1st Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division Public Affairs

Story by Staff Sgt. Margaret Nelson

By Margaret Nelson
1st Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division

KIRKUK, Iraq— In the spirit of reconciliation and during the observance of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, Sheik Abdullah Sami Al Asi Obeydi, a Kirkuk Sunni Arab Provincial Council member and tribal leader, has been reunited with his cousin Shakn Abdullah Mushed Al-Rahma Obeydi after a ten-month separation, Sept. 27, 2008, at Forward Operating Base Warrior in Kirkuk, Iraq.

Abdullah Mushed was detained in November for supporting insurgent activity in the province of Kirkuk by the coalition force. The release was facilitated by the 1st Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division.

During the month of Ramadan, Muslims ask forgiveness for past sins, pray for guidance into the future, ask for help in refraining from everyday evils, and try to purify themselves through self-restraint and good deeds.

"I am releasing your cousin into your care and watchful eye," Col. David Paschal, commander, 1BCT, 10th Mtn. Div., said to Sheik Abdullah Sami.

He credited the sheik's participation in the successful establishment of the Sons of Iraq program in the northern Rashaad Valley, south of the city of Kirkuk, and told the sheik that he understood that people make wrong choices.

"I have spoken to your cousin and he needs to take personal responsibility for his past deeds and change his ways," Paschal said.

He warned both the sheik and his cousin that he would be monitoring Abdullah Mushed's return to the province.

"Go home to your family. Embrace them. They need you. Take this golden opportunity to make positive changes in your life and that of your family's," Paschal said.

Sheik Abdullah Sami thanked Paschal for his help and the efforts of his Soldiers who have, "made the Kirkuk province a safer place for everyone." He also hailed the commander's efforts to afford people "a second chance" referring specifically to his cousin's past.

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