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I hope you all had a wonderful weekend. Here’s your weekly dose of good news from the front lines.

Colonel Notes Reduced Attacks, Economic Gains in Iraqi Province
By Navy Seaman William Selby
Special to American Forces Press Service

Excerpt

WASHINGTON, Sept. 12, 2008 – The economy in Iraq’s Salahuddin province has made significant gains over the past year due to the rise in agriculture and the improvement of Iraqi security forces, an Army colonel serving there said today.

“What we’ve seen over the past year is a marked increase in security,” Col. Michael McBride, commander of the 101st Airborne Division’s 1st Brigade Combat Team, told to bloggers and online journalists during a teleconference. “From this time last year to today, our attack levels are down approximately 75 percent.”

McBride said the security continues to get better across the board, and he emphasized the notable improvements in Samarra, Beiji and in deposed dictator Saddam Hussein’s hometown of Tikrit.

“We’ve come to a point here now, with the security level as it is, where we are being able to now focus more on reconstruction than we were … five or six months ago,” McBride said.

Up to this point, the main focus always had been security. Now, the focus is shared equally among security, reconstruction and governance, the colonel said.

But while agriculture is being developed, he acknowledged, “it’s something that we’re lagging behind on.”

“The success of the farmers in this area is mixed,” McBride said. “In the east they’re doing fairly well, because there’s a fairly abundant water source and a good canal system. And in the west … since there’s no canal system that ties them in, they’re struggling more.”

McBride said eastern farmers say the success they’ve had is a result of the increase in security forces. “Last year, if you lived in Balad or you lived in Samarra, you didn’t think about taking your stuff to the market,” he said. “They would not have thought about doing that a year ago.”

Though farmers have been challenged by increasing prices of fertilizers — a result of rising fuel cost — as well as a drought this spring, McBride said, “they’re doing a heck of a lot better than they were last year.”

McBride addressed several other reasons for the improved security, citing the 7,000 “Sons of Iraq” citizen security group members who are spread throughout the province.

“Without the Sons of Iraq, we would not be where we are today,” McBride said. “Back in November, if you were on patrol in Samarra, whether you were Iraqi army or U.S. Army soldier, you were running from house to house, in the eastern part of the city, because you were going to get shot at.” Read More
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Patrol Base Lion’s Den Transferred to Iraqi Army
Posted on 09.10.2008 at 03:43AM
By Sgt. 1st Class Kerensa Hardy,
3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault)

Excerpt

CAMP STRIKER, Iraq – The Iraqi army now occupies another patrol base previously under coalition forces’ control after a transition ceremony near Radwaniyah, Sept. 6, 2008.

Company B, 1st Battalion, 35th Armor Regiment transferred Patrol Base Lion’s Den, approximately 15 kilometers southwest of Baghdad, to 2nd Battalion, 23rd Brigade, 17th IA Division.

“It is an honor for us to receive the patrol base (and) … to be trusted so we can accomplish our mission,” said Lt. Col Adnon, 2/23/17th IA executive officer.

“Today’s ceremony marks several years of successful partnership,” said Capt. Eric Morton, commander of Co. B, 1st Bn., 35th Armor Regt. “Just last year, this area was a hotbed for al-Qaeda in Iraq and other insurgent organizations. With the joint efforts of the Iraqi army, Sons of Iraq and the U.S. Army, al-Qaeda no longer has a support base here to conduct their operations.”

Morton, a native of Midlothian, Va., went on to praise 2/23/17th IA, as well as the IA units before them, for their partnership efforts with coalition forces in maintaining the peace in the Radwaniyah area.

“We have worked hard to secure this area, enabling the people to once again go about their daily lives,” he said. “The transition of Patrol Base Lion’s Den today not only signifies our success working together as … partners, but is also symbolic of the growing strength of the Iraqi army.” Read More
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Multi-National Corps – Iraq
Public Affairs Office, Camp Victory
APO AE 09342

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
RELEASE No. 20080908-06
Sept. 8, 2008

Over 1,000 displaced citizens return to Diyala
Multi-National Division – North PAO

DIYALA, Iraq – Over 1,000 displaced Diyala citizens have returned to their homes after being forced out by sectarian conflicts and intimidation.

According to current Coalition force reports, over 1,000 families have returned to their homes in Diyala Province since July 2008. These figures include over 180 families who returned to their homes in the Al Abarra District, over 100 families in the Qualis area, over 40 families in the Ameriyah area, approximately 50 families in the Abu Tamur area, over 300 families in West Baqubah and nearly 300 families in Bezul.

