Dear Interested Reader,
172nd help to preserve Babylon Ruins. Baghdad declares national holiday! Humanitarian relief supplies for Najaf. Shaykhs meet for successful talks with Anbar Govt. leaders. Suspected terrorists detained.
In Afghanistan, TF Iron Titan go the extra mile in prep. for joint fires exercise near Altimur Village. TF surgeon, medics provide care at FOB Fenty. 3-61 Cav replaces 6-4 Cav in Nuristan. Lethal Warriors replace Blue Spaders in Kunar.
Joanna
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July 3, 2009
Special to American Forces Press Service
U.S. Soldiers Help to Preserve Babylon Ruins
By Army Capt. Stephen Short
A hilltop view of the ancient city of Babylon, where King Nebuchadnezzar II built his hanging gardens, known as one of the Seven Wonders of the World.
(Army photos by Maj. Mike Feeney)
HILLAH – Soldiers with the 172nd Inf Bde are helping documentarians, historians and preservationists as they work to ensure that ancient Iraqi history is preserved and documented in Babil province. The bde provides these experts transportation and security as part of their ongoing mission in support of the Babil PRT.
The Babil team hosted the World Monuments Fund (WMF) to conduct site surveys of Babylon, an ancient city near here. The surveys were conducted to determine the possibility of making the Babylon ruins a sustainable historic and tourism site while protecting the ruins.
The WMF is a N.Y.-based nonprofit group dedicated to preserving historic architecture and cultural heritage sites worldwide through field work, education and training. The fund is launching a project with Iraq to preserve the ancient city of Babylon, where King Nebuchadnezzar II -- whose life spanned 630-562 B.C. -- built his hanging gardens, known as one of the Seven Wonders of the World.
“We're involving the local populace in the solutions to create a sustainable situation,” said Jeff Allen, the project team leader. “What you don’t want to do is develop something that outsiders are just going to profit from. You want something where the local populace benefits from it.”
“Future tourism will be one of the tools for economic development in Iraq, and we fear that Babylon could be eaten up by unmanaged development like the paving of roads,” WMF President Bonnie Burnham said at the beginning of the project. “The city has never been mapped, and there've been very dramatic changes to it.”
Soldiers with 2nd Bn, 28th Inf Regt, 172nd Inf Bde, make it possible for civilians working with the team and the U.S. State Dept to go to sites throughout Babil province and do their work safely.
Gwendolen Cates, an independent filmmaker, is making a documentary called “Mourning in the Garden of Eden” to illustrate Babylon’s historical significance. “I'm making a documentary of the cultural heritage of Iraq, and connecting the past to the present and how that relates to us,” said Cates, who started the project in 2003 when she served as an embedded photojournalist with U.S. Army military intel in Iraq. “Iraq has a lot of diversity and many Americans don't know about Babylon, and where it is. Bringing tourism back to Iraq is one of the main purposes of this project.”
Samir Sumaidaie, Iraq’s ambassador to the U.S., said Iraqis welcome outside help in preserving their history. “Iraqi heritage belongs to all humanity,” he said in a statement. “In the immense task of caring for its world heritage, Iraq welcomes help from and collaborations with the int'l preservation community.”
Army 1st Lt. Bryan Kelso stands watch outside a deserted palace built under Saddam Hussein at the Babylon ruins, June 21, 2009. Saddam ordered the construction of the palace on a manmade hill overlooking the ancient city of Babylon, where many projects are under way to enhance tourism in the area.
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American Forces Press Service
As U.S. Meets Withdrawal Deadline, Baghdad Declares Holiday
By John Kruzel
ISF parade past their leaders during a celebration in Baghdad, June 30.
(Photo by Capt. Tommy Avilucea)
WASHINGTON, June 30, 2009 – As the United States completed its withdrawal of combat forces from Iraqi cities in accordance with today’s deadline, Baghdad commemorated the milestone with a national holiday.
“A small number of U.S. forces will remain in cities to train, advise, coordinate with ISF, as well as enable them to move forward,” Army Gen. Raymond Odierno told reporters at the Pentagon. The gen. declined to provide the number of troops to remain, saying that the figure will fluctuate on a daily basis.
Meanwhile, news reports from Baghdad describe Iraqis marking the day with a military parade attended by Iraqi reporters and dignitaries in the int'l area known as the “Green Zone” at the official monument to an unknown soldier.
Similar celebrations took place around the country in recent days as the American drawdown from cities neared completion. A U.S. military video shot yesterday in Baqubah, a city north of the Iraqi capital in Diyala province, shows a parade in which IP march through a city scene marked by a distinct absence of American boots on the ground.
