From late 2009 to November 2010, the 86th Infantry Brigade Combat Team deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. The brigade operated primarily in eastern Afghanistan, conducting counterinsurgency and security operations in a rugged and insurgent-contested region. Their mission focused on protecting the population, disrupting Taliban activity, securing key terrain and supply routes, and supporting reconstruction and stability efforts.

Attached to the brigade, the 1st Battalion, 102nd Infantry Regiment, a Connecticut Army National Guard mountain infantry battalion, conducted mounted and dismounted patrols, partnered with Afghan National Army and police units, and maintained a steady presence in local villages. They worked to reduce insurgent influence, improve security, and help Afghan forces take greater responsibility for their own areas.

Sergeant First Class Gary LaBelle served as the 1-102nd’s communications NCOIC and was based at Forward Operating Base Mehtar Lam, the battalion’s main FOB. From there, he helped keep communications running across the entire area of operations. Soldiers under him were spread out at smaller combat outposts and other FOBs, maintaining radios, satellite phones, and equipment, and handling the routine daily frequency changes. SFC LaBelle flew weekly to Jalalabad and Bagram to meet with brigade staff and coordinate communications support. He also served as a Field Ordering Officer, traveling monthly to Bagram to pick up large amounts of Afghan currency that were used to pay local vendors and inject money into the local economy.