Karbala, 22 October 2007 (Voices of Iraq)

Thirty-three gunmen were arrested, six explosive devices defused and arms and ammunition seized in confrontations in Karbala on Sunday night between “gunmen of a militia” and the province police, the Karbala police chief said on Monday.

“The 33 gunmen are suspected of involvement in the armed clashes in Karbala on Sunday night,” Brig. Raed Shakir Jawdat told the independent news agency Voices of Iraq (VOI), not naming the militia to which the arrested gunmen belonged.

Earlier on Monday, a medic in the holy Shiite city said seven people were killed and three others wounded in the renewed clashes in Karbala.

“The al-Hussein Hospital and the morgue in Karbala received seven bodies and three wounded,” the medic, who declined to be named, told VOI.

A policeman and a brother of Shiite leader Muqtada al-Sadr’s Mahdi Army member arrested a couple of months ago in a raid by the U.S. forces on his home were among the deaths, the source added.

Eyewitnesses in Karbala had said clashes broke out on Sunday night between unidentified gunmen and policemen in different neighborhoods in the city but nothing was said about casualties.

U.S. forces were also hovering in the city and five powerful blasts were heard during the clashes, local residents said.

Karbala, which is said to house the tomb of Imam al-Hussein Ibn Ali, the prophet Muhammad’s grandson and the 2nd holiest figure for Shiite Muslims after Imam Ali, lies 108 km south of the Iraqi capital Baghdad.

Sunday, 21 October 2007

BAGHDAD — Air cavalry helicopter pilots have had to change their tactics to adapt to newer and higher-tech surface-to-air missile systems that officials believe are coming in from Iran, a senior official in Iraq said Friday.Crews from 1st Air Cavalry Brigade out of Camp Taji have flown support for operations in and around Baghdad for more than a year. Since their arrival, there has been an increase in the sophistication of attacks and types of weapons, Army Col. Daniel J. Shanahan said in a conference call with military analysts.

“In the last several months, we have had an increased threat from systems that we had not seen in the first part of the year,” Shanahan said. Some of them originated in “places like Iran,” he said, causing considerable change in tactics, techniques and procedures.

“It’s a real concern, and it’s something that we’re dealing with,” he said. “Right now we’ve got the best systems in the world, and we’ve got technology behind us.”

Shanahan said additional sensors and diffusers, which decrease an aircraft’s infrared signature, have been added, and crews’ flying tactics have changed.

Shanahan’s crews have logged 80,000 hours of flight time in the past 13 months, he said. The helicopters spend about 10 hours in the air for every one on the ground, Shanahan estimated. But even though the enemy’s weapons systems are more advanced than before, overall attacks on aircraft are down in the area, he said.

Crews are fired upon about 200 times monthly, he said. Attacks are from weapons types ranging from small arms to rockets known in military parlance as “man-portable air-defense systems,” or MANPADs, which are shoulder-launched surface-to-air missiles that typically use infrared guidance.

MANPADs make up only about 5 percent of the attacks, “but if you ask the pilots, they would say that MANPADS is the biggest threat,” Shanahan said.

It takes about 3,000 troops to fly, fuel, arm and maintain the H-64 Apache, UH-60 Black Hawk and CH-47 Chinook helicopters operating around the clock at the base. The aircraft are used for attack reconnaissance, air assault, air transport and medical evacuation missions.

In addition, crews partner with Iraqi Air Force units for training and some missions. The Iraqi Air Force has progressed sufficiently that it routinely provides reconnaissance missions, patrolling pipelines, power lines and other infrastructure. It also provides in-country transportation for Iraqi government officials.

Iraqi Air Force pilots fly three types of helicopters: Mi-17s and Bell JetRangers in training programs and UH-1 Hueys mounted with defensive systems, which are workhorses for reconnaissance and transport, Shanahan said. This frees his crews from these types of missions and is a critical step toward the Iraqi government assuming its own security mission, he said.

(Story by Fred W. Baker III American Forces Press Service)

In Other Recent Developments around Iraq:

•     The 5th Iraqi Army Division and Coalition forces conducted Operation Bone Breaker in southeast Baqouba, capturing one large weapons cache containing assorted weapons and ammunition, as well as two smaller caches containing home-made explosives Oct. 15.

•     A 72-year-old man stopped a suspected suicide bomber from detonating himself at a checkpoint in Arab Jabour Oct. 14.

Sunday, 21 October 2007 By Staff Sgt. Jon Cupp
1st Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division Public Affairs

JERF AL-MILA — Iraqi Army Soldiers from the 3rd Battalion, 2nd Brigade, 9th Iraqi Army (IA) Division (mechanized) are taking part in a program designed to reach out to Iraqi school children throughout villages in which the battalion operates.

In much the same way policemen visit schools in the United States in crime prevention programs, the battalion’s troops kicked off their “Junior Hero” program at an elementary school, Oct. 17, to give the children an understanding of the roles that Iraqi security forces play in their local community and to promote volunteerism.

An Iraqi Soldier was handpicked by the 3rd battalion as a spokesperson and role model to speak to the children and to make them honorary Iraqi “Junior Heroes.”

The Iraqi Soldier who was chosen as the “Junior Hero” representative explained the program as a way for the children to show pride in their country and themselves while also learning about the meaning of honor and integrity.

“We teach them that they are Junior Heroes through their volunteerism. I’m glad to give to these children because they are my brothers and sisters,” said the 3rd Battalion Soldier, who chose not to have his name released due to security reasons. “I hope I can protect them and provide them with good advice that will make their lives better. It is my duty to protect them from terrorists.

“These children are going to make a better future for Iraq. It’s good for the kids to see us out here doing these things and see that they shouldn’t be afraid of the Iraqi Army Soldiers,” he added, explaining that sometimes children are a little intimidated when they see Soldiers in uniforms with helmets and donning rifles.

During the event, Iraqi Soldiers from the 3rd Bn. handed out comic books, crayons, back packs with school supplies and other goodies to the children. The comic book featured an adventure story about the Iraqi security forces defeating terrorism.

In an introduction to the program, the Iraqi Army Soldier addressed the children.

“I’m here to talk to you about your Iraqi security forces and how you can help secure our country,” he said to the assembled students. “I am here today to also tell you about a new program that is starting and it involves you—the children of Iraq. This program is called “Junior Hero” and it means that even the youth can be an influence in our country.

“My job entails me helping our country of Iraq, and we are out there to protect you and your family from terrorists,” he added. “The Iraqi Army and Iraqi police work together to make sure your community is safe and secure. The Iraqi security forces are patrolling the streets everyday so that you can get an education. When you see your Iraqi security forces, do not be afraid, but have faith that we are out there to be your protectors.”

After explaining the program to the children, the Soldier led the children in the “allegiance for good” oath, which inducted the children as Junior Heroes.

