Dear Interested Reader,
Food bundles are distributed for some Iraqi widows. The 7th Sus Bde holds a women's business workshop. The 2nd Bn, 4th Inf Regt and Rashid leaders prepare for an art and culture show for the first time in decades. Salman Pak kindergarten school refurbished with help from Co C, TF 2nd Bn. The entire 926th Engr Bde provide Iraqi children with donated school supplies, backpacks, toys and clothing. From Afghanistan, CF detain Taliban militants in Ghazni, and Singapore's medical team arrives in Uruzgan.
Joanna
____________________________
Nov. 24, 2008
Multi-National Corps - Iraq
Public Affairs Office, Camp Victory
APO AE 09342
Iraqi widows receive food bundles from local leaders
WAZERIYAH - The Neighborhood Advisory Council of Wazeriyah provided food assistance to 60 Iraqi widows in Baghdad's Adhamiyah district Nov. 19, while MND -Baghdad Soldiers secured the area.
Atlal Karim, the women's representative for Wazeriyah, addressed the assembled widows. "The Wazeriyah NAC is glad to support the widows of the area and will continue to support the widows in the future," she said. "Everyone who came today has shown a desire for the betterment of our country and community." Following Atlal's speech, the widows filed outside to receive their food bundles; each bag contained rice, beans and canned goods, enough food to feed a family of 3 for a few days.
As Soldiers from 1st CAB, 68th Armor Regt, 3rd BCT, 4th ID, helped lift the sacks out of the truck, NAC members personally handed the food to each widow. School supplies were also distributed to children who came with their mothers.
Atlal thanked the Soldiers for their assistance. "Thank you for helping me with my idea to help support the widows," he said. "I have many more ideas that I would like to share with you in the future to help these women. I am just excited for this initiative and the help (MND-B) have given."
Atlal Karim (left) and Riyadh Kadham (center) speak with 2nd Lt. Brendan McNichol, about the food drop. McNichol serves with Co E, 1st CAB.
(Army photo by Pvt. Lauren Clemens)
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Sustainers hold Iraqi women's business workshop
CAMP MITTICA - Nearly 40 local Iraqi business women gathered at Camp Mittica, Nov. 17, as part of an Iraqi women's business workshop, orchestrated by the 7th Sus Bde.
"This was a combined effort with Muthanna and Dhi Qar PRTs and the 7th Sus Bde," said Maj. Shawn D. Sanborn, finance ops, 7th Sust. Bde. "We've been having these workshops with men, so we knew it was important to get women involved."
Speakers for the workshop included members of the 7th Sust. Bde., the 217th Garrison Command, the Small Business Development Center for Nasiriyah, and one of the Iraqi business women who attended the workshop.
The speakers covered topics on business including the Iraqi Based Industrial Zone, micro grants, loans and how to create a business plan. "It was a very good class with useful material," said Batel Almer, chief engineer, attendee and speaker.
"Today's workshop really uncovered a lot of info and showed me how much interest Iraqi business women have," said Alison Kosnett, governance specialist, PRT Muthanna. "It showed us that they're serious and energetic and that there is entrepreneurial energy."
There was a feeling of unity and progress that that fueled the workshop's success. "The meeting went so well because everyone gave their opinion and participated," said Nabeel Alsaffy, exec. dir. of the Small Business Development Center of Nasiriyah. "The women want another workshop."
SSgt. Charles Robinson, civil affairs NCO in charge, passes out subject material.
(Army photos by Sgt. RJ Gilbert)
One of approx. 40 Women's Business Workshop attendees, shares her entrepreneurial "vision" with the other participants as part of an exercise given by Maj. Yvonne Hudson, 7th Sus Bde chaplain.
Chief Warrant Officer 4 Christopher M. Gauthreaux, project purchasing officer, civil affairs 7th Sus, lectures about acquiring micro grants.
An Iraqi Businesswoman takes notes.
(Joanna: I'll bet the farm that her business is sewing!)
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Rashid leaders, MND-B Soldiers prepare for show
FOB FALCON - For the first time in a generation, an art and culture show will be hosted in the Rashid district of southern Baghdad, Nov. 26. Twenty renowned Iraqi artists, many of them professors at the Baghdad Art Institute, have agreed to participate in the Doura Art and Culture Show, "New Life, New Culture."
The event's organizer, Faruq Hamdani of Baghdad's Mansoor district, said he expects approx. 100 pieces of art including paintings, photographs, sculptures and conceptual art pieces to be displayed at the event.