“The return of displaced persons is a visible sign of progress in Diyala Province and clearly indicates improvements in the security situation and increased confidence in the provincial government are giving people the welcomed chance to return to their homes,” said Maj. Jon Pendell, spokesperson for the 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment. -30- Source Link
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Iraqi improvement spurs Coalition troop reduction
by Staff Sgt. Michael J. Carden
American Forces Press Service

Excerpt

U.S. Soldiers conduct a foot patrol with Iraqi police officers through a downtown area Sept. 8, 2008, in al Hamzah, Iraq.
U.S. Soldiers conduct a foot patrol with Iraqi police officers through a downtown area Sept. 8, 2008, in al Hamzah, Iraq.

WASHINGTON (Sept. 10, 2008) — As Iraq’s military continues to grow in size and capacity, U.S. and Coalition forces are steadily reducing their footprint in Iraq, a senior U.S. military official posted in Iraq said Wednesday.

The much-improved Iraqi military has grown by more than 72,000 members over the past year, and now in now has around 206,000 members strong, including 202,000 soldiers, 2,000 airmen and 2,000 marines and sailors, said Army Lt. Gen. Frank Helmick, commander of Multinational Security Transition Command Iraq, the command responsible for training Iraqi forces.

Recent successes by Iraqi forces in known hot spots such as Basra, Baghdad and Diyala province exemplify the much-improved capabilities of Iraq’s Defense Ministry, the general said during a news conference in Baghdad. Iraq’s military has performed greatly, he added, and continues to improve with each operation. Read More
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Soldiers Reflect, Render Honors to Nation, Fallen Brethren
Friday, 12 September 2008
By Pfc. Lyndsey Dransfield

Excerpt

Multi-National Division - Baghdad
CAMP LIBERTY — Soldiers from 4th Infantry Division, Multi-National Division – Baghdad, and their fellow servicemembers and civilians gathered in front of MND-B headquarters, Sept. 11, 2008, to honor and remember the individuals who lost their lives on that horrific day seven years ago, and the heroes who came forth to protect our country in its time of need.

Maj. Gen. Jeffery Hammond, a native of Hattiesburg, Miss., commanding general of MND-B and the 4th Inf. Div., was the keynote speaker during the Ironhorse Division’s Patriot Day Observance.

“[September 11, 2001] is a day that will live in infamy, just as the attacks on Pearl Harbor, December 7, 1941. These attacks were similar – they awoke our great nation and mobilized America’s credentials. It’s what brought us here today and is the heart of what we are doing now,” Hammond said.

“Today, as we remember those we lost on, Sept. 11 [2001], let’s not forget the 89 MND-B Soldiers we’ve lost since our transition of authority.”

Following Hammond’s heartfelt words, those gathered silently observed as three wreaths were hung beneath large photographs depicting the tragedies at the Pentagon, the World Trade Center and the crash site of United Flight 93, in commemoration of the servicemembers, rescue workers and civilians who lost their lives.

Command Sgt. Maj. John Gioia, the senior enlisted leader of MND-B and the 4th Inf. Div., placed an American flag that was flown at Ground Zero in front of the photo of the fallen Twin Towers, and then rendered honors to the same. The flag was presented to the Soldiers and leaders of 4th Inf. Div. by firemen of Ladder 10, Engine 10, Engine 24 and Ladder 5 of the New York City Fire Department.

The flag itself is a sobering reminder of the tragic events that day that claimed the lives of all of the firemen from these ladders and engines as they attempted to provide aid to their fellow Americans. Read More
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Talabani Praises Bush as Iraq’s Liberator
Friday, 12 September 2008
By Gerry J. Gilmore
American Forces Press Service

Excerpt

WASHINGTON — The Iraqi people look upon President Bush as a liberator who delivered them from a brutal despot, Iraq’s chief executive told reporters at the White House Wednesday.

Bush is a hero who saved Iraq “from the worst kind of dictatorship” under Saddam Hussein, President Jalal Talabani said.

And Iraq has “no stronger defender” for its people than Talabani, Bush told reporters after meeting with the Iraqi president. Talabani has served as Iraq’s president since 2005.

“I’ve known him for a long time,” Bush said of Talabani, an Iraqi from the Kurdish region in the north. Talabani underwent heart surgery last month at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn.

Talabani “cares deeply about the Iraqi people,” Bush said, “and he has been a strong defender of human liberty.”

Increased security brought about by the success of the surge has enabled Iraqis to rebuild their lives and the United States to withdraw some 8,000 troops by February, Bush said. Read More
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Al Kut Business Area to get Modern Fish, Meat Markets
Friday, 12 September 2008
By Alicia Embrey
Gulf Region South District

Excerpt

AL KUT — Al Kut’s downtown business area will soon feature two modern complexes for fresh meat and fish.

