Franklin and Marshall graduate paves way for new life in Afghanistan

Paul Amato, a 1984 graduate of Franklin and Marshall College, speaks with District Governor Naimatullah of Musa Qa'lah during a recent shura, or meeting, in northern Helmand province. Amato, a reserve Marine colonel, is serving in Afghanistan with the U.S. State Department as the senior U.S. civilian representative for the Helmand Provincial Reconstruction Team. Amato heads up a team of representatives from England, Denmark, Estonia, Poland and Sweden, along with U.S. members of the State Department, Agriculture Department and U.S. Agency for International Development. Working hand-in-hand with coalition military members, Amato is building governance in the southern Afghanistan province.