Raising their right hands, the children promised to be loyal and honest to their family and their country along with being obedient to their parents and treating them with respect. They promised to treat their teachers and people in their community with respect and to honor the Iraqi police and Iraqi Soldiers who are in their community to protect them.

As with similar programs in the U.S., the children also swore to report any crimes that they see in their neighborhoods.

The children then donned a badge sticker which read “Junior Hero: loyalty, obedient to parents and honesty” in Arabic wording.

Once the Soldier had inducted the students as honorary Junior Heroes, he chose a child from the assembly and had her lead the classes in singing the Iraqi National Anthem.

Soldiers from Troop D, 1st Battalion, 82nd Field Artillery Regiment, attached to the 1st Squadron, 7th Cavalry Regiment and Soldiers from the 3rd Bn., 2nd Bde., 9th IA Div. (Mech.) Military Transition Team (MTT) were on hand during the event only for assistance with security and to assist the Iraqis with transporting items for the children.

The Troop D Soldiers and MTT members present at the event said they were impressed with how the Iraqi troops are working to reach out to the children in the local communities.

“This is a good opportunity for the Iraqi Army to restore and renew faith in the Iraqi security forces, allowing the children an opportunity to see them in a different light—to see them as people and not just as guards on their street corner,” said Anchorage, Alaska native Capt. Martin Wohlgemuth, commander, Troop D, 1st Bn., 82nd FA Regt. “This partnership between the Iraqi Army and the local nationals shows some of the types of things you can do when you have improved security—you can’t bring essential services or simple events like these if you don’t have security.”

Wohlgemuth, whose troopers have been working closely with Iraqi security forces, local area tribal sheiks and the Iraqi security volunteers in the village to improve security, have seen a lot of changes over the past several months. Their collective efforts have driven al-Qaida extremists from the area.

The Troop D commander said that the children in the village know first hand the types of things the Iraqi security forces working with Coalition troops have done to create a much more secure environment, citing the example that for nearly two years little girls in the village were not allowed to go to school due to threats and attacks by al-Qaida operatives who warned parents against sending their daughters to school.

“There’s a little girl at school today whose father was killed by a car bomb (planted by al-Qaida extremists) and three weeks ago, we bought her a new dress for school—and before, we couldn’t have done that because of al-Qaida,” said Wohlgemuth.

Maj. John Atilano, team leader for the 3rd Bn., 2nd Bde., 9th IA Div. (Mech.) MTT who spends his time in country advising the Iraqi troops had his own take on the Iraqi-led Junior Hero program and what it meant for the children.

“This is the way it should be with Iraqis leading the way to help their people,” said Atilano, who hails from Orange Vale, Calif. “This is awesome for them. When these children grow up and become military age they’re going to be the true Iraqi heroes, they won’t be the guys digging holes for improvised explosive devices. It’s the sons and daughters of Iraq that are going to save the country.”

Saturday, 20 October 2007

BAGHDAD — An Army safety team soon will wrap up its month-long analysis conducted at the Multi-National Corps Iraq commander’s request to find ways to stop the recent uptake in non-combat injuries and fatalities among deployed troops.A team from the Army Combat Readiness/Safety Center left its Fort Rucker, Ala., headquarters Sept. 29 at the bidding of Army Lt. Gen. Raymond T. Odierno to get to the bottom of the problem. It is expected to return Oct. 21.

At issue is the increase in deaths and injuries unrelated to combat. Non-combat deaths began climbing in July and increased each month through September. The Defense Department reported 12 non-combat and 66 combat fatalities in July, 29 non-combat and 55 combat deaths in August, and 23 non-combat and 42 combat deaths in September.

The vast majority of fatalities were in the Army, which reported 27 non-combat deaths in August and 21 in September.

Seven Soldiers from the 82nd Airborne Division’s 2nd Brigade Combat Team “Falcon Brigade” were killed Sept. 10 in western Baghdad when their 5-ton truck overturned. The wreck, which occurred as the unit was returning from a raid, left 10 Soldiers injured. The accident is under investigation, but officials said it occurred when a tire blew out.

Fourteen soldiers died in an Aug. 22 Black Hawk helicopter crash during night operations in Multaka, killing all aboard. Four of the troops were assigned to the Fort Lewis, Wash.-based 4th Squadron, 6th U.S. Air Cavalry Regiment, and 10 were from the 25th Infantry Division’s 2nd Battalion, 35th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, based at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii. Officials said a mechanical malfunction is the likely cause of the crash.

Ground commanders in Iraq are “very focused” on the problem and have asked for help, Army Lt. Gen. Carter F. Ham, the Joint Staff’s operations director, told Pentagon reporters Oct. 16. “Safety is paramount and is a very, very high priority,” he said.

He noted that with the surge still in effect in Iraq and troop numbers up, it’s understandable that non-battle casualties might increase. He emphasized, however, that “even one non-battle casualty is one too many.”

Officials at the Army Combat Readiness/Safety Center call “leader engagement” vital to raising safety awareness and reducing accident rates. By identifying the problem and calling in safety experts for assistance, Odierno already has increased awareness throughout the theater, center spokeswoman Kelly Widener said.

“The MNCI command’s initiative and the actions to address safety demonstrate the commitment the Army has to protect its Soldiers and formations from accidental loss,” Widener said. “The chain of command noted the recent trend and is actively engaging to address the situation and reverse the trend.”

In Iraq, the six-person safety team is collecting and analyzing information about accidents, not losses due to suicide, medical, criminal or other factors. Army Brig. Gen. William H. Forrester, commander of the Army Combat Readiness/Safety Center and Army safety director, joined the team Oct. 14 to review the team’s ongoing efforts and confer with commanders before briefing the Multi-National Corps Iraq command group, Widener said.

He is expected to provide the team’s detailed analysis and recommend ways to stop deaths and injuries related to accidents “proactively and aggressively,” she said.

Non-hostile deaths have long been a problem for the military, both in peacetime and war. Especially during wartime, increased training and combat preparation pose additional risk, Widener noted.

“However, it is one of the Army’s top priorities to minimize that loss and learn from past trends,” she said. “Engaged leaders, awareness of best safety practices, accident trend recognition, and valuable safety tools … will fight against this accident loss and increased exposure.”

Trends point to factors that often contribute to non-combat-related accidents. In Army aviation, it’s frequently aircrews’ assumption that a mission is low-risk, coordination failures, or overconfidence, Widener reported. Ground losses commonly result from vehicle accidents, sports injuries, maintenance operations and weapons handling.

The military has introduced a wide variety of safety tools and initiatives to help increase safety awareness and reduce accidents, Widener noted.

The Commanders Aviation Risk Tool, for example, is an automated risk-management tool used in mission planning to assess each aviation mission’s risk.

Several tools focus on reducing ground accidents. Among them is the Humvee Egress Assistance Trainer, developed to reduce deaths from vehicle rollovers; improved emergency procedures in the event of a rollover; a driver’s training toolbox; and a pamphlet on safe weapons handling. Videos, newsletter, posters, magazines and other materials constantly reinforce the safety message, Widener said.