A new $2.7-million, 1,500-square-meter fish market will include space for 24 fish shops with cold storage, a cafeteria, coffee shop, central courtyard, exterior sidewalks and parking lot.

Located nearby will be a new $2.4-million 2,000-square-meter meat market housing 25 butcher shops with cold storage, coffee shops, central courtyard with two fountains, exterior sidewalks and parking lot.

“Those two new facilities will provide a real boost to al Kut’s economy,” said Iraqi Engineer Hussein Sabry with the Gulf Region Division. “They will employ 300 people and most importantly, with the cold storage capability, residents will know they are getting a quality product.” Read More
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Basra neighborhood very pleased with newly opened Primary Healthcare Clinic
Monday, 08 September 2008

Sept. 8, 2008
Release No. 080908-1
U.S. ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS, GULF REGION DIVISION

Basra neighborhood very pleased with newly opened Primary Healthcare Clinic
Gulf Region South district

BASRA, Iraq—Thousands of residents in the al-Risala neighborhood in Basra no longer have to walk or drive up to 20 kilometers to get medical care for their families.

The Iraqi Ministry of Health opened a new primary healthcare center there in July.

Dr. Alia Al-Hassan, the clinic administrator said, “We’re providing healthcare to about 300 patients daily, newborns to the elderly. This community, which has been neglected for a long time, is thrilled to have this new, modern medical facility.” She pointed out they currently have a staff of 40 personnel. “We hope to increase that number in the near future to offer additional medical services.”

Physician Assistant Hussein Na’ma said the new healthcare center features state-of-the-art equipment and for some patients “it’s the first time their families have had access to preventive medical services, as well as certain high tech services .”

James Hodges, Gulf Region Division construction representative, said, “It’s great to see their smiles of appreciation. They are very happy to finally have local access to comprehensive medical care.”

Gulf Region Division, which has built six other healthcare centers in Basra Province, has three additional ones under construction. “These projects are seen as a very positive thing, especially since they affect the lives of the people so directly,” Hodges said. -30- Source Link
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Petraeus pays visit to troops in Anbar
by Lance Cpl. Joshua Murray
Regimental Combat Team 5

Excerpt

CAMP GANNON, Iraq (Sept. 7, 2008) – When the MV-22 Osprey landed, Army Gen. David Petraeus, commanding general, Multi-National Force - Iraq, emerged with a grin on his face, eager to meet with and commend the service members under his charge.

The Warlords of Task Force 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marines, Regimental Combat Team 5, escorted Petraeus throughout the visit. His first course of action was to tour the nearby point of entry along the Iraqi-Syrian border and witness the progression that has taken place in the area.

“This part of al-Anbar province is a much quieter place now,” said Gen. Petraeus. “It’s a real privilege to be back out here.”

Upon returning to Camp Gannon, Petraeus joined Marines, Soldiers and Sailors for lunch and a brief meeting. Shortly afterwards, he gathered the troops for a ceremony to recognize those individuals who have served more than 24 months in Iraq or for outstanding actions while serving during Operation Iraqi Freedom.

“You should feel very good about what you’ve been a part of, what you’ve contributed to,” Petraeus said. “It’s an enormous tribute to your skill, your ability, your sheer force of will at certain times along the way and the wonderful work you have done.”

Lance Cpl. Shane Swartz, a motor transport mechanic with Motor Transport Platoon, 2nd Bn., 2nd Marines, was recognized by Gen. Petraeus for helping to train Iraqi police officers on maintaining and preventing mechanical problems with their vehicles.

“The Iraqi police just had a group graduate from a mechanics school and I helped fine tune the skills of 16 Iraqis,” Swartz said modestly. “It’s not something I could have done without the help of my platoon and the guys in maintenance.” Read More
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Microgrants Revitalize Downtown Furniture Market in Northern Baghdad
Posted on 09.12.2008 at 10:22AM
By Capt. Clint Rusch
3rd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division

Excerpt

BEIDHA’A, Iraq – “At first, when we would come to the market, people just stared at us,” said Spc. Jose Perez, originally from Orlando, Fla., and now a driver with Team Steel’s Red Platoon, “and I think they just weren’t used to us being here.”

In late February 2008, Perez and his platoon conducted an initial reconnaissance of a furniture market, located on the southeast side of Beidha’a neighborhood in northern Baghdad, with the intent of determining its viability for future rehabilitation.

What they found was a disappointing level of unemployment, dirty streets and businesses that were rapidly failing.

A lack of technology in the furniture workshops was partly to blame as local businesses were attempting to produce high-quality furniture with only handsaws, planes and a few outmoded and frequently damaged power tools. The lack of electricity in the area prevented the store owners from effectively hiring employees, and the irregular timing of the power grid forced the businesses into intermittent and almost random operating hours.