Odierno noted that U.S. troops have been out of most Iraqi cities for the last 8 months, with drawdowns over the last few weeks focusing mainly on Mosul and Baghdad. But today’s transfer of responsibility to ISF represents a “significant milestone,” Odierno said. “It's a day when Iraqis celebrate as they continue to move towards exercising their full sovereignty,” he said. “The Iraqi people should be very proud of the dedication, progress and sacrifice of the ISF and the GoI. Their accomplishments in preparing for this day are commendable.”
As Iraqis secure the cities, Odierno said, U.S. forces are establishing a layer of defense outside the urban areas, conducting full-spectrum and stability ops alongside Iraqis to eliminate safe havens, crack down on insurgents and stem the flow of foreign fighters. U.S. forces also will support civil efforts led by the U.S. Embassy, the GoI, and the U.N. Assistance Mission, he said. “Our combat forces, partnering with the ISF, will secure the belts and borders in an attempt to eliminate safe havens and sanctuaries, and to limit freedom of movement of insurgents and prevent the facilitation of foreign fighters through the borders,” he said.
As Iraqis celebrate a nationwide holiday highlighting their added responsibility, Americans also can be proud of the efforts by U.S. forces to stabilize Iraq, which last month had the lowest levels of violence since the war began 6 years ago, the general noted. “The American people can also be very proud, as well, of the soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines and Coast Guardsmen, as well as our civilians, who have worked so hard over the past years -- and tirelessly -- and sacrificed so much in helping the people of Iraq progress towards a peaceful and democratic society,” Odierno said.
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U.S. Air Forces Central, Baghdad Media Outreach Team
Iraqi AF, Army Prepare Medical, Clothing Donations for Distribution
By Staff Sgt. Tim Beckham
NAJAF — The Iraqi provincial govt recently received 3 pallets of humanitarian relief supplies from orgs. in the U.S., which they'll distribute to the local populace. "Helping people who are less fortunate is always a good thing, whether in your home town or across the world," said U.S. Army Lt. Col. Fred Harmon, project coordinator.
"It's important because it's a capacity-building effort," added U.S. Army Lt. Col. Roberto Garcia, a civil affairs officer with the 308th CAB, and project coordinator back in the States. "It not only helps one person, but helps the whole mission."
The humanitarian relief supplies, consisted of wheelchairs, crutches, walkers, blankets and clothing. "This was significant because it was an opportunity to have the Iraqi AF and the IA working together for the mission that benefits the Iraqi people," said Harmon, who is deployed from the 413th CAB.
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MNF-I
Shaykhs Meet Anbar Government Leaders
By Cpl. Meg Murray
Shaykh Lawrence al-Aniza speaks with Shaykh Ahmed Risha, during a meeting aboard Camp Ramadi, June 24.
CAMP RAMADI — In Arabic, the word "shura" means consultation. In Anbar prov., govt and tribal leaders are doing just that – consulting with one another and making decisions to improve life for the Anbari people.
Paramount shaykhs from tribes across the prov. met here, June 24. The gov. of Anbar prov. and the provincial council chairman were also in attendance, as well as the comm. gen. and dep. comm. general of MNF-W, who provided views of provincial progress from the CF standpoint.
"We are coming to an important and difficult stage in Anbar," said Gov. al-Fahadawi, through an interpreter. "We need your support. The govt understands the shaykhs have an important place and authority among the people. Your words are powerful among the people."
The paramount shaykh of the albu-Fahad tribe was quick to answer the governor and voice his support for ISF. "I think the Security Agreement between Iraq and the U.S. is progressing forward," said Shaykh al-Fahadawi, through an interpreter. "We are all hopeful that the ISF are ready to take over. As shaykhs, we stand by and fiercely support the ISF."
"God willing, we will meet together again many times, because the govt works for you – the people," said Qasim. "Govt officials come and go, but the tribes will last forever." Though the reps of the Anbar govt were gone, the shaykhs stayed to discuss important issues facing the province. Topics included investment, reconstruction, basic services, farming and security, with shaykhs speaking in turn throughout the meeting.
The tribal leaders eventually decided the best way to help their people was to continue with many programs currently underway under the sponsorship of the province and CF. Meeting as a tribal council is a powerful forum for the shaykhs to agree upon a common vision and speak with one voice. "The shaykhs need to hold a meeting, and after we examine the issues and come to an agreement, we can filter our ideas down to the people," said Shaykh al-Ilyawi of the albu-Ali Jassim tribe, through an interpreter.
As the shura concluded, the shaykhs were already looking forward to coming together with provincial govt leaders again to unify their visions for the sake of their people and a better future for Anbar province.
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American Forces Press Service, MNC-I
Forces in Iraq Detain Suspected Terrorists
WASHINGTON – Iraqi forces, aided by coalition advisors, arrested suspected terrorists June 28, military officials reported.
ISOF and coalition advisors arrested a suspected terrorist in Baghdad. The suspect is believed to be the low-level cmdr of an insurgent group responsible for coordinating a local resident’s murder and an attack against IA forces.
