The 108th Cavalry of the Georgia National Guard has lost 13 soldiers in tours of Iraq and Afghanistan and the surviving 695 members continue to honor their fallen comrades.

“In Afghanistan, our soldiers were acknowledged for their work with divisive Afghan tribes,” said Capt. Christopher C. Powell of the 108th at the Kiwanis meeting last Wednesday.

“Our goal over there was mainly to help Afghan tribes align with the Afghan government.”

The 108th succeeded where others failed, said Powell, in employing diplomatic relations with one Afghan tribe and convincing them of the legitimacy of the Afghan central government.

Those tribes aligned with Afghan government, explained Powell, are less likely to harbor or support Taliban.

“There’s Army-wide recognition for the 108th’s accomplishment,” said Powell.

Despite their accomplishments, the 108th soldiers mourn the loss of their fellow soldiers.

“The families and friends of these men can’t go a day without missing them. Their children will be fatherless every day of their lives,” said Powell. “The least we can do is memorialize the sacrifice they made for our country.”

The 108th is accepting donations to help build a memorial wall for the 13 Cavalry soldiers who lost their lives. Those interested can buy a brick for $50. The brick will be inscribed and made a part of the memorial wall.

Cash donations are also being accepted. For more information, visit 108thmemorial.com.