USS Sampson Sailor awarded in Afghanistan

By U.S. Air Force Capt. David Tomiyama, Provincial Reconstruction Team Khost Public Affairs

KHOST PROVINCE, Afghanistan – A Sailor aboard USS Sampson (DDG 102) was awarded the Provincial Reconstruction Team (PRT) Warrior of the Week, while deployed to Afghanistan.

Fire Controlman 2^nd Class Victor Taylor was awarded the PRT Khost Warrior of the Week for Aug. 28 at Forward Operating Base Salerno, Afghanistan for his support efforts at the base’s Tactical Operations Center (TOC).

“Warrior of the Week recognizes someone who has shown initiative and efficiency in their duties. Most people, like me, feel like they are just doing their job,” said Taylor. “I think that says something about our team. We don’t even realize when we are going ‘above and beyond.’ All we want is to accomplish the mission.”

In Taylor’s citation he was recognized for planning and tracking air missions supporting the transport of 15 service members who were conducting multiple operations in five separate locations. This effort directly supported the commander’s effort to mentor local government officials and provide quality of life support to remote locations.

“I am very lucky to have petty officer Taylor as a member of the PRT,” said Cmdr. Brad Brewer, the PRT Khost commander. “His work ethic, leadership and devotion to the team have made it possible to meet our daily tasks and move us forward in accomplishing our overall mission of improving security, supporting good governance and enhancing provincial development.”

PRT Khost is made up of more than 85 Sailors, Soldiers, Airmen and civilians. The PRT conducts population-centric governance and development counterinsurgency operations. The team builds the capacity of the provincial and district governments, develops critical infrastructure, education and stabilization initiatives, and works to increase the legitimacy and accountability of the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan to the populace, ultimately enabling reintegration and transition.