Courtesy Story

Coalition Forces handing out toys
BAQUBAH, Iraq -- Soldiers from Task Force 1-10 handed out donated toys and stuffed animals August 31 to the children that live around the mayor's office here. The soldiers and the children enjoyed the interaction with one another and the children left with smiles on their faces.

Iraqi police basic marksmanship training
FORWARD OPERATING BASE Normandy, Iraq -- A group of 20 Iraqi police officers gathered to further hone their skills during an intense marksmanship class August 31. Coalition Forces stood by as seven Iraqi instructors trained the police with intense one on one personalized and professional instruction.

IMN TV Tuesday night talk show
KIRKUK, Iraq -- Two Muslim clerics, a Roman Catholic Archbishop and a local investigative reporter met on the IMN TV talk show August 30 to urge all eligible Iraqis to participate in the October 15 referendum. Both Shaykhs stated Muslim clerics must educate their people from the podium. Shaykh Ali stated, "Enough killing, enough beheadings, it is now time to live in peace."

Triage and ambulance crew drills
K1 AIRFIELD, Iraq -- Medics of the 4-2 Iraqi Army Battalion trained on ambulance crew drills and practiced triage procedures here August 14. The medics understand that quick application of the correct medical care will insure the survival rate for wounded soldiers and they take their training seriously and continue to refine their skills daily.

Medical assistance visit
HAMINARIYA, Iraq -- Coalition Forces medical professionals evaluated approximately 140 people here August 25. While the village had no major problems, there did seem to be congestion and upper respiratory problems, easily treatable with antibiotics. The villagers appreciated the efforts on their behalf and observed first-hand that the Coalition is not an occupation force, but a partner with the Iraqi transitional government, the Iraqi Security Forces and are dedicated to making sure Iraq's new democracy flourishes so all Iraqis, regardless of ethnicity or religion, can prosper and live in peace.

Command post exercise
SULAYMANIYAH, Iraq -- In an effort to take themselves to the next level, the 3rd Iraqi Army Brigade conducted a command post exercise here August 25. The extended exercise reinforced tactical operations and tested the unit's established battle drills.

Local citizens rewarded
KIRKUK, Iraq -- Four Iraqi citizens contacted Iraqi and Coalition forces August 29 to report observing a driver of a truck use a cell phone just as an improvised explosive device was detonated. They stopped the truck and waited for help to arrive. These brave Iraqis received a cash reward and were recognized for their assistance.

Iraqi police weapons training
TIKRIT, Iraq -- The Iraqi police of the Provincial High Crimes Department received weapons instruction here August 27. They learned proper stances and ways to employ their weapons and received instruction on both the AK-47 and the 9mm pistol.

Educating people on the elections
HAMADI SHAB, Iraq -- Major Kaze of the Al-Siqoor police station distributed flyers August 26 and encouraged the Iraqi people to take part in the upcoming elections. He believes that one of the main reasons that so few voted in the last election was that they were not informed.


IED sweeps of Tikrit
TIKRIT, Iraq -- The Tikrit police have seen an increase in the use of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) throughout the city. They have responded by putting greater emphasis on vigilance in keeping the streets of Tikrit clear of IEDs. This action is independent of Coalition Forces guidance, or assistance. The police search the area, pronounce it to be clear and continue to other areas.

Police respond to detonated IED
TIKRIT, Iraq -- The Tikrit police responded to a detonation of an improvised explosive device in the vicinity of the Islamic Political Party House here August 25. The police handled the situation and no Iraqis were hurt in the blast and the scene was quickly restored.

Police training
FORWARD OPERATING BASE REMAGEN, Iraq -- The Khadasia police attended a two-hour training class here August 23 on how to correctly stop vehicles and interact with the occupants.

New pipe lines
MUKAYSHIFA, Iraq -- Coalition Forces emplaced new pipe lines in the local water plant to the houses here August 18.

Iraqi army raid
KHADASIA, Iraq -- Soldiers of the Iraqi army raided several houses here August 28 and detained a suspected improvised explosive device maker and a suspected financier.

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