NATO Allies, partners and key Afghan stakeholders trains the Afghan National Security Forces, develops capable ministerial systems, and resources the fielded force to build sustainable capacity and capability in order to enhance Afghanistan’s ability to achieve stability and security in Afghanistan.

Dinner with local government representatives from across Afghanistan, to discuss reconstruction in Afghanistan and the National Solidarity Program.

Meeting/briefing with NATO/ISAF Regional Commander North Brigadier General Frank Leidenberger (Germany).

Visit Hairaton Border Crossing and local leaders, including mayor. The Hairaton-Termez crossing with Uzbekistan is the gateway to the Northern Distribution Network, an American-assembled logistical pipeline designed to ease and expand the flow of supplies to coalition forces in Afghanistan.

Visit with Swedish and Finnish-led Provincial Reconstruction Team (PRT) in Balkh Province. The PRT consists of military officers, diplomats, and reconstruction subject matter experts working to support reconstruction efforts in the Balkh Province. Their purpose is to empower local governments to govern their constituents more effectively and provide essential services.

Conduct wreath-laying ceremony with Ambassador Eikenberry for fallen NATO/ISAF troops.

Visit Camp Spann for briefings with Georgia National Guard and others on Afghan National Police mentoring efforts and Commander’s Emergency Response Program (CERP).

Meeting with the governor of Balkh Province, Ustad Atta Mohammed Noor, who has made progress in building Balkh’s economy and security.

Pakistan

Meeting with Ambassador Anne Patterson, Brigadier General Nagata and State Department experts.

Meetings with Pakistani Prime Minister Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani, President Asif Ali Zardari, Minister of Interior Rehman Malik.

Breakfast meeting with Punjab Prosecution Department and prosecutors from across Pakistan.

India

Federation of India Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) roundtable with representatives from high-level think tanks, non-governmental organizations and the Government of India.

North Atlantic Trade Organization (NATO) Headquarters