In addition, Army Materiel Command continually enhances military equipment to make it safer for troops, officials said. Among its initiatives are improved restraint systems, communication systems, fire-suppression systems and personal protective equipment, Widener said.

(Story by Donna Miles American Forces Press Service)

In Other Recent Developments around Iraq:

•      The 5th Iraqi Army Division and Coalition Forces conducted Operation Bone Breaker in southeast Baqouba, capturing one large weapons cache containing assorted weapons and ammunition, as well as two smaller caches containing home-made explosives Oct. 15.

•     A 72-year-old man stopped a suspected suicide bomber from detonating himself at a checkpoint in Arab Jabour Oct. 14.

Sunday, 21 October 2007 Multi-National Force-Iraq Press DeskBAGHDAD — Coalition forces were engaged in a heavy firefight this morning killing an estimated 49 criminals during operations in Sadr City.

The operation’s objective was an individual reported to be a long time Special Groups member specializing in kidnapping operations. Intelligence indicates he is a well-known cell leader and has previously sought funding from Iran to carry out high profile kidnappings.

Upon arrival, the ground force began to clear a series of buildings in the target are and received sustained heavy fire from adjacent structures, to include automatic weapons and rocket propelled grenades, or RPGs. Responding in self-defense, Coalition forces engaged, killing an estimated 33 criminals. Supporting aircraft was also called to engage enemy personnel maneuvering with RPGs toward the ground force, killing an estimated six criminals.

Upon departing the target area, Coalition forces continued to receive heavy fire from automatic weapons and RPGs and were also attacked by an improvised explosive device. Responding in self-defense, the ground force engaged the hostile threat, killing an additional estimated 10 combatants.

All total, Collation forces estimate that 49 criminals were killed in three separate engagements during this operation. Ground forces reported they were unaware of any innocent civilians being killed as a result of this operation.

“We continue to support the Government of Iraq in welcoming the commitment by Muqtada al-Sadr to stop attacks and we will continue to show restraint in dealing with those who honor his pledge.  We will not show the same restraint against those criminals who dishonor this pledge by attacking security forces and Iraqi citizens,” said Maj. Winfield Danielson, MNF-I spokesman.  “Coalition forces will take the necessary action against these criminals to protect the Iraqi people against future terrorist acts.”

Chuck’s Message

949-910-6028

I just returned from Beslan, Russia last week and am happy to provide a report on progress on the Christian Church that we are building there. For a quick reflection on the need for the Church I suggest you go to the site I had created to raise awareness and money for this project. That site is www.TheChildrenofBeslan.com .As you’ll recall, Beslan is the site of the September, 2004 massacre that took the life of over 300 people most of them children. The horror was created when Muslim Terrorists took over School House #1 on the first day of school and transformed it into a deadly event involving raping children and killing their adult protectors in 3 days of pure Hell.
I left  Los Angeles on Wednesday evening and took a 13 hour direct flight to Moscow and arrived in Moscow the evening of the next day. I met with the Russian Christian ministry office on Friday and after adjusting to the time change took a direct flight from Moscow to Beslan on Saturday with two other people involved in the project. We arrived in time to enjoy an evening meal at the new Children’s Center located two blocks from School House #1 and met with the volunteers that work there and the Full-Time Minister that runs the Center and oversees the construction of the new Church.
The next day was Sunday and it was a full day beginning at a rented theatre that serves as a temporary Church while the new one is being built. There was about 150 members in attendance including three elderly women who have been praying for over 30 years for a Church to attend. Under the old Soviet system Church attendance was forbidden and Churches operated underground. Although I didn’t understand the sermon in Russian my translated provided a running translator. There was a lot of Praise music and a special memory reading by  3 year old boy that had spent considerable time with his “Babuska” learning the scriptures. The people were very happy to see me and I was allowed to lead the congregation in song and provided some testimony towards the end of the service.  After the service we visited the construction site for the new Church to assess the progress. The main 2 story building has the brick walls completed but it still needs a roof and interior finishing’s. The first floor will be classrooms and the sanctuary will cover the entire second floor. In the front of the property is a building that will serve as a Bakery to provide jobs and bread for the community. The pastor estimated that it will take another $50,000. to complete the Church facility. I made a commitment to assist in raising those funds with your help.
After that we went back to the Children’s Center where a afternoon program had been arranged for the local children. Over 120 children showed up for an afternoon of games, entertainment and rewards. The program lasted nearly three hours and the kids had a great time and left with a bag that contained gifts that I brought with me as well as a Children’s Bible in Russian. The Children’s Center was built shortly after the tragedy of September, 2004 to provide immediate Christian counseling to children and parents and three full-time Christian Counselors were dispatched from Moscow as soon as the terrorist attack was finished. A small area of the  Children’s Center still needs to be completed as the surface contains gravel and no roof in the play area. For under $10,000. we can pave over the area, provide a roof and install a small kitchen area to cook food for group events.
That Sunday afternoon I walked the two blocks to School House #1 and toured the site that took the lives of so many children and adults. It was very sobering going around the interior of the gym where everyone was huddled for three days. Pictures of all the victims surrounded the gym and I searched for a small reminder of that horrible event. After three years everything had been taken that was a reminder of those days. Shell casings, burnt timbers, ceiling tiles, children’s clothing, etc. were all gone from the gym.  So I wandered to the adjacent bathrooms and made a special discovery. The boys bathroom was directly next to the gym and the girls gym is next to that. The girls bathroom was where the young girls were taken and raped by the terrorist. Under dust and broken tile I found a children’s sandal and picked it up with reverence and thanked God for this special token left by some distraught child. That sandal had been waiting for three years just for me and it was a sign that I was in the right place at the right time and that my heart, which was broken when I read about the events of September, 2004, would be healed by helping. I am sharing my story, the videos that I took and that child’s sandal with any group that will listen. I want to complete the Church and Children’s Center and need your help. I am willing to give a talk to any Church Group that has a heart for this ministry. When I have completed the task of raising the money I will return the sandal to an honored place in Beslan where it belongs. In the meantime I am keeping it safe as a reminder that terror does exist in this world and that Muslim extremists are leading the way. The best defense is the strong presence of God represented by His church. In the end, HE will return and deliver us from evil. God loves you and I do too. Chuck Salisbury

Diala, 20 October 2007 (Voices of Iraq)

Iraqi army forces arrested 11 gunmen, including a key member of the so-called Islamic State of Iraq, in two separate incidents in Diala province, a security source said on Saturday.

“Companies of the Iraqi army 5th Division’s 1st Brigade conducted a raid-and-search operation inside Jalawlaa, (80 km) northeast of Baaquba, arresting a gunman with arms and ammunition in his possession,” the source, who preferred to remain unnamed, told the independent news agency Voices of Iraq (VOI).