"Southern Baghdad is not thought to be supportive of the arts," explained Faruq, regarding the theme he personally selected. "Southern Baghdad has a reputation for violence, but this show will change that perception. This show will introduce a new way for the people of Iraq to live."
The show will be hosted by Ali Al Khalid, the dean of the Doura Technical College, on the campus of his academic institution. "This event will bring much prestige to the Rashid district, and it will provide an excellent educational opportunity for my students," Ali said.
Hashem Mahmood, the district's elected Dep. Chairman, said that he will preside over the opening ceremony of the show in recognition of his ardent support of the event. "I have wanted to see something like this in Rashid for a long time. To my knowledge it has not been done in my lifetime," said Hashem.
Faruq, the event's coordinator, as well as a contributing artist, said that the event began as a humble art show with 8 contributing artists, but has since attracted the interest of many other members of the Baghdad cultural community, many of whom volunteered to participate for free. The art show became an art and culture show with the addition of 12 more artists, a 3-part orchestra, instructional lectures on art technique, local food purveyors and gifts for any adolescent attendants, he said.
"This event constitutes an important contribution to redefining the way the world perceives Iraq," said Lt. Col. Timothy Watson, cmdr. of the 2nd Bn, 4th Inf Regt, attached to the 1st BCT, 4th ID. "It is about creating a new cultural identity beyond that of violence and war," Watson said. "It is about instilling pride in the Iraqi people for their own rich, cultural heritage."
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Salman Pak Kindergarten School Refurbished, Opened for Students
A student at the Wurwood Kindergarten holds the tray with the scissors for the ribbon cutting ceremony at the opening of the school in Salman Pak, Nov. 21, 2008.
Photo and story by Lt. Col. Wayne Marotto
BAGHDAD — The school has 350 students enrolled, ages 4 to 5 years old, and 6 class rooms. Prior to the refurbishment, the school could only hold 60 students. The school employs 8 teachers, a director and an asst.
“The neighborhood families feel safe sending their kids to the school,” said Nawad Alaziz, the school’s headmistress, adding that the refurbishment flows in synch with the improved security in the area.
Capt. William Richardson, cmdr. of Co C, TF 2nd Bn., 6th Inf. Regt., 2nd BCT, 1st Armored Div, along with his Soldiers, attended the building dedication ceremony. His unit assisted the IA, local sheiks and contractors in achieving their success at the school. “The increased professionalism of the IA has made the area more secure,” Richardson said.
The brightly painted and orderly school contrasts to what the building’s condition was a short time ago. Much of the building had been hit by gunfire and was strewn with garbage.
Alaziz said she was pleased with the refurbishment, and that she watches television and sees American kindergarten schools, and dreams of having schools like that in Iraq to educate their children. “We need more rugs, a hot water heater, space heaters for the classrooms and more furniture,” Alaziz told the group. Richardson said he felt improving education opportunities for the children requires efforts from all those involved. “Yes, that’s very important because the kids are the future, and with the help of the IA, sheiks and neighborhood, we can make the school better,” said Richardson.
The kindergarten project is part of a larger program in the neighborhood. The overall objective of the Disarmament, Disbandment and Reintegration is to stimulate the economy and provide employment and vocational skills for lasting employability. Seven construction projects are planned, which will include 2 more kindergarten schools in the neighborhood, a land registration office, roads, a clinic, new fire trucks and new ambulances.
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Soldiers Provide Iraqi Children with Donated School Supplies, Backpacks
By 1st. Lt. Angel Richardson
A U.S. Soldier hands a backpack to a student.
BAGHDAD — Students of the Al Kifah Girls School in the Rusafa District of Baghdad, received much needed school supplies, toys and clothing, Nov. 18, from MND – Baghdad Soldiers.
Lt. Col. Carlton Fisher, chaplain, 926th Engr Bde, Awatef Fadel, the school principal, and Mohamed Al Rahman, mayor of Rusafa, coordinated the school supply donation. The entire 926th Engr Bde Family Readiness Group and families, had a hand in organizing the Al Kifah School donation.
“When I got in country, I discovered that several of us were soliciting donations from the 926th Family Readiness Groups, Soldiers’ families and orgs back home,” said Fisher. “I got together with our chief of staff and Sgt. Amy Lehman. “We consolidated our efforts into one mission entitled: "Op Peace for Iraqi Children." We changed our priority to school supplies and focused on locating a specific school,” he added.
