Saline Grad Helps Women in Afghanistan

Cpl. Brandy Bates, a team member with Female Engagement Team 8, supports soldiers from the Afghan National Army, 215th Corps, and Marines from Lima Company, 3rd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment during a foot patrol through the village of Tughay, Sangin district, Helmand province, Dec. 6. Bates, who is 23 years old and a native of Ann Arbor, who graduated from in 2006. She is a reservist with Detachment B, Marine Wing Support Squadron 471 out of Mount Clemens, Mich.

As part of Female Engagement Team, Bates' supports 3rd Bn., 7th Marines by engaging with local women and performing contraband searches when necessary. Bates said she feels like her role with Female Engagement Team is important because team is reaching out to the women and giving them a voice and helping them out as much as possible.

(This photograph was taken by U.S. Marine Cpl. Meredith Brown.)