4th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division

Story by Spc. Luisito Brooks

BAGHDAD – It was the combined efforts of the Iraqi police, U.S. Soldiers, Airmen and two military working dogs that provided security for the Baghdad Expo Nov. 7, at the Baghdad International Fairgrounds, here.

The Expo is a direct venue for different companies and vendors from all over the Middle East to hire employees, and in order to set the stage for the event, the best security in the world had to be in place.

"We do a sweep of the area to check for possible improvised explosive devices and anything that looks suspicious," said Staff Sgt. Juan Maldonado, with 4th Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division.

The military working dog's strong sense of smell adds an extra form of detection to the security force.

"The dogs are brought in because of their capabilities to smell many explosives, drugs and other contraband," said Air Force Staff Sgt. Lordell Wilson, from the 732nd Expeditionary Security Force Squadron.

The security group, with their dogs, looked under vehicles, behind dumpsters and along buildings. The entire sweep finished just in time for the job expo to begin.

"It was joint effort to provide security, so we did our job to the best of our abilities," said Maldonado, a Texico, N.M., native. "I do hope that the Iraqi people have more opportunities like this to help make lives better."

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