Lance Cpl. Kevin Adkins, a Surprise, Ariz., native

Lance Cpl. Kevin Adkins, a Surprise, Ariz., native and infantryman with 2nd Platoon, Echo Company, takes a sip of hot chai tea with a patrolman from the Afghan Uniformed Police. The Marines and Afghans spend a considerable amount of time together partnering on combat operations. Sitting down over a cup of chai tea is a way for Marines to build bonds with their Afghan partners, ultimately strengthening their working relationships and giving each an opportunity to learn about one another’s culture.