Elsewhere, Iraq’s Commandos, assisted by coalition advisors, arrested 2 suspected terrorists in Ninevah prov. One of the men is suspected of being a financier for a terrorist cell, and the other is believed to be a cell operator. The cell is responsible for emplacing roadside bombs in the prov., officials said.
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CJTF-82 in Afghanistan, Bagram Media Center
TF Iron Titan go the extra mile in preparation for joint fires exercise
By Army Spc. Jaime DeLeon
1st Lt. Barry Klinger, HHT 3rd Sqdrn, makes a friend.
LOGAR PROVINCE - Dozens of children rush to their doors and windows to look out at the 2 lines of troops walking cautiously up the sides of the dirt road leading into their village. As the troops approach Altimur Village, their uniforms stand out against the lush green backdrop of the fields. Most of the Soldiers veer off the side of the road and kneel to pull security, while a few go ahead to find the elders of the village. They have important matters to discuss and goods to give away.
The troops, members of the 3rd Sqdrn, 71st Cav Regt, 10th Mtn Div, along with the ANP and Czech Army Soldiers, made the trip to the village, outside of FOB Altimur in Logar prov. to distribute humanitarian aid, speak with village elders about the needs of the village, and, on the more practical side, to warn of the next day's artillery exercise, in which the troops would shoot rounds onto a mountainside not far from the village.
As word spreads that the visitors are there to speak with the elders, old men with long beards and crisp white clothes slowly make their way out of their homes. With the elders obviously not weary of the visitors, the children quickly descend from their perches and circle the crowd. At the sight of so many small children, many carrying their even smaller siblings, Army Staff Sgt. Dwaine Hood, the Colt team chief for 3-71 CAV, drops to one knee and carefully pulls a bag of candy from his bag. "My family sends me so much, I figure I can at least share some with the children," Hood said with a smile. Hood's wife is due to give birth to their 2nd child any day. "Seeing the kids here reminds me of my daughter."
The children certainly seem to appreciate the gesture of kindness as they reach out with eager hands. "Manana!", the Pashtu word for thank-you, is shouted with an occasional, "thank you!" sprinkled in by some of the children familiar with English.
While the children swarm around Hood, Army 1st Lt. Barry Klinger, plt leader for Raven Plt, is busy discussing more serious matters with the village elders. "How do you get your water? Do you have wells or do you use the surface water?" Klinger asks with the help of an interpreter.
Potentially improving the village's water mgt is only one of the many future projects being looked into during the day's trip to Altimur. After a quick discussion on the village's water system, the elders
excuse themselves and go into a nearby field to pray. Klinger takes the opportunity to speak with the small children, who, at this point have taken quite an interest in his fair skin. "How many children go to your school?" Klinger asks, once again with the help of an interpreter. Klinger listens patiently to the absurd answers served up to him with mischievous smiles. "400," one child shouted out in perfect English. The small village appears to have maybe that many residents total.
Realizing questions of numbers are probably best left for the elders, Klinger began teaching his captive audience how to shake hands and give high fives. Initially shy, young boys anxiously await their turn to
slap the American's hand, after an interpreter helps to demonstrate.
The elders finish their prayers and make their way up to the road where their visitors were waiting. Eager to show off their well-maintained village, the elders take ANP, Czechs and Americans on a tour. The Mosque and school stand side-by-side at the center of the village. The school is locked and the man with the key is far away, so the elders offer to break the lock. "No, no that's OK," Klinger assures them as they gather in front of the building's porch instead.
Children are sent away, so the adults can discuss the village's needs. They didn't go far, however, and many slowly inch closer until stern looks chase them away. The elders are excited to talk about possible improvements, but are skeptical citing past experiences with foreigners promising grand things and not producing.
"I understand how they feel," said Hood. "But I know our head of civil affairs personally, and I'm sure he'll win them over." With the children at a safe distance, the ANP unload boxes of school supplies and other odds and ends, which were given to the elders. "We want to give them to you, so you can do with them as you see fit," Klinger tells the elders. But, as soon as the supplies are unloaded, the children run toward the school in an eager frenzy. Elders try to maintain order as little ones are trampled by their older neighbors. A few teenage boys try to help manage the chaos, handing books to crying toddlers.
Once the dust settles, and satisfied children take their prizes home, the group says their final good byes to elders and make their way back to the waiting MRAPS. There is still packing and planning to do for the next day's indirect fire exercise.
"We have to make sure our neighbors know what's going on," said Hood. "We not only want to make sure they are not afraid when the artillery rounds start to hit, but we want to make sure there're no people or livestock accidentally in our impact area when the rounds start to hit."
