A Neillsville man and his Northwoods soldiers are getting the job done in Afghanistan.
Capt. Brian Barth is leading over 100 soldiers of the 951st Sapper Company, Wisconsin Army National Guard. The 951st is based in Rhinelander and Tomahawk.
The unit it responsible for a number of tasks that help maintain freedom to maneuver for U.S. and coalition forces. Barth says they've been working to keep transportation routes open, by hunting for IEDs and looking for bypass routes.
Barth is in charge of platoons in Kandahar and near the Pakistan border. The units are facing work in temperatures over an average of 105 degrees.
Barth says morale is "very solid." When they're not on a mission, they're able to take part in a couple beloved Wisconsin traditions, such as softball and cookouts.
The 951st is slated to return home in November.