Staff Sgt. Khalif Ahmad (R). Khowst Province, Afghanistan. February 2005

U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Khalif Ahmad, a platoon sergeant with Headquarters and Service Company, 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, speaks with local elders about security in the area during a patrol in the Khowst province of Afghanistan, Feb. 9, 2005. The Marines are conducting security and stabilization operations in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. James Yarboro/Released)