Local troops celebrate Memorial Day in Afghanistan

PHOTOGRAPHER: Michael Goot

Memorial Day was not just celebrated with parades and picnics in the United States; local soldiers marked the occasion thousands of miles away in Afghanistan.

The New York Army National Guard’s 27th Brigade Logistical Task Force, which is based in Rochester, is currently serving a tour in Afghanistan. The unit is part of the 427th Brigade Support Battalion. Staff Sgt. Michael Crounse of Glenville said about 150 soldiers observed Memorial Day with a 40-minute ceremony on the base, including a moment of silence.

“It’s a nice time to reflect on the people that gave their lives for the war effort. I’m sure there are some people here that have had friends who have been injured or killed in Iraq or Afghanistan,” he said.

The unit has been in Afghanistan since April and will be deployed through the end of the year. Crounse said the mission is to train Afghan soldiers. He teaches them about the proper way to handle and store ammunition.

Crounse, who is an officer with the Schenectady Police Department, has been in the military for eight years.

“I like the camaraderie of being in the service, being with people who are like-minded, working toward the same goal. I like being able to come over here and help a nation that needs our help, training them to stand up for themselves and fight for themselves,” he said.

For more on this story, read Friday’s edition of The Daily Gazette.