To All Spartans,

I just wanted to take the opportunity to let every single member of TF Spartan, and attachments, know how very proud I am of each and every one of you. We are all very busy accomplishing what we must on a daily basis but I wanted to pause just long enough to let you know that I recognize the tremendous sacrifice of all and I want you to know that it is appreciated. Because our roles are very different and some are much more visible than others, I wanted to ensure that everyone understand that the CSM and I recognize that every single person in the Task Force plays a very pivotal role and that means EVERY single MOS serving out there in the biggest FOBs, to the COPs, to the most remote Ops.

You all remember that we were going to east Baghdad, but a few months prior to deployment, we were reassigned to Afghanistan, specifically the provinces of Wardak and Logar. We weren't sent here to observe a tennis match at Wimbledon. We were sent here for some very specific reasons — the most important highways in Afghanistan run through our provinces which had become the most enemy-infested, violent, and problematic areas in Regional Command East (RC-E).

Many things have occurred precisely as we predicted. We knew that the winter season, while enemy activity would be less, would be a good time to establish our footholds by maneuvering our companies into outlying district centers to partner with the ANP and ANA. At first, we couldn't even get the ANSF to leave the wire. It's still difficult and there have been set-backs, but the ANSF improves everyday and now we consistently partner with these forces and we dominate the battle space.

We knew that the summer months would bring increased enemy activity. Mullah Omar, the Taliban leader headquartered at the Quetta Shura in Pakistan transmitted that Wardak would be his main effort because it straddled Highway 1 and provided direct access to Kabul. We knew that security for the elections would be of the highest priority and we knew that election results would be contested.

We knew it would initially be difficult to establish contracting systems that would execute projects to build economic and infrastructure capacity and increase the quality of life for the Afghans and create jobs. But we've obligated over $50 million to this effort and the impact is seen everywhere one looks.

We knew that developing good governance would be difficult because of the culture of corruption that runs rampant in this society. But, we continue to help and supervise local politicians and are seeing evidence that these councils are improving their ability to prioritize projects and execute a budget (on) behalf of the people in the districts and provinces.

Still, from the individual's foxhole, it is probably often difficult to see the bigger picture that I outlined in the above paragraphs. Some may ask, "Why are the Jalrez, Nerkh, and Tangi valleys so important?", "Is domination of the Kherwar bowl and the road networks through Charkh and Baraki-Barak really worth it?" I am here to solemnly testify to all of you that it is all important.

While it may be hard to see the tangible gains or benefits from every mounted or dismounted patrol, every hour on the OP or guard tower, every vehicle repaired, every conversation with a local leader, etc… it all adds up to the overall success of the mission. I've attached one slide that provides a snapshot of our devastating impact on the enemy organization in both provinces since 21 August 2009.

We have crushed him during his most active period.

Some may be surprised to know that our losses have been just slightly over half of what was projected by analysis of historical combat trends. While less than expected, that doesn't do much for me because every loss that we've suffered is devastating. These weren't just SSNs on a roster, they were sons, husbands, fathers, uncles … and they were our brothers and friends. It is our solemn responsibility to honor them each and every day by making their sacrifice matter. We do this by never forgetting them, taking care of and staying in touch with their families, and most importantly winning on this battlefield, like you're doing every day.

I'm proud of you and sincerely appreciate your sacrifice. We have a little over two months left to go. We will not slow down or relent in any way, rather, we will "sprint through the finish line." Remain vigilant, alert, and continue taking care of your buddies.

Col. David Haight & CSM Delbert Byers

Enlarge Army Col. David Haight commands the 10th Mountain Division's 3rd Brigade Combat team.