Photos by Pfc. Roy Mercon
Bravo Troop provides security, assesses ANP checkpoint
Photos by Spc. Kristina Gupton
"Using helicopters to insert ANA and CF allows for surprise, flexibility and a multi-prong approach to the op," explained Capt. Kelly Attwood, a Sea Stallion pilot with the "Ugly Angels."
As the helicopters landed, other CF were arriving via convoy heading south on the area’s main road. "This convoy set up vehicle check points before the helicopter insert took place, so if insurgents attempted to egress they'd potentially run into one of those check points, where they'd be stopped and searched," added Attwood.
Once on the ground, Charlie Co Marines and ANA forces met little resistance. “The day went well,” said McFarling. “We were in a small fire fight, but the insurgents fled, so it was successful.” McFarling added, "working with the squadron was great," and he couldn’t wait to be a part of another mission like this one again.
“The day went as planned, but you can’t always plan for what the enemy will do, only assume,” said Attwood. “We’re always here to support the infantry in whatever they need.” Op Stargey is one of many ops conducted by ANA and CF to protect the local population from insurgents.
While conducting a presence patrol, a 6-year-old girl was brought to the medics suffering from post-surgery side-effects. Medics provided immediate assistance to her, and then referred her to a medical clinic in Tarin Kowt for further treatment.
The patrol received a 2nd patient later that day, a 2-year-old girl, who was unconscious after falling off a roof. She was quickly revived and treated in an ANP HQ building by the USSF medics. The girl’s father brought her back to the medics the next day for a follow-up, and saw a marked improvement in her condition.
In the evening a 3-year-old boy was brought in by his father after falling down into a valley, and suffering lacerations to his nose. USSF medics provided medical treatment for the boy and released him. The medics requested that the father bring his son back for a follow-up appointment when the lacerations had had a chance to heal.
The capability to provide this type of medical assistance exists, because of the security and stability that Afghan and CF have created in the local area.
Medical students provide services in Badghis
Earlier in the week, the 6 students received a 3-day medical seminar in the Bala Morghab Clinic and District Center. The MEDSEM educated a total of 29 Afghan students on basic public health care practices in their local villages, and supported the continued improvement of the district’s overall public health care system.
The education received at the MEDSEM allowed the Afghan medical students to lead the way, providing basic healthcare screening and treatment for more than 70 Afghans within the local village. It also provided a stepping stone for future medical engagements, in the outlying areas around Bala Morghab.
Combined Forces Secure the Arghandab River Valley
Detailed planning and coordination by the Afghan forces, led by the Afghan govt SECFOR leadership, allowed for a quick and aggressive clearing of the valley. The op netted 54 IEDs that were blown in place. The combined force also found 2 compounds rigged by homemade explosives, which were also destroyed.
U.S. SF acted solely as a liaison between the Afghan force clearing the valley, and a combined force that provided security around the perimeter of the valley during the op. In the days leading up to the mission, a combined force identified and rendered safe a total of 8 houses that were identified as IED production facilities.
Following the opening of the Victory Base Complex branch on Sept. 29, the bank in Tallil will service those in southern Iraq, and help develop surrounding cities.
“Construction began in March, and to complete this project cost just under $200,000 between the construction, furniture, equipment and vault,” said 1st Lt. James Chang, deputy director of personal services and community activities with the 224th Special Troops Battalion, 224th Sustainment Brigade, 103rd Sustainment Command (Expeditionary), and a Burbank, Calif., native.
Speakers at the ceremony included Col. Arthur Turnier, director of the 326th Financial Management Center, 1st Theater Sustainment Command, and a Crestline, Calif., native; Lt. Col. Nicole Balliet, COB Adder garrison commander with the 224th STB, and an Atascadero, Calif., native; and Layla Adnan Yehia, the executive director of the department of business development Bank of Baghdad, and an Al-Hilla, Iraq, native.
“What this bank means to the people of Iraq is a sound financial footing,” said Col. Arthur Turnier, dir. of the 326th Financial Mgt. Center, 1st Theater Sust. Command. “What we [U.S. citizens] take for granted, normal banking activity, when we leave, will still be here.”
The Bank of Baghdad banks are the first of their kind in Iraq. “Int'l banking is new here,” added Turnier. “Banks like this put Iraqi banking on an int'l level, which will allow int'l banking partners to invest in Iraq, and further their development.”
The garrison command at COB Adder is responsible for all Iraqi Based Industrial Zone vendors, and has assisted many vendors in securing a presence on COB Adder.
“The local IBIZ vendors will now have corporate banking ability,” said Lt. Col. Nicole Balliet, COB Adder garrison cmdr with the 224th STB. “It was an honor and privilege to be part of history. This was the last of the IBIZ vendors that we've been working to secure their presence on COB Adder.”
There are many new and local advantages the bank provides to Iraqis, including electronic funds transfers, online banking, and off-site banking.
“For example, I can deposit money in Baghdad and withdraw it here [Tallil],” said 1st Lt. James Chang, dep. dir. of personal services and community activities with the 224th STB, 224th Sust Bde, 103rd ESC. “That's a huge step for them.”
After completing their speeches, Balliet and Yehia cut the ribbon blocking the door’s entrance, symbolizing the bank was officially open for business. Inside, the soldiers and Iraqi business professionals gathered to share lunch, drinks and a cake.
“This is a big step forward because this bank will be an enduring business,” said Chang. “Where most companies are here short term, this bank is here for the long term, and for Iraq.”
In her concluding remarks, Balliet said, “In the spirit of Operation New Dawn, we continue to build partnerships and encourage innovation with the Iraqi people.”
Spc. William Ward has been working in his spare time to complete his degree in criminal justice online. Staff Sgt. Jason Kozak's taking history classes, and working toward a degree.
Soldiers can take online classes in Iraq to jumpstart their future in a field or degree of their choice. Their education can take them to new heights, such as law, engineering, or even right back into the military as a commissioned or warrant officer, depending on their preference. Taking advantage of educational opportunities while deployed, is a stepping stone to soldiers improving themselves now and for the future.