Courtesy Photo | Local sheiks and a soldier form the 55th Brigade, 17th Iraqi Army Division discuss the...... read more read more
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By Spc. Jamie Vernon
2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division
BAGHDAD, Iraq – Leaders from the 55th Brigade, 17th Iraqi Army Division, local sheiks and Task Force Thunder, 4th Battalion, 27th Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division, Multi-National Division – Baghdad participated in a bridge reopening ceremony Jan. 18 outside of Patrol Base Copper in Mahmudiyah, south of Baghdad.
The improvement in security and reduction in sectarian violence made it possible to reopen the bridge which had separated a tribal community. The reopening also returns the area to a sense of normalcy.
Iraqi Col. Rasheed, commander of the 55th Bde., 17th Iraqi Army Division, discussed how important the bridge over the Salty River is with local sheiks and how its opening is another step to improving the Mahmudiyah region in Iraq.
"This is one of the good things we are doing in the area. There will be more coming, including water purification and road paving. This will alleviate the suffering of the people," said Rasheed.
The Mamour tribe occupies much of the area on both sides of the bridge and was split by the bridge's closing. Relatives had to drive many kilometers east or west of the bridge to find another way across. Now, a more direct route is available to visit their families. Children who traveled a long distance to receive their education now only have a short bridge to cross on school days.
"This is one of the biggest things we can do as coalition forces to get life back together for the Mamour Tribe," said Capt. Gregory Martens, executive officer of Task Force Thunder's Company A and a native of Cabot, Ark.
The bridge was shut down for an extended period of time due to an insurgent attack on coalition forces.
Rasheed and the sheiks spoke of how the IA will be responsible for providing security for the bridge and of how improved security will benefit the Iraqis living on both sides of the Salty River. The IA intends to have a system where only those with badges will be authorized to cross over the bridge. Some who stand to benefit from the bridge's reopening include those whose families are split by the Salty River, children going to schoo, and those requiring access to work on the other side of the river.
"The bridge opening today symbolizes the barriers we all work together to break down, each towards a brighter future for Iraq," said Maj. Eric Savickas, the executive officer of Task Force Thunder, and a native of Newton, Mass.
| Date Taken: | 01.20.2009 |
| Date Posted: | 01.20.2009 06:25 |
| Story ID: | 29042 |
| Location: | BAGHDAD, IQ |
| Web Views: | 356 |
| Downloads: | 291 |
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