(24 Dec 2003) AFGHAN US 241203N
1. US soldiers patrolling in snowy landscape
2. Ground level shot of soldiers on patrol
3. Side shot soldiers walking in snow
4. Ground shot soldiers trudging through snow
5. Soldiers crouching by tree and building
6. Closer shot US soldier, building in background
7. Close up looking at map held by soldier
8. Soldiers greeting men by building
9. Soldier, pull out to river and trees
10. Dog
11. Close up ice on river with soldiers reflected
12. Soldiers walking along river
13. Soldier in foreground, Afghan family approaching across snow
14. Closer shot Afghan man with wheelbarrow, girl behind
15. Close up Afghan old man, turns to camera
16. Soldier talking to Afghan man through translator
17. Group of Afghan girls looking on
18. Close up soldier by roadside, man on crutches passes
19. Soldiers walking along roadway, small girl shows off green dress
20. US soldiers climbing over snowy wall
21. US soldiers posing for group photo, they speak as follows:
All: "Merry Christmas from Camp Phoenix Afghanistan!"
Soldier 1: "Does anyone want to say hi their mum?"
Sergeant Jeff Flynn from Tulsa, Oklahoma: "I want to say hi to Britney Spears and if she gets a copy of this video that she needs to come and put on a concert for us, we'll be here for a very long time, other than that.."
Soldier 3: "Yeah, hi mum."
Captain Max Patkowski from Bethany, Oklahoma: "Hi mum, dad, Holly, the girls."
STORYLINE:
US troops in Afghanistan have been preparing for Christmas against a backdrop of snow.
Tuesday saw the first snows of the winter fall in the Afghan capital Kabul.
In Hudkhell on the eastern outskirts, US troops of the 45th Infantry Brigade of the Oklahoma Army National Guard have been conducting routine security patrols against a white backdrop.
The atmosphere was relaxed as the men mingled with local people, but remained ever vigilant.
The soldiers will be spending their first Christmas in Afghanistan as part of a posting which will last at least six months.
They will celebrate the Christian festival with a carol service and traditional Christmas dinner at their base.
The 45th Infantry Brigade are based in Kabul as part of Task Force Phoenix who are charged with training up troops for the new Afghan National Army.
Find out more about AP Archive: [ Ссылка ]
Twitter: [ Ссылка ]
Facebook: [ Ссылка ]
Instagram: [ Ссылка ]
You can license this story through AP Archive: [ Ссылка ]
