Northwood natives soldier on in Afghanistan.

Byline: Shelley Nelson

Nov. 10--The Arghandab River valley is densely populated -- filled with pomegranate orchards and grape fields. Irrigation canals run through the valley and the terrain is difficult to travel; it provides many hiding places for the Taliban, said Capt. Joshua Glonek, a Gordon native and 1999 graduate of Northwood High School serving in Afghanistan.

Glonek, a West Point graduate, commands a 196-member infantry company in the 1st Battalion, 17th Infantry Regiment, part of the 650 member 5th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division out of Fort Lewis, Wash. The brigade is operating north of Kandahar City in Afghanistan.

Between August and October, 14 soldiers with Glonek's regiment were killed in enemy attacks, according to the Department of Defense.

"Josh's unit in particular has sustained heavy losses here in Afghanistan," said Chad Visger, a longtime friend and …