"And it's a rewarding experience when you see people who lack resources and don't have the same opportunity that we're afforded in the United States that we're able to provide them with," 97th Civil Affairs Battalion Maj. James Wilson said.
That's why Brigadier General Antonio Supnet of the Philippine Army came to Fort Bragg Thursday. The general handed out 16 medals for meritorious civil service to soldiers from Charlie Company 97th Civil Affairs Battalion.
"It could be building schools, building wells, civic action programs, which could medical, dental, veterinarian," 97th Civil Affairs Battalion SFC Tim Embery said.
The 97th Civil Affairs Battalion has operated in the Philippines for years.
During the past nine months, the unit built 41 new schools, drilled countless wells and provided medical care for thousands of people in local villages.
The soldiers say they are proud of their accomplishments.
"Being recognized by a foreign government is showing us that what we're doing over there it has a strong impact on the people," 97th Civil Affairs Battalion Capt. Jennifer Gotie said.
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