“The gunman is called Maher Kamel Moteb, a leading member of the Islamic State of Iraq group,” the source said.

The Islamic State of Iraq, first announced in October 2006, is one of seven armed groups, the largest of which is the al-Qaeda Organization in Iraq. The State, led by Abu Omar al-Boghdadi, better known as the amir, or leader, is active in central and western Iraq provinces.

Meanwhile, the source said soldiers of the Iraqi army 5th Division’s 2nd Brigade arrested 10 gunmen during a raid on the villages of Abu Nakhl and al-Tahwila inside al-Khalis district, (15 km) north of Baaquba.
The two villages are thronged with gunmen who occasionally set up fake checkpoints in the street that links al-Khalis to the northern oil-rich province of Kirkuk, he added.

Baaquba, the capital of Diala, lies 57 km northeast of Baghdad.

Wednesday, October 17, 2007
From: MOVE AMERICA FORWARD

SHOWDOWN in BERKELEY - First pictures ! October 17

Heated debate and a clever sign in the background, NO REASON FOR TREASON! AMEN!

“Here at the Move America Forward Daily File we chronicle the good news on the War on Terrorism you might not have heard about on the evening news. We also shine the spotlight on those whose conduct against our country and our military is unbecoming.”

Bunch Of Videos And Pictures

Story Continues Here: Move America Forward

Friday, 19 October 2007

BAGHDAD — Paratroopers captured six members, to include two lieutenants, of an improvised explosive device cell responsible for attacks against Iraqi security and coalition forces in North Babil, Oct. 17.Paratroopers from Company B, 3rd Battalion, 509th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division, detained the men during Operation Salcha, an early morning raid.

“The men were members of an IED cell,” said Capt. Eric Nylander, commander of Company B. “The cell is a part of the al-Qaida network in North Babil.”

“Last week, we arrested the leader of the cell,” Nylander continued. “After tonight’s operation, we have captured most of the cell’s senior leadership.”

Nylander believes security in the area will visibly improve since Paratroopers have begun to target the cell so effectively.

“I think we will definitely see a decrease in IEDs,” Nylander said. “I think it will also embolden the local population. We are seeing an increase in Concerned Citizens Program participation and the people are standing up for themselves.”

The two lieutenants were implicated by numerous sources for their involvement in several IED attacks along Iraq’s Highway 1, as well as the bombing of another roadway east of Haswah. That incident completely severed the road, making it impassable.

(Story Written By SGT J.H. French, 4th Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division)

In Other Recent Developments around Iraq:

The 5th Iraqi Army Division and Coalition Forces conducted Operation Bone Breaker in southeast Baqouba, capturing one large weapons cache containing assorted weapons and ammunition, as well as two smaller caches containing home-made explosives Oct. 15.

A 72-year-old man stopped a suspected suicide bomber from detonating himself at a checkpoint in Arab Jabour Oct. 14.

Friday, 19 October 2007 By Sgt. Luis Delgadillo
2nd Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division

FOB KALSU — The rural backdrop of Al Buaytha seems an unlikely setting for a medical clinic. Still, setting matters little when the welfare of a community is at stake. In Al Buaytha, the location chosen proved to be ideal.

In an effort to bring healthcare to local residents and improve their relationship with the community, 1st Battalion, 30th Infantry Regiment Soldiers hosted the most successful medical operation in Al Buaytha to date near Patrol Base Dragon, Oct. 16.

Taking the lead providing medical care was a group of visiting Iraqi doctors, including a pediatrician and three other specialists.

Medical personnel from the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division treated patients as well, but due to the presence of the Iraqi doctors they minimized their role.

“Right now I’m not seeing patients I’m just acting like an assistant to the doctors,” said Capt. Ricardo Swenness of the 1-30th Inf. Regt.

Swenness said that this medical operation was substantially different compared to other operations held in Arab Jabour and Al Buaytha thanks to the attendance of the Iraqi doctors and the abundance of medical supplies.

“I see an improvement, especially today because we have a pediatrician and also because we’ve been doing this often enough now that the other health care providers, myself included, are now becoming more learned in treating children,” Swenness said.

To date, 1-30th Inf. Reg. Soldiers have hosted six medical operations and treated a total 627 patients. This event, which was the first hosted by Co. D, treated 217 local residents.

As healthcare providers busied themselves inside the building, children outside clamored for the attention of the Soldiers and concerned citizens who passed out food items, clothes, and personal hygiene products.

While having difficulty organizing a rowdy group of excited children into a single-file line, Pfc. Josh Kopp, a fire support specialist with Company D, said that he felt good about pulling security for the medical operation.

Kopp said that he welcomed the change of pace from his normal duties. “It makes you feel like you’re helping, doing something finally.”

Though it is unclear if this same group of doctors will be available to visit the next medical operation hosted by Soldiers of the 1-30th Inf. Reg. the hope is that through concerned citizen involvement with the Iraqi Ministry of Health a clinic will be permanently established in the Arab Jabour region.

Friday, 19 October 2007 AL HILLAH — In an Oct. 12 graduation ceremony, the first 155 members of the new al Hillah Community Watch Organization pledged to keep their community safe from terrorists.The ceremony was attended by the mayor of al Hillah, the commander of Hillah Special Weapons and Tactics, Brig. Gen. Abbas Al-Jebory and U.S. Special Forces leaders, who served as advisers during the implementation and five weeks of training for the CWO members.

The new CWO is an important milestone of cooperation between the Government of Iraq and the people of al Hillah as it gives the local population an opportunity to play a more active role in their own security.

The senior U.S. SF commander in al Hillah praised the efforts of the community emphasizing it’s significance in al Hillah  and Babil province.

This is the first of several CWO programs being implemented by local communities throughout the south-central area of Iraq.

Through this program, the community can increase security in their neighborhood and feel safer in their homes.  This initiative serves to discredit criminal terrorists while offering employment to the citizens of al Hillah. It is the first real opportunity for concerned citizens to take part and assist the Government of Iraq in providing much-needed security.

The training has already resulted in the CWO members assisting in the capture of three assassination cell members Oct. 3 before they even graduated.

This is not the first community relations project that the neighborhood has participated in.  The U.S. SF unit and their partners in the al Hillah SWAT have already sponsored four medical outreach clinics for the community since its inception Aug. 8.  More than 400 Iraqis have received in-house medical care from U.S. Special Forces medics and the U.S. Army 478th Civil Affairs Battalion.

The medical outreach programs were envisioned as the first step in a program to bring Iraqi citizens from surrounding neighborhoods into greater contact with Coalition Forces and al Hillah SWAT members.  Once local families were able to receive free medical exams and basic care, their perceptions of forces began to change.

Over a period of several weeks mortar attacks began to diminish significantly and al Hillah SWAT leaders were able to begin discussions with Muqtars - local neighborhood leaders - about starting a community watch program to further drive a wedge between the competing insurgents and the local populace.

