Photo Credit: 
David Goldman
 
Photo Caption:
The shadowy figures of U.S. Army soldiers with the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment stand against a star filled sky during an overnight mission early Sunday, Sept. 4, 2011, in Kunar province, Afghanistan. 
 
Photographer's Note:
 
Afghanistan holds a special place in my heart.
 
Despite all its hardships, it’s one of the most stunning places I’ve ever been.
 
Its barren landscapes, the raw beauty of its mountains and the deep purple skies after a rain storm at dusk have stayed with me.
At nightfall, I remember seeing the brightest stars come out, so many you’d think your body had left earth and floated into space.
 
But the heart of a country is its people. They have endured so much, Afghanistan’s painful history so clearly worn on their faces. Yet, there was always a smile for a stranger like me.  
 
While there hasn’t been peace for the past 20 years, there was always hope. Hope that maybe the future for Afghans will be different someday. I feel that it’s the loss of hope that I’m mourning now. That said, I’d still like to believe the next chapter for the Afghan people hasn’t been written yet.”