Iraqis vote while Striker Soldiers show support

Photo By Scott Flenner | 1st Lt. Jeff Nelson, a native of Rockport, Texas, who serves as a platoon leader for the Command Security Detachment, Headquarters and Headquarters Troop, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, Multi-National Division – Baghdad, keeps a look out during the Iraqi provincial elections in the Adhamiyah District of northeastern Baghdad Jan. 31.  

BAGHDAD, IRAQ

02.01.2009

Story by Scott Flenner 

3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division

By Scott Flenner
3rd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division

ADHAMIYAH, Iraq – Members of the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, Multi-National Division – Baghdad, assisted the Iraqi security forces with security, while Iraqis exercised their democratic right to vote Jan 31.

"Our mission today is to allow the Iraqis to completely take the lead on this election process, and we will be out in sector for support if they need us," said 1st Lt. Jeff Nelson, who serves as a platoon leader for the Command Security Detachment, Headquarters and Headquarters Troop, 3rd BCT, 4th Inf. Div.

With Iraq in the lead, Striker Soldiers had specific and detailed guidelines to follow during these elections while out in sector.

"Do not interfere; do not influence, and do not get in the way of today's elections" said Col. John Hort, a native of Fayetteville, N.C., who serves as the commander of 3rd BCT, 4th Inf. Div.

The main support provided by Striker Soldiers was assisting the ISF in northeast Baghdad to enforce a vehicle ban that was emplaced by the government of Iraq for a 24-hour period during the elections to minimize threats. The 24-hour ban was lifted approximately nine hours after it was emplaced due to improvement of security throughout the area.

"Things are going really well; everyone seems to be in a pretty good mood, and there was a good turnout near the sites we stopped," said Nelson, a native of Rockport, Texas.

The added security provided by the ISF and Striker Soldiers allowed for a large number of Iraqis to place their vote for the first time since 2005.

"This is the best thing we can do [voting]. It is how we the people can change the government to help us," said an Iraqi resident from the Adhamiyah District of Baghdad. "Democracy is good; we need democracy."

• Date Taken: 02.01.2009
• Date Posted: 02.01.2009 03:26
• Story ID: 29509
• Location: BAGHDAD, IQ