Brig. Gen. Abbas believed this was one of the most important initiatives developed by his SWAT and American partners in breaking the strangle-hold of the criminal militias held over the people of al Hillah.

“We look forward to working with our Special Forces brothers and al Hillah concerned citizens to take back our homes from the criminals,” Abbas said. “I hope this success leads to even more programs like (CWO) being built.”

Kurt Wilson’s “Tribute”

____

Andrew Acosta’s “Iraqi Army: Patriots 4 Freedom”

U.S. Army Apaches from 1st Battalion, 4th Aviation Regiment, 4th Infantry Division, engaging Insurgents with 30mm chain gun in Tikrit, Iraq.

House showdown: The S-CHIP veto override vote; Update: Crazy Pete Stark accuses President Bush of blowing Iraqis and American troops up “for his amusement;” Update: 1:15pm Eastern Veto override fails;Update: MSM ignores Stark remarks

Post From: Michelle Malkin’s Blog • October 18, 2007 10:11 AM

Update 3:20pm Eastern. See my new post on Pete StarkRavingMad. These people can’t contain themselves. And let’s stop the delusion that the Starks are the fringe. They are the center of the nutroots-i-fied Democrat Party.

Shocker! Not a word in the NYTimes coverage of the override vote failure about Stark’s remarks.

Nothing in the latest WaPo story, either!

Because, you know, Democrats debasing the president and dragging the debate into the sewer on the House floor is just not news.

Update 1:52pm Eastern. While the Dems continue Kiddie Kabuki Theater (”HEEELP THE CHILDREN! SUFFER THE CHILDREN!!”), the GOP moves forward.

As I noted last night, they’ll unveil their SCHIP alternative at 3pm Eastern today.

Update 1:15pm Eastern. The veto override fails, falls short of two-thirds majority, 273-156. The roll will be here.

FYI: You will be interested to know that Nancy Pelosi’s closing speech did not mention a single word about the Frost family.

Also: All the poster families the Democrats used as human shields remain covered by S-CHIP–just as they did before this vote and just as they did before the president’s veto.

Here’s the wire report on the override failure: Article Continues Here

hursday, 18 October 2007 By Sgt. Luis Delgadillo
2nd Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infanry Division

An Iraqi Army Soldier gives a stuffed teddy bear to a young girl during a humanitarian assistance and medical operation in Hawr Rajab, Oct. 13. Photo by Sgt. Luis Delgadillo, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division Public Affairs.

FORWARD OPERATING BASE KALSU — Coalition forces, Iraqi Army Soldiers and concerned citizens combined efforts to hold a humanitarian assistance and medical operation in Hawr Rajab, Oct. 13.The operation was made possible by a recent shift in the area as local residents have come forward to work with Coalition troops to rid their neighborhoods of insurgent activity.

“The problem that we had in the beginning is that we didn’t have the support of the community leaders so in essence we were fighting the entire town,” said 1st Lt. Daniel L. Doverspike, a platoon leader for Troop A, 1st Squadron, 40th Cavalry Regiment.

Doverspike said that by gaining the respect of local leaders, 1-40th Cav. Regt. Paratroopers gained an ally in the fight against insurgents, resulting in safer neighborhoods for both parties.

The Paratroopers provided oversight as food, personal hygiene items, and toys were distributed to more than 500 residents.

Residents received food items, children received toys, and inside the concerned citizens’ headquarters those who sought medical treatment were seen.

Sgt. Michael J. Cavallo, a combat medic with Troop A, said that he received more than 200 people through his triage station and sent more than 50 in to see both U.S. and Iraqi medical personnel for further assistance.

Thursday, 18 October 2007 WASHINGTON — The United States has dealt al Qaeda many significant blows in Iraq and elsewhere, President Bush said here Wednesday. Military gains against al Qaeda are encouraging, but the situation cannot be won militarily, and that is why the U.S. continues to work with the Iraqi government on reconciliation and political development, Bush said at a White House news conference.

“We’re making progress, but I fully understand those that say we can’t win this thing militarily,” Bush said. “That’s exactly what the United States military says. That’s why it’s very important that we continue to work with the Iraqis on economic progress as well as political progress.”

Bush noted that reconciliation is happening at the local level in Iraq, as people realize they can make a better future for themselves. This local reconciliation eventually will affect the national government, he said. Meanwhile, the United States is encouraging the Iraqi government to pass important legislation to move the country forward.

When asked about the possibility of the Turkey parliament approving military action against Kurdish separatists in northern Iraq, Bush said that he and commanders on the ground agree that such a move would not be in Turkey’s interest. The Iraqi government understands that this is a sensitive issue, he said, and the Iraqi vice president was in Turkey Wednesday to assure leaders there that Iraq shares their concerns about terrorism, but that there’s a better way to fight it.

During Bush’s news conference, media outlets reported that the Turkish parliament voted to approve the military action.

(Story by Sgt. Sara Wood, USA American Forces Press Service)

In other developments throughout Iraq:

An Air Force bomb drop Oct. 15 destroyed a bridge northeast of Baghdad to disrupt weapons smugglers and insurgent movement.    

Airborne Paratroopers from Troop B, 1st Squadron, 40th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division detained 12 suspected insurgents during an air mobility raid east of Adwaniya Oct. 14.

Thursday, 18 October 2007 Multi-National Force-Iraq Press deskBAGHDAD — Coalition forces captured three wanted individuals and detained an additional 12 suspected terrorists Thursday during operations targeting al-Qaeda networks throughout Iraq.

Coalition forces captured a wanted individual southwest of Tarmiyah, who is believed to be a member of the terrorist network in the city responsible for the majority of car-bombing and improvised explosive device attacks. Reports also indicate the network is involved in extortion, intimidation, weapons trafficking and the facilitation of foreign terrorists. In addition to the targeted individual, Coalition forces detained seven suspected terrorists on site.

Northwest of Tikrit, Coalition forces captured another wanted individual and detained three others for their alleged involvement in the movement of foreign terrorists. The targeted individual was also allegedly involved in facilitating false documentation and terrorist funds, and is believed to have ties to Syrian-based extremists attempting to communicate with the al-Qaeda in Iraq senior leader Abu Ayyub al-Masri.

During an operation in Baghdad, Coalition forces targeted and captured an individual reported to be involved in kidnapping operations and attacks on Coalition forces. Intelligence reports indicate the individual has links to various Special Groups leaders operating throughout Baghdad. In addition to the targeted individual, Coalition forces detained two suspects.

“Targeting al-Qaeda in Iraq networks and criminals responsible for vicious attacks against innocent Iraqis and their security forces is a top priority,” said Maj. Winfield Danielson, MNF-I spokesman. “We will continue to find and dismantle terrorist networks that try to deny the Iraqi people a future of their own choosing.”

