A step forward in partnership: Dagger leaders meet with Iraqi army at home station

Photo By Sgt. Dustin Roberts | Dearborn, Mich. native, Col. Joseph Martin (center, with glasses), commander, 2nd Brigade Combat Team "Dagger," 1st Infantry Division, Multi National Division – Baghdad, and Lt. Col. Yasser, 24th Brigade, 6th Iraqi Army Division, sit in on a non-lethal brief in the Dagger Brigade's conference room, April 11. The leaders planned essential services projects that help the quality of life for the citizens west of Baghdad.  

BAGHDAD, IRAQ

04.11.2009

Story by Sgt. Dustin Roberts 

2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division Public Affairs

BAGHDAD — In their first engagement on Camp Liberty, leaders serving with the 2nd Brigade Combat Team "Dagger," 1st Infantry Division, Multi-National Division — Baghdad met with staff in the 24th Brigade, 6th Iraqi Army Division, April 11.

The leaders, who help secure the population west of Baghdad, ate dinner together at the 2nd HBCT's dining facility before heading to the brigade's conference room for a joint meeting focused on non-lethal efforts.

"I appreciate all of the hard work the brigade has made for the people in the Dagger brigade's area of operations," said Lt. Col. Qassim of the 24th Brigade. "These projects are great for the security effort and for humanitarian services."

Since the Dagger Brigade arrived in October 2008, numerous projects in essential services have been completed throughout the brigade's operational environment and plans for projects are scheduled to continue for the remainder of the brigade's time in Iraq.

As they sat around the conference room table the group discussed how they are going to communicate more often when it comes to building projects.

"From my point of view, the IA lacks information for projects the Dagger Brigade is doing in our area," said Qassim. "If we can work on these projects together, then we will be able to provide more security for the projects."

Qassim went on to say that they would ensure contractors present their identification and credentials to the Iraqi soldiers, ensuring the contractors do not contribute to terrorism in any way.

The security partners shared the same goals with each other, agreeing that the Iraqi citizens need to know how the IA and coalition forces are working together to rid Baghdad of criminal activity and make their lives easier through rebuilding projects.

The assembly talked about accomplished projects, to include various school refurbishments and humanitarian aid drops.

"Americans have donated 20 to 40 tons of school supplies, soccer balls and toys to give to the citizens here," said Dearborn, Mich. native, Col. Joseph Martin, commander, 2nd BCT. "This shows that humanitarianism is far more persuading than the dwindling insurgents in Iraq."

As the meeting came to a close and the respective leaders saluted one another, Martin wrapped up by saying there was still work to be done.

"We will continue to work together in this effort," he said. 'We are one team and we are here to help the people."

Lt. Col. Yasser, also with the 24th Brigade, was very appreciative for the opportunity to visit the Dagger Brigade.

"Every time I ask you a question I always get an answer," Yasser said to Martin. "I appreciate the invitation to your headquarters and for us to able to share information."

• Date Taken: 04.11.2009
• Date Posted: 04.13.2009 07:35
• Story ID: 32326
• Location: BAGHDAD, IQ