Dear Interested Reader,
Trash collection marks new era in Basra. Appreciation shown "Dirt Devils" for road project. Military vehicles needing to enter cities wear special signs. Key terrorist leader arrested in Ladafiyah, and terrorist supplier arrested in Tikrit.
In Afghanistan, eTT 2-7 takes us on a dawn patrol in Kunar prov. Marines build tents at Fire Base Fiddler's Green. Afghan flag raises above Khan Neshin for 1st time. Airmen make combat milestone.
Joanna
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July 11, 2009
Special to American Forces Press Service
Trash Collection Marks New Era in Iraqi City
By Army Staff Sgt. Rodney Foliente
A city worker prepares to unload new trash containers from a truck and distribute them to citizens of Basra, July 1, 2009. About 12,000 trash containers were delivered that day, with a total of 350,000 to be delivered in the near future.
COB BASRA – U.S. forces are helping Iraqi officials ring in a new era – with services like trash collection. Soldiers of the 4th ID’s 2nd BCT and members of the provincial reconstruction team in Iraq’s Basra prov. met with the provincial governor July 1 as he distributed the symbolic first trash can to a family, as part of a far-reaching cleanup initiative.
Bde soldiers coordinated with the local govt to provide trash cans to residents throughout the city of Basra. “Both the Iraqis and Americans are committed to follow the terms and conditions of the security agreement, which we are applying step by step,” said Basra Gov. Sheltag al-Mayah. “At this time, we are going to start a new era of cooperation. In the past era, the cooperation was based on the military, but was also accompanied by some reconstruction efforts. “The new era will witness that Iraqis and Americans will focus on reconstruction,” he continued. “Our American friends comprehended the important priority of having a clean city, and also the priorities of having water and electricity. They'll help us in having these things as essential services.”
In addition to the trash containers, officials in the provincial capital plan on providing regular trash collection services, said Army Maj. Stanley Hutchison, the bde’s civil liaison team leader. “This project is part of an ongoing campaign to clean up the city of Basra and change the way the city does trash collection,” he said.
Other projects include street-cleaning services, incentives for citizens delivering trash directly to dump sites, repairing the trash collection fleet and constructing solid-waste transfer stations, Hutchison said. “For the long term, we’re also working with the PRT to get an incinerator to dispose of their trash,” the major added. Additional projects include continuing to clean the canals and picking up the masses of scrap metal within the city.
With insufficient waste-management services, many residents simply dumped their trash outside their homes and along the roads. Children often can be seen playing around or in such areas. Local residents have been used to such conditions for years, Hutchison said. “These conditions are causing problems with the health of the residents,” he added.
“This is a good thing for the people of the city,” said city employee Abasi, who drove one of the trucks loaded with trash cans, and watched in satisfaction as Noordein and his family received a container. “This will help make the city beautiful, and we can have a healthier and cleaner city,” said Abasi, who has worked for the city for 3 years. He said things have seemed to improve recently, and that he feels hopeful for the initiatives driven by the govt and the future of his city. “We're thankful to the Americans for helping us in our efforts to clean our city,” he said. “A cleaner city will benefit all in Basra, but I want this mainly for my children and for all the children of Basra.”
Gov. al-Mayah of Iraq’s Basra prov. stands next to 9-year-old Noordein, whose family is the first to receive a trash container.
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Special to American Forces Press Service
Iraqis Thank ‘Dirt Devils’ for Road Project
By Army 1st Lt. Michael Bauman
A bulldozer operator with the 277th Engr Co completes the ripping process for the reshaping of a roadway on Victory Base Complex, July 5, 2009.
(Army photo by Staff Sgt. George Velez)
BAGHDAD, July 9, 2009 – A San Antonio-based Army Reserve unit is getting much praise for its road improvements around Baghdad. The “Dirt Devils” have wrapped up resurfacing and upgrades to the roadways north of Western Bypass Road connecting Camp Liberty and Camp Victory.
The Soldiers worked to keep the road serviceable so it can continue to relieve congestion from smaller roads traveling through Strawberry Hill Road. Soldiers of the 277th realize their work will assist with transporting various assets and resources. “Local civilians and local soldiers are stopping and thanking us for the road construction,” said Army Staff Sgt. George Velez, with the 277th and attached to the 46th Engr Combat Bn, 225th Engr Bde. “In our eyes, this feels like a success, with hearing the gratitude from fellow soldiers.”
“We received a large amount of traffic flowing through, and have a lot of people thanking us for our support in this effort,” said Army Sgt. Augustine Deluna, a heavy-equipment operator.
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Blackanthem Military News
"Signs" of the Security Agreement
By Multi-National Division - North PAO
Signs like this were recently added to 2nd Bde, 1st Cav Div vehicles.
(Army photo by Pfc. Justin Naylor)
FOB WARRIOR, KIRKUK - Residents of Kirkuk city can expect to see a new addition to the U.S. military vehicles that sometimes drive through their city.
Since the withdrawal of U.S. combat forces from Iraqi cities, in accordance with the Security Agreement, the 2nd BCT, 1st Cav Div, has begun adding signs reading "Iraqi partnership provincial approved convoy. Thank you for your patience and support," to the sides of their vehicles.