Today, the market is a different sight. Microgrants were issued by coalition forces to a number of furniture production businesses along the area, and Team Steel’s Red Platoon spearheaded that effort with an eye toward developing an area that was capable of sustained economic progress. Thus far, it appears to be working. Read More

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By Not Building, Engineers Help Rebuild Sadr City
Posted on 09.12.2008 at 04:31AM
By Sgt. Jerry Saslav
3rd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, Multi-National Division-Baghdad

Excerpt

FORWARD OPERATING BASE WAR EAGLE, Iraq – The Soldiers of Earth Movers Platoon, Company B, 46th Engineer Combat Battalion (Heavy), gathered for their mission briefing.

They would pick up a Quality Assurance/Quality Control team and then head into Sadr City. The men are heavy equipment operators and supervisors – they just haven’t done that job in months.

After the briefing, the troops of the 46th ECB, which is currently attached to Multi-National Division – Baghdad’s 926th Engineer Brigade, took a moment, formed a circle, linked arms and prayed; they then loaded into their Mine Resistant Ambush Protected vehicles and headed out.

The platoon provides security for a QA/QC team as it checks on the quality of coalition forces-funded projects being carried out by Iraqi contractors. The engineers provide transportation and physical security for their fellow engineers, and the team visits approximately 120 sites a week.

The Soldiers cannot always drive to each construction site; they normally walk in.

“Security’s first; we use Infantry tactics as for how we move. Our primary focus is always the security and safety of the people we escort,” said 1st Lt. Jeremy Atkinson, a native of New Orleans, who serves as the platoon leader. Read More
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Iraqi Children Play Soccer; Remember Hero
Posted on 09.10.2008 at 07:25AM
By Cpl. Chris T. Mann
Regimental Combat Team 1

FALLUJAH, Iraq – The name of a fallen military member catches the eye of an Iraqi child as he holds a soccer ball just handed to him by a team of coalition forces. This name, written across the glossy finish and bright gleam of the soccer ball, tells the story of a young service member who strived to bring a sense of happiness to the lives of others.

Civil Affairs Marines with Detachment 3, Team 5, Regimental Combat Team 1, have started handing out boxes of soccer balls to young Iraqi children in Fallujah, Iraq, during several recent missions conducted by the team.

Although not part of their normal mission that they conduct on a daily basis, CAG Marines have started inflating and handing out brightly colored soccer balls to mob scenes of jubilant Iraqi children.

These Marines have found time to not only to make a few Iraqi children happy, but fulfill the wishes of a family and one kind-hearted teenager who donated soccer balls to honor a young Army Soldier who was killed while conducting combat operations in Iraq.

“Soccer is a huge deal for the children around here,” said Chief Warrant Officer Shane M. Duhe, CAG-5 team leader. “When I give each child a soccer ball, I tell them that it has a name on it of someone who fought for their freedom.”

The name on the soccer balls belongs to Pfc. Nicholas A. Madaras, a 19-year-old from Wilton, Conn. He was part of a personnel security detachment with the 1-68 Combined Arms Battalion and was known for his ability to effortlessly make his comrades-in-arms and everyone around him smile. Read More
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Strykehorse Leader Leads With Laughter
Posted on 09.10.2008 at 03:33AM
By Pfc. Lyndsey Dransfield
2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, Public Affairs Office

Excerpt

CAMP TAJI, Iraq – All leaders have their unique thoughts on what it is and means to be a leader. One “Strykehorse” Soldier explained what being a leader is to him recently.

“Leadership is being that guy,” said 1st Sgt. William Burford. “Everybody likes a professional Soldier. Even if you disagree with him, you admire the principles he stands on.”

Burford, a native of Slidell, La., and first sergeant of Headquarters and Headquarter Troop, 2nd Battalion 14th Cavalry Regiment “Strykehorse,” 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team “Warrior,” 25th Infantry Division, Multi-National Division – Baghdad joined the U.S. Army in 1987 as a tanker, and although it was years ago, he remembers what it’s like as a young Soldier in the Army and learn from his leaders.

“I wasn’t born with this first sergeant rank,” he said.

Burford said he is where he is today because of the experiences he has as a young Soldier. Those experiences, he said, are the same ones young Soldiers go through today.

“I was the married private first class with two kids who paid all his bills and had seven bucks left to last me two weeks. I remember when dinner was red beans and rice for a week straight because we didn’t have any money.”

Burford attributes his success to his second platoon sergeant, “the greatest [non-commissioned officer] I’ve ever served with,” he said. Read More

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