Thursday, 18 October 2007 By Command Sgt. Maj. Mark Stroh
67th Signal Battalion

CAMP VICTORY — It is 7 a.m. and the heat is already teetering in the low hundreds as the 518th Tactical Installation and Networking Company of the 67th Signal Battalion prepare for another long fiber optic cable run across Camp Victory.

Miserable weather, back breaking work and rapid requirements are nothing new for the Soldiers of the 518th TIN Company, based out of Fort Gordon, Ga. They have been performing missions like this everyday all across Iraq, Kuwait and Afghanistan for the past ten months. The 67th Sig. Bn. provides signal and communications support for Third Army, U.S. Army Central assets in the theater of responsibility.

“My Soldiers’ commitment to provide a reliable cable backbone for the communication network in theater has been a tremendous success. Since our arrival in October 2006, we have installed over 700,000 feet of fiber optic cable and copper wire,” said 1st Sgt. LaShawn Brown, 518th TIN Company.

The cable that the 518th installs provides fiber optic connections that allow computers, phones and digital equipment in theater to access the networks. This cable runs through a maze of underground manholes, overhead spans and inside conduit to reach its locations.

“I imagine that most of our users never take time to really think about how their computers or phone cables reach them or what work went into getting that fiber routed to their location,” said Capt. Julian Stamps, 518th TIN Company commander. “I can tell you that it is a team effort that takes strength and preparation. I could not be prouder of the work my Soldiers have provided in this tremendous task.”

At the day’s end, the tired and sweaty Soldiers of the 518th TIN Company complete their mission for the day.

Their work is never glamorous and rarely even noticed, but the information that is carried across the fiber that they provide is paramount to the success in every aspect of the Global War on Terror.

FORWARD OPERATING BASE KALSU, Iraq – A 72-year-old man stopped a suspected suicide bomber from detonating himself at a checkpoint in Arab Jabour Oct. 14.

The man approached a checkpoint where Mudhehr Fayadh Baresh was standing guard, but did not make it very far.

Baresh, a tribal commissioner and member of the Arab Jabour Concerned Citizens program, said he ordered the man to lift his shirt - using training received from Coalition Forces - when he did not recognize him as a local villager.

The suspect refused to lift his shirt.  Baresh repeated the command again, and the suspect exposed his suicide vest, running toward the checkpoint.

Baresh opened fire which caused the vest to detonate, killing the suspect.

“I did it for the honor of my family and the honor of my country,” said Baresh, when he met with Col. Terry Ferrell, commander of the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division. US Centcom

Baghdad, 17 October 2007 (Voices of Iraq)

An Iraqi swimmer with special needs won his country its first gold medal in the 100 meters freestyle in the international Paralympic games in Taiwan, upping the number of Iraq’s medals to eight.

“Swimmer Falah Nahed managed to win Iraq a gold medal in the 100 meters freestyle in 1.12.36 minutes at the end of these world events for athletes with special needs,” according to the correspondent from the independent news agency Voices of Iraq (VOI), currently with the Iraqi team in Taiwan.

The special competition involves only swimming, fencing and table tennis.

Nahed was followed by a swimmer from India and in third place by a swimmer from host country Taiwan.

Iraq now has eight medals in the games: one gold and three bronze in swimming, one bronze in table tennis and three in fencing. Iraq Updates

 

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Real estate costs back to their actual value

17 October 2007 (Al SumariaTV)

Prices of real estate in Basra are back to normal estimated now at values of other real estates after prices were lowered significantly earlier.

The drop was evaluated by 20% less than the actual value of real estates due to security deterioration in the city.

____

Baghdad announces plan of reconstruction

17 October 2007 (Al SumariaTV)

Head of Baghdad Council Mouin Al Kazemi announced a quintet plan to reconstruct Baghdad. $ 13 billion were allocated to build roads, bridges, parks, schools, universities and hospitals as well as services departments.

The budget is allocated as well to reconstruct infrastructure and maintain environment, water and solar energy as well as electricity power.

_____

Iraqi president arrives in France, meets Sarkozy

Baghdad, 17 October 2007 (Voices of Iraq)

Iraqi President Jalal Talabani arrived in Paris on Tuesday night and will hold talks with his French counterpart Nicolas Sarkozy on Wednesday, an official source from Talabani’s office said.

“The two presidents will discuss the latest developments in Iraq, the national reconciliation process, efforts to reconstruct the country and means to foster bilateral ties,” the source told the independent news agency Voices of Iraq (VOI).

The meeting is the first between the two officials, since Sarkozy assumed office last May.

“Talabani will try to persuade France to play a bigger role in supporting the national reconciliation process and reconstructing the country,” the official added.

During his visit to Paris, the Iraqi president will also hold talks with French Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner, who will host a luncheon in honor of the visiting president.

Talabani’s last visit to Paris was on November 2, 2006, where he was received by former President Jacques Chirac.

____

Over 350 released from U.S. detention centers

Baghdad, 17 October 2007 (Voices of Iraq)

More than 350 detainees were released on Wednesday morning from U.S. prisons and detention centers in Iraq after receiving vocational rehabilitation and taking training courses in reading, writing and mathematics, a U.S. army media source said.

“Releasing detainees is a joint project by the Iraqi government and the Multi-National Force (MNF) in Iraq, under the supervision of the Iraqi judiciary,” the source told the independent news agency Voices of Iraq (VOI), adding that those released are no longer a threat to Iraqi society.

The detainees were released in the presence of Shiite Vice President Adel Abdul Mahdi; the head of the Anbar Awakening Council, Sheikh Ahmed Abu Risha and two judges from the Supreme Judicial Council, including its spokesman, Abdul Sattar al-Berqadar.

____

Diwaniya provincial council member arrested on involvement in armed attacks

Diwaniya, 17 October 2007 (Voices of Iraq)

Police forces arrested on Wednesday a member, from the Sadrist movement, of the Diwaniya provincial council on charges of involvement in armed attacks, a security source said.

“Police forces arrested, this afternoon, Muhammed Abdul Hussein, alias Abu Jaafar, member of Diwaniya provincial council, while on his way home in central Diwaniya,” the source, who requested anonymity, told the independent news agency Voices of Iraq (VOI).

Hussein is also a member of the Shiite Sadrist movement.

The source added “Hussein was arrested according to a warrant issued by a Diwaniya court on charges of involvement in armed attacks.”

Diwaniya, a predominantly Shiite province, is 180 km south of Baghdad.

_____

Tribes playing vital role in fight against terror, says official

17 October 2007 (Azzaman)

A year ago, the Iraqi branch of al-Qaeda was the kind of scourge which not only U.S. occupation troops feared but a source of terror for the population at large. Today al-Qaeda in Mesopotamia the appellation the terror groups has given itself in Iraq is in retreat.

The reversal is not due to better or more effective U.S. military tactics. Thanks for the dramatic slump in devastating Qaeda car-bombings and suicide operations go to Iraqi tribes.

