“This gentleman is really something for this city to behold,” said Howard Cohen, chairman of the veteran’s group.
“As you go through deployment there are a lot of experiences you keep to yourself,” Belding said. “I don’t like to tell stories but I feel I owe a thank you back to America.”
Belding, 50, of Fairfield has worked 24 years at AK Steel and is entering his 28th year with the Army.
From June 2009 to August 2010, Belding was on a mission to train members of the Afghan National Army. His team consisted of 28 American and 28 Hungarian soldiers training a battalion of 700 Afghan soldiers.
“Afghanis are considerably different, so we have to adapt in order to be effective trainers and have them accept us,” Belding said.
Between learning the languages of Hungarian and Dari and the contrast in military forces, Belding said he gained more appreciation for the U.S. Army.
“There’s a commitment to the Army in this country,” Belding said. “We have more experience and better equipment.”
Belding said only 20 percent of the Afghan army knew how to read or write. Despite the low level of education, Belding said Afghanis know how to fight.
“Killing is way more routine than we would visualize here,” he said. “Sometimes I’d see absolute hatred in someone’s eyes.”
But Belding said the most valuable thing he takes away from the experience is the relationships built. He said he still misses the tasty cucumber, raisin and rice dish his interpreter made.
Stephen Schnabl, head of Partners in Prime, said it was after hearing Belding speak to Hamilton Rotary he thought he would be a great speaker for the veteran’s group.
“I thought it was informative and he told us down-to-earth stuff, which is what this is all about,” said Phil Fazzini of Hanover Twp.
Contact this reporter at (513) 820-2179 or hpoturalski@coxohio.com.
About the Author