The Illinois National Guard Agribusiness Development Team deployed in Afghanistan returned home April 20th. The ADT mobilized in April of 2011 to establish a strong, growing and sustainable agriculture industry in the country. The soldiers from across Illinois were chosen for their background in agriculture. Colonel Fred Allen - a farmer from Delavan, Illinois - served as Commander of the team.
 
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The team often worked with the Afghanistan equivalent of county extension agents. One of their accomplishments was improving irrigation for more than 10-thousand acres of land. Allen says they had daily interaction with Afghan farmers who make the most out of a small amount of land.
 
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According to Allen - one thing he takes away from his time overseas is the universal language of farming.
 
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Allen was fortunate that his dad and brothers were able to take care of his farm and cattle herd as he was serving the country. Allen was gone for all of the 2011 growing season - and as he returns home - Allen says it won’t be long until he climbs into the tractor and gets to work.
 
The ADT trained nearly three-thousand farmers through Agriculture Extension Agents and assisted the forestry projects - planting more than 60-thousand trees. Thirteen soldiers received a Bronze Star, one received a Purple Heart and 45 were recognized with Army Commendation Medals