And the man who is rallying the tribes, both Sunni and Shiites to help bring some semblance of normalcy to violent and restive areas is none but Shaikh Maad Muzher al-Samrawi, the Emir or prince of the Zubaid tribe in Iraq.

Samrawi is Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki’s adviser for tribal affairs and has been spearheading efforts to mobilize Sunni tribes particularly in the restive provinces of Anbar and Diyala against Qaeda.

His efforts have borne much fruit so far to the extent that the government has now come to believe that one important way for it to exercise its authority in the country is in the hands of Arab tribes.

Maliki now has a special committee headed by Samrawi comprising representatives from major Iraqi tribes whose main role is to liaise between the government and tribal chiefs.

“Iraqi tribes have nothing to do with sectarian strife and feuds from which the society suffers. The composition of Iraqi tribes demonstrates the unity of Iraq as tribal memberships crosses sectarian divides with Sunis and Shiites belonging to one tribe and vowing allegiance to it,” Samrawi said in an interview.

He said tribes in Iraq were one of the main “symbols of national unity and if they are given the full opportunity they will certainly eliminate all these alien phenomena (sectarian killings and al-Qaeda) that have entered the society.”

Samrawi was hopeful that the tribes, if given the chance, will play a pioneering role in reconciling disparate and warring Iraqi sects and factions.

The government has come to realize the role tribes can play but the problem is whether some of the sectarian and religious parties are willing to compromise.

Many tribes in southern Iraq have complained to Samrawi about the practices of some of these factions and attempts to impose their own strict religious interpretations of Islam on the population.

Samrawi’s first major achievement was the formation of the ‘Anbar Awakening,’ a movement in which tribes in the region have come together to purge their areas of Qaeda elements.

Once one of the most violent provinces in Iraq, Ramadi, Anbar’s provincial center now enjoys relative quiet. So is Diyala where a similar tribe-related ‘Awakening’ movement has been established.

Samrawi said similar movements should be set up in various areas of the country so that Iraqi tribes, reputed for their loyalty, honesty and generosity, will have the opportunity to rid the country from “the claws of terror.”

Samrawi said the tribal ‘Awakening’ movement was not confined to central Iraq where Sunnis are the majority.

Tribal movements, he added, were being formed in southern Iraq which is predominantly Shiite “to buttress efforts by the state to reinstate stability.”

News Briefs From: Iraq Updates

Wednesday, 17 October 2007 By Staff Sgt. Russell Bassett
2nd Infantry Division

A young Iraqi girl and her older sister receive school supplies from Soldiers of 3rd Platoon, 38th Engineer Company, 4th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division from Fort Lewis, Wash., near Boob Al Sham, Iraq, Oct. 11. Photo by Staff Sgt. Russell Bassett, 4th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division.

BOOB AL SHAM — Frustration showed clearly on Sgt. 1st Class Kristopher Macavoy’s face as he tried to give school supplies to an Iraqi mother and her three small children, Oct. 11, near Boob Al Sham.The children peered fearfully out from behind a door at the U.S. Soldiers who had just pulled up in front of their home. The engineer troops of 3rd Platoon, 38th Engineer Company, with their full body armor, weapons and Stryker combat vehicles, likely looked very foreign and scary to the young children as they clung to their mother.

“I have gifts for you,” Macavoy said, holding up school supplies that 3rd Platoon had gathered for just this purpose. “Come on and get them,” he said, adding with a cheerful smile and hearty laugh, “I won’t hurt you.”

Macavoy’s frustration and the children’s fear was quickly replaced with smiles and laughter, as the kids — cautiously at first, but then with exuberance — came out from their homes. The Soldiers handed them pencils, pens, notebooks, crayons, markers and other school supplies. Soon, more than 50 children were running up from all directions, and it was all the Soldiers could do to keep the kids in line.

Earlier this year, Macavoy, 3rd Platoon’s acting platoon leader, came up with the idea to give school supplies to Iraqi children. He broached the idea to his platoon mates, who embraced it. With the help of their families back home, the Soldiers gathered hundreds of different supplies, waiting until the start of the Iraqi school year to hand them out.

As the only engineers of the 4th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division from Fort Lewis, Wash., the 38th has the tough job of clearing the brigade’s routes of improvised explosive devices. The company deployed to Iraq in April.

“Sometimes it’s hard for me, doing what we do everyday here,” Macavoy said, “but no matter how difficult it is, looking at those kids smile, I feel like I am doing something right. Making these kids happy makes it all worth it.”

Macavoy said the reason they decided to hand out school supplies rather than candy or food is to show that Soldiers care about the future of Iraq.

“Iraqi children are the future, the next generation,” he said. “Hopefully we can win the hearts … of the Iraqi children. Hopefully, families will see us helping these kids, and if they are emplacing IEDs out there, they will think, ‘The American people, they’re not that bad.’ That’s the main goal.”

“We are building a rapport with the locals, we have a good working relationship with them,” said Staff Sgt. Matthew Snyder, 3rd Platoon squad leader.

“I’ve always liked kids,” he continued. “One of the hardest things of being over here is seeing the kids. With the poverty in this country, the kids are hurting, and it’s not their fault. If we can’t change the older adults that we are having a problem with, we can start with their kids. In a few years, when they are older, they will understand that we are actually here to help.”

Wednesday, 17 October 2007 By Sgt. Patrick Lair
115th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

Two U.S. Army Soldiers from 4th Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division, search a pomegranate orchard along the Tigris River for suspected weapons caches, Sept. 30. Iraqi and U.S. security forces recently cleared IED’s from the road to Mansuriyah, which had been impassable for six weeks. Photo by Sgt. Patrick Lair, 115th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment.

MANSURIYAH — Six weeks since buried improvised explosive devices and sectarian violence made a road between the villages of Qasarin and Mansuriyah impassable, Iraqi Police (IP) and U.S. Army Soldiers cooperated to reestablish security in the area during Operation Patriots.In what played out like a small liberation celebration, Soldiers entered Mansuriyah to the fanfare of cheering crowds. IP then handed out humanitarian aid and began constructing security checkpoints along the embattled road.

“It was kind of a pageant when we entered Mansuriyah,” said Capt. Alhaji Bangura, commander of Cobra Troop, 2nd Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment, 4th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division. “I guess people were just really excited to see us there.”

On the morning of Sept. 30, Soldiers from Arrow Troop, 2-1 Cav, moved their Stryker vehicles slowly up the narrow route, situated along lush banks of the Tigris River in southwestern Diyala province, toward Mansuriyah, a small village cut off from the rest of the valley by the closed road.

Explosive ordinance disposal teams pushed ahead of the Strykers, uncovering and destroying multiple IED’s, as IP and 4-2 Soldiers searched the surrounding houses and farms for evidence of insurgent activity.

“We used to patrol this area quite a bit. Then we got pulled away for other tasks and hadn’t been able to get back here. That was about three months ago,” said Capt. Joe Byerly of Arrow Troop. “The sheikh here made such an impression on me that I’d wanted to get back.”