"Lots of Afghans are still afraid of the Taliban, and what they may do to them if they find out they support our efforts to help," said Klinger. "We have to work hard to gain their trust, which is why we go to such great lengths prior to an exercise. Telling them we will be shooting is a common courtesy we extend to neighbors, but it's important we go the extra mile by handing out humanitarian aid and assessing their needs."
Staff Sgt. Dwaine A. Hood drops to one knee to make friends.
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CJTF-82 in Afghanistan, Bagram Media Center
Task Force surgeon, medics provide care, comfort
By Army Pfc. Elizabeth Raney
Army Spc. Cassandra Benes, a medic with Co C, 704th BSB, 4th BCT, 4th ID, cleans a patient's wound at the aide station, June 24.
NANGARHAR PROVINCE - Soldiers from TF Mtn Warrior know if they're injured on a mission, they'll be taken care of. That's the job of Army Capt. (Dr.) Joe Mazzoncini, TF Mtn Warrior's bde surgeon, based out of FOB Fenty.
Although Mazzoncini's title is bde surgeon, you'll never find him near an operating room. Bde surgeon is the traditional Army title given to the head doctor of a bde. "My job is to make sure all of our medics are the best in the world, and our systems are firing on all cylinders," said Mazzoncini. "No matter what, our service members get the fastest and best medical care possible."
Keeping those 'cylinders firing' often take up large portions of Mazzoncini's day. According to him, he may only get to see 15 to 20 patients per week. Because he is busy with administrative work and other demands of his leadership position, Mazzoncini relies on his fellow medical professionals for help. "We have, without a doubt, the best team out there," he said proudly.
According to Mazzoncini the largest threat his team sees is from non-combat related injuries and diseases. The most commonly contracted diseases in Afghanistan are malaria, passed through mosquito bites, Leishmaniasis, passed by sand flies, and less commonly, rabies from unvaccinated animals, according to Mazzoncini.
Mazzoncini described steps the Army has taken to help prevent these diseases and other injuries. Every Soldier is given a medical threat-brief prior to deployment, and is also taking daily antibiotics to help
prevent malaria. Additionally, service members are warned not to touch unknown animals in case of rabies. As a precaution, animals are kept off of the military installations.
Mazzoncini also said there are other injuries that are common to servicemembers, such as dehydration and problems adapting to the altitude. "Heat and cold injuries are also a big deal here," said Mazzoncini. "The best cure is prevention." Leaders need to watch out for their Soldiers, and Soldiers watch out for each other, he added.
Army Pfc. Tyrome Scott, a medic with Co C, prepares tape for labeling an IV bag.
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CJTF-82 in Afghanistan, Bagram Media Center
3-61 CAV replaces 6-4 CAV in Nuristan
By Army Spc. Eugene Cushing
Army Lt. Col. Robert Brown, cmdr, 3rd Sqdrn, 61st Cav Regt, and Army Command Sgt. Maj. Robert Wilson, the senior enlisted advisor for 3-61 Cav., uncase the Sqdrn's colors.
(Army photo by Spc. Eugene Cushing)
NURISTAN PROVINCE - The 3rd Sqdrn, 61st Cav Regt, 4th BCT, 4th ID, assumed responsibility for ops in eastern Nuristan prov., June 20 during a transfer of authority ceremony at FOB Bostick, in Kunar prov, relieving the 6th Sqdrn, 4th Cav regt, 3rd BCT, 1st ID.
Brown said that the ceremony officially marked the sqdrn's responsibility over the area. "It's really a milestone that says our training is complete, and we're ready to conduct our mission in the next 12 months," he said.
During the ceremony, Brown thanked 6-4 Cav., and spoke of the coming year. "All of our Soldiers look forward to working over the next year with the Afghan Army, the Afghan Security Guards, and our police partners," he said.
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4th BCT, 4th ID Public Affairs RSS
Lethal Warriors Replace Blue Spaders in Kunar
Story by 2nd Lt. Liz Silver
Army Lt. Col. Brian Pearl, and Command Sgt. Maj. Darren Kinder, of the 2nd Bn, 12th Inf Regt, or TF Lethal Warrior, unveil the unit's colors at a transfer of authority ceremony at FOB Blessing in Kunar prov.'s Pech district, June 27. The Lethal Warriors, out of Fort Carson, Colo., took responsibility of a key region of Kunar province, relieving the 1st Bn, 26th Inf Regt of Fort Hood, Texas.
KUNAR PROVINCE – Pearl thanked the "Blue Spaders" of 1-26 Inf. Reg. for their hard work and sacrifices over the past year in Kunar province, and recognized the achievements they'd made in some of Afghanistan's most dangerous areas. "18 Blue Spaders gave their lives making Kunar prov. a better place," said Pearl. "Collectively, we will continue to transform Kunar prov. into the pride of Afghanistan."
Those in attendance included TF Mtn Warrior Cmdr, Army Col. Randy George, Provincial Gov. Wahidi, and several area village elders.
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