55th Combat Camera
Improving Village Water Supply
Photo by 1st Lt. Rock Stevens
Local farmers sit with CF as they discuss ways of improving the village's water supply in Deh-e-Muslem, Nov. 3, 2009.
Local farmers sit discussing the pricing of their final apple harvest.
A cup of chai tea was poured by local farmers for CF, as they discuss ways of improving the village's quality of life in Deh-e-Muslem. A cup of chai is an offering of friendship, and is often served before any meeting.
A scenic view of Deh-e-Muslem.
According to what local Afghans have told Marines, the compound belonged to a drug lord who was having it built to house his entire family. However, the construction was never completed because he was arrested and taken to prison.
Marines were sent to the compound to clear it out, believing it was a Taliban stronghold. They expected resistance when taking over the compound, but were met with an empty home in need of some landscaping. "It was a real mess when we first got here," said Cpl. Jacob Mikesell, 22, a mortarman. "There was grass growing up to our chests; the buildings had mounds of dust covering everything, and trash was thrown all over the place." The compound consists of 2, 3-story buildings, which Marines and ANA soldiers inhabit. The 2 main buildings are made out of mostly marble and concrete, wooden window frames, and doors with designs carved into them. Colored tiles cover the outside. The compound is surrounded by gigantic walls, giving it the look of a castle from outside. "After we moved in, locals told us that most of the Taliban in the area had run away, but we know there're still some here who are trying to coerce the population to go against us," said Sgt. Nicholas Hine, a squad leader with Weapons Co., 1/5. Marines conduct foot patrols and vehicle mounted patrols daily to keep the surrounding area safe. Other Weapons Co. FOBs rely on being supplied with food and water from the mansion. During local village visits, Marines promise to provide security and help them the best that they can with their issues and concerns. "We collect a lot of census info and atmospherics too. We try to get to know people by talking to them, learning where they live and understand what problems they have," said Hine, 24.
"Today we're installing 2 new fuel tanks to increase the fuel capacity," the officer said. "This strengthens force protection and improves the distribution and reception points at Altimur." Until recently, 3-71 had been using the area that was created when the 101st Abn Div established the FOB in late 2008. However, growing concerns over its location prompted the unit to make moving it a priority before they finished their year-long tour in Logar prov. next month. Sgt. Luke Morgan was sent from the 710th BSB at FOB Shank to supervise the construction. He noticed right away the new location would be a huge asset by providing better service to traffic, and a more convenient spot to refuel. "The old location created a traffic jam," Morgan said. "With the new location, vehicles can pull off to the side of the road, refuel and be on their way without causing any slowdowns on the route." An added benefit to moving the fueling point to the new location is placing it on level ground. Soldiers have also factored in the harsh weather that hits the region hard during the winter months by installing a backup drain system. "We've installed 2 drains for each fuel point," continued Morgan. "This is essential for snow and water build-up, so we can be certain the area will drain properly to prevent problems."Sztalkoper said the new fueling system, along with the finished construction of the new chapel, hard structure billeting, and the doubling of the helicopter landing zone, will go a long way to helping the 1st Sqdrn, 91st Cav Regt when they assume operational control of the FOB in the next few months. "We've definitely done a lot of good things over the past year," added Sztalkoper. "The most important thing is that each project we've done impacts the Soldiers directly in a positive way. We can confidently say that we've left this FOB better than we found it."
Photo by Spc. Canaan Radcliffe
Brig. Gen. Gerald Patrick Donahue, Dep. Comm. Gen. of MNC - North, speaks with the local IP chief during a mission with Soldiers from Bravo Btry.
The sewer project calls for major reconstruction of the existing system and replacing the sewer lines, manholes, manhole covers and connecting the sewer network to homes, according to Sara Delmonico, project engr for the sewer project.
The key to the sewer project, Delmonico says, is the trunk line currently being constructed. The trunk line acts as the main highway between the 2 sanitary networks and the pump station. “This trunk line will restore the sewage flow in the network and greatly improve the area’s sewage infrastructure,” Delmonico said. The new system fully complies with the Amanat Baghdad Sewer Authority’s design criteria and construction specifications.
“By the end of the year, residents will see a vast improvement in the conditions of the streets, with standing sewage eliminated from the area,” according to Delmonico. Heavy seasonal rains had turned the Adhamiyah area roads and neighborhoods into virtual lakes due to the neglect of the old storm water sewer system.
“This project took a little longer than expected because of the security situation, the extremely poor site conditions, and our initial inexperience in building a sewage infrastructure system,” Delmonico said. “The storm network is now fully operational and a huge success.”
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Multi-National Division Baghdad
N. Carolina Guard Soldiers Help Preserve Iraqi History
BAGHDAD – The IA arrested an alleged member of Kata’ib Hezbollah Nov. 9, during a joint security op. Credible intel led the IA and U.S. advisors to a neighborhood in NE Baghdad, in search of a warranted Kata’ib Hezbollah member, suspected of planning and conducting attacks against SECFOR in Iraq.
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