U.S. Forces serving in an advisory and assistance role continue to travel within the city to meet with their Iraqi counterparts or govt officials. "These signs show that we are working with our partners, and that we're abiding by the Security Agreement," explained Maj. Frazier Epperson, an Info Ops officer for 2nd BCT. "These signs explain to the Iraqis that our vehicles are allowed by the GoI in this province, to be in the cities," he added.
The signs also give the message that the vehicles are part of a coordinated effort with ISF, are part of a PRT movement, or performing other non-combat related activities in coordination with their Iraqi partners, explained Maj. Andy Liffring, 2nd BCT's engineering officer.
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Multi-National Corps - Iraq PAO
ERB arrests suspected key leader of terrorist network in Ladafiyah
BAGHDAD - July 8, during the Iraqi-led, early-morning op, the elite police force was operating under the authority of a warrant issued by a Criminal Investigative Court in Baghdad. The constables arrested the suspected terrorist who is allegedly a key leader of an insurgent cell.
"This successful op to arrest this sought-after terrorist testifies to the ERB's unwavering dedication to making Iraq a safer and more secure country," said U.S. Navy Lt. Cmdr. Daniel Bernardi, a Combined Joint Special Ops TF - Arabian Peninsula spokesman.
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Multi-National Corps - Iraq PAO
National Police arrest suspected terrorist supplier
TIKRIT - The National Police Justice Bn, with CF advisors, arrested a suspected terrorist July 8, during an op in the Salah ad-Din province, with a warrant issued by the Central Criminal Court of Iraq.
The arrested individual is suspected of supplying terrorists in Salah ad-Din with grenades used against the Iraqi people and ISF. He's also believed to be responsible for emplacing roadside bombs.
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5th Mobile PA Det RSS - Afghanistan
Dawn Patrol With ANA and Embedded Training Team 2-7
Photo by Sgt. Matthew Moeller
Sgt. Michael White, Embedded Training Team 2-7, speaks with the senior Afghan NCO, during a patrol in the Khas Kunar district of Kunar prov., July 4. White and fellow eTT members work daily with their ANA counterparts, in order to train the emerging force towards a level of self sustainment. White is a member of CAB, 3rd Marine Div, HQ at Okinawa, Japan.
An ANA soldier patrols Kunar Prov.'s Khas Kunar district, while Sgt. Michael White, a Marine with eTT 2-7 follows along observing their progress.
ANA soldiers patrol a village in the Khas Kunar district.
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Regimental Combat Team 3 RSS
Marines Build Tents in Afghan Firebase
(Photo by Sgt. Scott Whittington)
Marines set up billeting tents at Fire Base Fiddler's Green, July 7. The approx. 500-meter-by-500-meter fire base was established June 28 to support 3rd Bn, 11th Marines artillery unit.
Lance Cpl. Dan Fasching, (left), 22, bulk fueler, 8th ESB, helps spread out billeting tents for personnel. Most Marines on the fire base have been living in dug-out holes since their arrival, June 28. Fasching works at the fuel pit on the fire base.
Lance Cpl. Fasching, (left) drives a stake to hold the liner of a billeting tent. He was one of 12 Marines setting up billeting tents in temps reaching the 120's.
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2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade RSS
Afghan Flag Raises Above Khan Neshin
Story by Cpl. Aaron Rooks
KHAN NESHIN - The Afghan national flag was raised above Khan Neshin castle in the Rig District Center July 8 for the first time, signaling the arrival of Afghan governance in the southern reaches of Helmand province.
Khan Neshin and the areas south of the Helmand River have never experienced the sustained presence of CF or ANSF until now, 7 days after the beginning of Op Khanjar.
"The number one question we get from the people is, 'when are you leaving?'" said Brig. Gen. Larry Nicholson, comm. gen. of MEB-A. "The answer is we're not leaving until the transition for security is made to the provincial govt, to include the Afghan forces."
Afghans from the local populace came to Khan Neshin shortly after the flag was raised, where they heard statements from Helmand Gov. Gulab Mangal, and newly-appointed Rig District Gov. Massoud Jan. Dozens of locals then gathered around a large courtyard within the district center to sign up for voting in the upcoming national elections.
"Look at them," said Gen. Muhaidin, Afghan bde cmdr, gesturing toward the crowd. "Now they know that the govt is here and they have security. The Afghans have hope; that's why they're here."
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455th Air Expeditionary Wing RSS
Airmen Make Combat Milestone While Supporting Coalition Ops
Story by Capt. David Faggard
BAGRAM AIR FIELD – Taking the fight to the enemy, Airmen hit a major milestone today when they completed their 2,000th combat mission in support of OEF. The aircrew on-board the EC-130H Compass Call provided direct support to coalition ground forces in Afghanistan.
The Airmen are assigned to the 455th Air Expeditionary Wing's 41st Expeditionary Electronic Combat Sqdrn. The mission was like any other, according to Capt. Kelly Weber, a Compass Call pilot. "It was a very rewarding mission," he said while not discussing the exact details of the sortie due to operational security.
Often called a "Super-E" model, some of the EC-130H aircraft are more than 40 years old. The aircraft's electronics disrupt enemy command and control, and are often used to attack hostile communications. "We're a small community with a small inventory of aircraft," said sqdrn cmdr, Lt. Col. Chris Kirschman. "We're 100% committed to the mission, and this couldn't get done without our great maintainers on the ground."
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