Photo By Pfc. Christopher McKenna | An Iraqi doctor gathers information from Jenabi Village patient during a Coordinated...... read more read more
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By Pvt. Christopher McKenna,
3rd Brigade Combat Team,
101st Airborne Division
CAMP STRIKER, Iraq – Iron Rakkasan Soldiers conducted a two-day mission March 2- 3, in Janabi Village, gaining local residents' trust.
During Operation Crazy Horse III, Rakkasans set up new Sons of Iraq checkpoints, did biometric testing and held a coordinated medical engagement to give residents much-needed medical treatment and medications.
"The focus was on clearing routes for the new checkpoints and developing positive relations with the Janabi tribe," said 1st Lt. Casey Zimmerman, platoon leader for 3rd Platoon, Company C, 3rd Battalion, 187th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault).
Zimmerman, from Santa Barbara, Calif., said the mission leaned toward providing stabilization in the area.
"This wouldn't work if the Janabi people ... were not supportive of change," said Sgt. Michael Waters from Nampa, Idaho, Co. C, 3-187th Inf. Regt.
To show good faith, male villagers underwent biometrics testing. The process includes obtaining fingerprints, retinal scans and other pertinent information. The testing is performed on all SoI and males volunteering for service in the Iraqi security forces.
"The people of Janabi approached us, saying they bet on the wrong horse," Zimmerman said. "Many of them were former (al-Qaida) members not even three weeks ago."
The reconciliation of former al-Qaida members has allowed progress in the area.
"They have actually gone out and dug up improvised explosive devices which they had planted, turned in weapon caches and have shown dedication toward working together with the coalition and Iraqi army forces," Zimmerman said.
A total of 314 people, including 130 women, were seen by three Iraqi doctors at the CME.
"Safety was a major concern going into the mission, especially with the history of the area," Waters said.
Now, the community is taking steps toward a more peaceful lifestyle.
"Part of what was once known as the Triangle of Death is now (becoming) a model for Iraq to follow," Zimmerman said.
| Date Taken: | 03.05.2008 |
| Date Posted: | 03.06.2008 11:15 |
| Story ID: | 17060 |
| Location: | BAGHDAD, IQ |
| Web Views: | 282 |
| Downloads: | 261 |
This work, Crazy Horse III garners trust in Janabi Village, by PFC Christopher McKenna, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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