As the troops worked their way up the road, one section at a time, local sheikhs and village elders approached to voice their concerns. The residents reported that Mansuriyah, a Shia farming village situated among large tracts of fruit orchards, had been without electricity and water after recent attacks on facilities by al-Qaida in Iraq insurgents. The citizens were also unable to travel due to the dangers on surrounding roads.

Reports indicated that Sunni insurgents had been crossing the Tigris by boat, staging attacks on Mansuriyah and fighting with Jahadi al-Mahdi forces, then retreating back across the river, said Staff Sgt. Christopher Bridges, a truck commander in Arrow Troop.

Many homes along the route leading into town are now blackened, blown-up and deserted from the fighting, though reports differ regarding what group is responsible for the damage.

After searching a number of objectives for insurgent activity, combing palm groves, fruit orchards, barns and homes, Soldiers found and destroyed several caches, containing items such as two explosively-formed penetrators, a bag of homemade explosives, a spool of copper wire, two propane tanks, an anti-tank mine with a crush-wire and an oxygen tank with wires attached.

Once the route was cleared, Soldiers moved into Mansuriyah.

“We’ve had reports that large crowds are waiting for us here,” Bridges said at the time. “Could be a little crazy.”

Dismounting from their vehicles, the troops were greeted by more than 1,000 local residents celebrating in the street. Several large groups danced and chanted along with the music from a handheld radio. Iraqi citizens pushed in from all sides, shaking Soldiers’ hands, saying hello and following them as they walked. The Soldiers crossed the blood of a freshly-sacrificed sheep, a symbol of good luck, as they moved toward a scheduled meeting in a nearby building.

IP ushered the U.S. Soldiers through the busy crowd and inside a meeting room, then fended off aggressive groups of citizens attempting to push inside the building. The outer door had to be locked and guarded by police. Children crowded in at the windows to the meeting room where IP, U.S. Soldiers and the village elders of Mansuriyah took seats in a large circle.

Sheikh Abdi Jabar Mohammed sat at the head of the meeting and thanked the Soldiers for returning to his village. Platters of apples and bananas and cold cans of soda were passed around the circle. A long discussion then ensued about the future of Mansuriyah.

The elders wanted security from Sunni insurgents, an electrical generator and they wanted the city’s water pump fixed.

“We will do our best to provide you with all these things,” said Capt. Dustin Heumphreus of Arrow Troop, speaking through an interpreter. “But I warn you that these things take time. Everyone will have to work hard and work together in order to accomplish these things.”

After the meeting, IP began constructing security checkpoints along the route to Mansuriyah to prevent more booby-traps from being planted. Policemen and local citizens drove a front-end loader up and down the route, filling in HESCO (Hercules Engineering Systems Consortium) barriers and IED craters. The barriers will be used to block sniper fire from across the river and IP will soon patrol the road. At night, U.S. Soldiers parked their Stryker vehicles at strategic points along the route, pulling all night security along the river.

The following day, IP distributed several truckloads of cooking oil, rice, flour, bottled water and other humanitarian assistance to eager crowds in the village center at Mansuriyah.

“We hope to return here soon. We want to work to provide security for you and your people,” Byerly told Sheikh Mohammed at the sheikh’s home during a final meeting of the operation.

“Insh’allah,” the sheikh replied before he set out a large dinner for the Soldiers. “God willing.”

Wednesday, 17 October 2007 By Staff Sgt. Sean Riley
3rd Brigade Combat Team Public Affairs

Soldiers assigned to Company A, 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, and an interpreter talk to residents of Salman Pak, Iraq, during a raid that netted three al-Qaida members, Oct. 11. Photo by Sgt. 1st Class Sean Riley, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division Public Affairs.

FORWARD OPERATING BASE HAMMER — After receiving tips, Coalition forces detained three people in Salman Pak, Oct. 11, during Operation Belleau Wood, a raid to find insurgents linked to al-Qaida cells operating in Iraq.Soldiers from Company A, 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, detained the men after they were identified as al-Qaida members responsible for improvised explosive device placement along a road frequently used by the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division. The Soldiers also cleared 13 houses during their search.

Maj. John Cushing, from Rochester, Mich., the 1-15th Inf. Regt. operations officer, believes the recent organization of concerned citizens in the Salman Pak area has helped residents feel safer and therefore more likely to come forward to identify insurgents and their activities.

“Local Iraqi Sheiks, in very dangerous areas, are coming forward and are willing to provide critical information concerning extremist activities in our area of operations,” Cushing said. “Local Sheiks and Coalition forces are working together and doing what it takes to improve security in insurgent infested neighborhoods.”

“Belleau Wood was great for Hardrock (Company A) and 1-15,” Cushing continued. “As a result of this operation, three extremists were detained which further disrupted an IED cell along a major route that Coalition forces travel each day.”

The 1-15 Inf. Regt., is assigned to the 3rd BCT, 3rd Infantry Division, from Fort Benning, Ga., and has been deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom since March.

Wednesday, 17 October 2007

One hundred forty-one paratroopers from 4th Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division re-enlisted Oct. 14 on Forward Operating Base Kalsu in a ceremony conducted by Maj. Gen. Rick Lynch, commanding general of Multi-National Division–Center. Photo by U.S. Army Sgt. Marcus Butler 4th Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division Public Affairs.

BAGHDAD — One hundred forty-one Paratroopers decided to stay Army in a mass re-enlistment ceremony held on Forward Operating Base Kalsu, Oct. 14.The Paratroopers from 4th Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division made the decision to continue their service in the Army after being deployed for over a year.

Maj. Gen. Rick Lynch, commanding general of Multi-National Division–Center, made a special trip to FOB Kalsu to lead the oath of enlistment for these paratroopers.

“To re-enlist this many Paratroopers after being deployed for a year is truly amazing,” said Master Sgt. Douglas Goodwin, senior career counselor for the 4th BCT (Abn.), 25th Inf. Div. “It says a lot about the leadership and the patriotism of these Paratroopers.”

After the ceremony, Lynch thanked each Paratrooper individually and posed for pictures.

To this date, the Spartan Brigade has re-enlisted nearly 1,300 Soldiers; approximately 70 percent of them have decided to stay with the brigade for another tour.

“Soldiers are special people and to see these Paratroopers making a commitment to continue serving their country when the operational tempo is so high proves they trust in their leadership,” Goodwin said. “It also shows how much they believe in what they are doing and stand proud as United States Paratroopers ready to defend our country against the ever-growing threat of terrorism.”

(Story by Sgt. Marcus Butler, 4th Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division)

In other developments throughout Iraq:

•  An Air Force bomb drop Oct. 15 destroyed a bridge northeast of Baghdad to disrupt weapons smugglers and insurgent movement.

•  Airborne Paratroopers from Troop B, 1st Squadron, 40th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division detained 12 suspected insurgents during an air mobility raid east of Adwaniya Oct. 14.