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2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division
BAGHDAD – To recognize the northwest Baghdad Sons of Iraq's official transfer of authority from coalition forces to the Iraqi army, Multi-National Division - Baghdad Soldiers and Iraqi security forces held a ceremony at Muthana Airfield on Oct. 11, 2008.
More than 100 guests attended the ceremony, to include Iraqi security and coalition forces and Sons of Iraq leaders from throughout northwest Baghdad.
The Iraqi army demonstrated its readiness to accept responsibility for more than 1,900 SOI in northwest Baghdad during the ceremony.
Sons of Iraq played a vital role with security in northwest Baghdad, especially in areas like Ameriyah and Ghazaliyah. When asked to contribute to the security efforts in the area, these men answered the call of their local leaders and helped Iraqi security and coalition forces weed out al-Qaida in Iraq.
The Iraqi security and coalition forces' speakers emphasized the importance of the event and thanked the SOI for the role they played in reducing violence. The Sons of Iraq leaders expressed their thanks for being recognized in a ceremony and looked forward to the next step in providing security to their communities.
Following the remarks, an official passing of colors was conducted signifying the transfer from coalition forces to the Iraqi army.
After a closing prayer, the attendees were invited to a traditional Iraqi feast of lamb, rice, chicken, and flat bread.
Col. Bill Hickman, commander, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), was very thankful for the service of the Sons of Iraq to the area his brigade controlled over the last year.
"The Sons of Iraq have played a crucial role in improving security throughout northwest Baghdad," said Hickman. "We are very grateful for the Sons of Iraq and their commitment to improve security in partnership with Iraqi security forces."
The SOI have already demonstrated that they can contribute and work closely with other Iraqi security forces.
"The SOI support that marked their emergence in 2007 has been replaced with SOI that provide Iraqi army leaders inroads and insights to local community leaders," said Lt. Col. Frederick Wintrich, Military Transition Team, 54th Brigade, 6th Iraqi army Division team chief. "Where SOI used to identify insurgents and their networks in some neighborhoods, they now focus on bridging between ISF and local leaders."
Since November 2008, approximately 870 Sons of Iraq have transitioned into the Iraqi police in northwest Baghdad. These former SOI, who attended the Iraqi police academy, occupy newly established police stations throughout northwest Baghdad. The Iraqi police, Sons of Iraq in partnership with the Iraqi army, and coalition forces have set the conditions for a secure, stable environment as the area continues to return to normalcy.
"The SOI members helped predominantly in areas of Mansour where there was a lack of Iraqi police. They came at an important time and truly helped to stabilize Mansour," said Maj. Lamar Adams, ISF chief for the 2nd BCT, 101st Abn. Div. "I do believe that SOI played an important role and are allowing for a return to a sense of normalcy in our area."
| Date Taken: | 10.18.2008 |
| Date Posted: | 10.18.2008 20:04 |
| Story ID: | 25189 |
| Location: | BAGHDAD, IQ |
| Web Views: | 293 |
| Downloads: | 280 |
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