Staff Sgt. Matthew J. McGee, 32, from Philadelphia, Pa., visited Bagram, Afghanistan, to deliver equipment, serving on a security detail. The young boy pictured here ran to the vehicle as it was pulling away and asked the Marine for water. Speaking in broken English, the boy said, "Thank you," waived, and ran away wearing no shoes. The Afghanistan landscape still bears the marks of war, and explosions and gunfire occasionally break the chill in the evening air. However, as everday passes American and coalition forces continue to contribute to the region through community projects, humanitarian and charitable assistance. The Taliban and al Qaida who once called this land home have gone from standing shelters to caves and are diminishing as each day passes. The Marines in the area say the mere presence of U.S. airpower is enough to keep the enemy running. "Just the noise of our jets keeps the soldiers on the ground safe," said one Marine commander. "That makes it all worthwhile."
The Marine pictured here is currently stationed in the Persian Gulf supporting Operation Enduring Freedom as a military policeman.