Agriculture team deployed to help farming in Afghanistan

Twelve servicemen and women are headed from Indiana, to Afghanistan.  It is not your typical tour, but many feel the mission is essential to the growth of the Afghan people.

"We all feel like this is the most important mission going in Afghanistan because it helps the lowest person in Afghanistan sustain crops and earn a living," says Lt. Col. David Roberts.

Farming is what many Hoosiers are known for, and it is what the 5-19th Agribusiness Development Team specializes in.  Specialist Jared Rybolt has his own farm up in Warren, Indiana.  He is leaving behind his 742 acres to lend his expertise overseas.

"Enhance their yield and help them develop things to help them sustain things to help themselves and do the right thing, so they can become more self reliant," says Specialist Rybolt.

Even though it is not a military mission, the deployment was difficult.

"I am nervous, excited, and cannot wait to do my part," said Specialist Rybolt.

The original orders called for 58 team members, a change in plans reduced the number to an even dozen. Master Sergeant Sharla Stevens says her selection was bittersweet.

"I feel blessed to be chosen to go, but at the same time I struggle with leaving the guys I have trained with for a year, but nothing replaces leaving behind your family," said Mstr. Sgt. Sharla Stevens.

The family that came to watch the departure ceremony was the same family that will be anxiously awaiting their loved ones return.