Courtesy Photo | Boxes lay stacked near the site where Iraqi army soldiers from 4th Company, 3rd...... read more read more
By 1st Lt. Jamen Miller
Multi-National Division – Baghdad
BAGHDAD – Upon Task Force 1-6 Soldier's arrival into Sadr City, coalition forces were being attack daily by indiscriminant small-arms fire from undisclosed locations and hidden improvised explosive devices on every major route in its sector.
However, with conviction and dedication from Soldiers, both on the coalition side and Iraqi side, to making the city a better place to live for residents, the security situation has greatly improved. Now when Soldiers venture into the city, there is a vastly different landscape.
These improvements have made endless opportunities available to reach residents where they live, from micro-grants designed to improve their businesses to claims that help rebuild what has been taken from them in the war.
Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers had the opportunity to distribute Halal humanitarian meals to residents of Sadr City with the help of Iraqi army counterparts from the 11th Division.
When the idea was brought before the Iraqi Capt. Mohammed, commander, 4th Company, he was excited to help out the cause once again. He also agreed to provide the soldiers needed for the operation. The Iraqi and U.S. Soldiers met several times before the big day in order to ensure it ran smoothly for all involved.
When the day arrived, the Regular Soldiers loaded all the meals they could find and headed to link-up with the soldiers of 4th Company at its headquarters. Once there, the Soldiers learned their Iraqi army counterparts were called on a mission that lasted until 4:30 a.m.
That fact, however, did not change their willingness to jump up and begin setting up the area for the distribution of meals. With no help from the coalition forces, Capt. Mohammed made it his show, coordinating his soldiers and setting everything up. Once everything was ready, the Soldiers with TF 1-6, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division, which is currently attached to 3rd BCT, 4th Infantry Division, started inviting the growing crowd of children in to receive their meal.
The crowd grew steadily while the operation was ongoing. Capt. Mohammed handed out meals personally for the duration of the distribution. The U.S. Soldiers greeted children, women and families of all ages. The MND-B Soldiers also distributed comic books, Iraqi flags and messages of peace and a united Iraq.
Children were seen walking away waving their flags in the air chanting and dancing. Elderly women were allowed into a separate entrance so they would not be mixed in with the excited crowd to ensure they were not left behind.
The meals were given out to a record crowd, with many children staying around for the post-operation celebration that ensued. Iraqi music was played in the street and children treated it like a block party. They danced to the music, convincing soldiers to join in with the enjoyment of the moment.
| Date Taken: | 12.13.2008 |
| Date Posted: | 12.13.2008 08:39 |
| Story ID: | 27642 |
| Location: | BAGHDAD, IQ |
| Web Views: | 322 |
| Downloads: | 314 |
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