Ansonia resident Pat Henri returned from a seven-month tour in Afghanistan Friday, Jan. 13.
Henri, a chief petty officer in the Navy Reserve, was stationed at Camp Eggers in Kabul Afghanistan.
Henri was the senior enlisted leader in a 20-man joint service of Navy and Air Force personnel.
He sent the following description of some of his duties and experiences in Afghanistan:
“I took care of personnel admin requirements and business contracts. As the senior enlisted person, I was also responsible for the health, well-being, safety and professional development of all the enlisted members. I was the enlisted advisor to the Public Affairs director (my boss).
I also went on approximately 30 missions “outside the wire” on routes classified as “high probability of attack,” to training camps/facilities in the Kabul area to document training evolutions/events or to transport visiting media including Col. Oliver North and Dan Rather.
I also met Suzanne Malveaux from CNN when she came to camp for a few days around 9/11.
Through USO visits, I met astronauts Neil Armstrong, Gene Cernan and Jim Lovell. American Idol 6th season winner Jordan Sparks, who my wife loves, was there so I had her hold a sign that said “Hello Cheryl” and got my picture taken with her.
Living conditions were tolerable.”
Henri said he received five awards during his time in Afghanistan:
- Defense Meritorious Service Medal
- Afghanistan Campaign Medal
- NATO Medal
- Overseas Service Ribbon
- Military Outstanding Service Medal
Photos provided by John Marini.