As I sat and listened to them sharing stories, remembering their time together in Afghanistan, it was like I could see the country through their tales of great people, challenges and the personalities they met there.

Although they were stationed there for different missions from different governments they shared coffee and connections freely. In preparation for finishing his deployment the Major had systematically shared many of his connections with his French buddy.  Leveraging his relationship to help another gain favor and begin much further ahead than he would have been if left on his own.

This exchange of contacts had a huge impact on the Major, his friend and I can only imagine even more on the Afghan people.

Connections matter. Sharing those connections freely matters more.