Fisher received clothing from various orgs throughout Alabama, North Carolina, Georgia and Illinois. In addition to receiving supplies, 420 backpacks were donated. Along with Fisher’s org., Sgt. Amy Lehman, exec. NCO, and Sgt. 1st Class Jason Lehman, S-2 NCO in charge, 926th Engr. Bde., developed “Every Child Counts.” Lehman received more than 150 boxes of supplies, toys and clothing.
“Clothing, shoes, hygiene items, toys and snacks were donated by many families, numerous orgs. and companies,” said Lehman.
Planning started in April 2008 for “Op Peace for Iraqi Children. “The mission began back at Camp Shelby when Brig. Gen. Jeffrey Talley encouraged us to send soccer paraphernalia and toys for Iraqi kids,” said Fisher. He and his team of volunteers organized, inventoried and packed all of the donations. The 46th Engr Combat Bn, out of Fort Polk, La., provided additional support by identifying the school site. The 890th Engr Bn, out of Gulf Port, Miss., received donated items, which added to the Al Kifah donation.
Lehman felt it was extremely important to give to the children of Iraq. “It is important to give to the children of Iraq for 2 reasons,” said Lehman. “One, these children are the future of Iraq and they will be the leaders of tomorrow. Two, they didn’t ask for the life styles they have, and if we can help them out in any little way to comfort them or show the children we care, maybe they will look back as they grow older and remember the good the American Soldiers did.”
For info on sending donations, visit www.anysoldier.com.
High 5s and blown kisses in appreciation.
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MND-B Soldiers detain suspected criminal in Mansour
BAGHDAD - At approx. 2:30 a.m. Nov. 20, Soldiers with the 5th Sqdrn, 4th Cav Regt, 2nd HBCT, 1st ID, detained a man suspected of illegal weapons possession and attacks on CF.
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MND-B Soldiers detain 3 suspected criminals
BAGHDAD - Acting on an anonymous tip, Soldiers from Troop C, 7th Sqdrn, 10th Cav Regt, 1st BCT, 4th ID, detained a suspected criminal at approx. 6:30 p.m., Nov. 20 in the Abu T'shir community. The individual is suspected of participating in roadside bomb attacks. The Soldiers discovered roadside bomb making materials at the suspect's residence. An EOD team responded to analyze the bomb materials.
At approx. 3:15 a.m., Nov. 21, Soldiers from HHC, 1st Bn, 22nd Inf Regt, 1st BCT, 4th ID, detained 2 suspected criminals during an op in the Risalah community. The individuals were suspected of participating in roadside bomb attacks.
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MND-B Soldiers detain 6 alleged terrorists in Baghdad
BAGHDAD - In Baghdad's Adhamiyah district, at approx. 7 p.m. Nov. 21, Soldiers serving with 3rd BCT, 4th ID, conducted an op designed to detain individuals suspected of crimes against Iraqi civilians, the Iraqi SF and CF.
"The 6 AQI operatives belong to an IED network in eastern Baghdad," said Lt. Col. Steve Stover, spokesman, MND - Baghdad and the 4th ID. The Soldiers also confiscated items, including 5 cell phones, 2 vehicles and a suitcase containing approx. 250,000 Iraqi dinars.
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Blackanthem Military News
Coalition forces detain three Taliban militants in Ghazni
By US Forces Afghanistan Public Affairs
KABUL, Afghanistan - CF detained 3 suspected militants including the targeted individual during an op to disrupt the Taliban terrorist network in Ghazni, Nov 21.
The force searched a compound in Waghez District targeting a local Taliban cmdr. He is known to be in direct contact with senior Taliban leaders in the region who facilitate the movement of foreign fighters and coordinate terrorist activities. The force searched the compound without incident while protecting 9 women and 10 children during the op.
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Blackanthem Military News
Singapore's medical team arrives in Uruzgan
By ISAF/NATO
A Dutch sergeant indoctrinates his Singapore colleague in the facility and equipment at the ISAF hospital.
KABUL, Afghanistan - A 20-person medical team from Singapore arrived at Tarin Kowt, Uruzgan, Nov. 18 to support the ISAF medical support mission. The Singapore Armed Forces (ISAF) will work at the ISAF medical facility alongside the Dutch, Americans and Australians, and provide medical treatment to both ISAF military and Afghan civilians in the region.
"In June we trained in the Netherlands with the Dutch medical personnel," said Major (Dr.) Adrian. "I have complete confidence in the capacity of my team and in the support of our NATO counterpart. Our job is to not only support the ISAF military but also to provide medical care of the Afghan civilians if needed."
It is Singapore's 2nd contribution this year to Afghanistan following the arrival of a construction team that built a Health Care Trainings Centre in Bamiyan province.
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