Military Police, Iraqi Police 'kick it' on the soccer field

Photo By 1st Sgt. Justin A. Naylor | Sgt. Brad Canon, a London, Ohio, native and the support team non-commissioned officer-in-charge for the 2-12th Military Police Company, 607th MP Battalion, 8th MP Brigade, which works with the 3rd Battalion, 82nd Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, tries to get the soccer away from the Iraqi Policemen that his team is playing against on Forward Operating Base Warrior, Kirkuk, Iraq, April 16.  

KIRKUK, IRAQ

04.25.2009

Story by Spc. Justin A. Naylor 

2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division Public Affairs

FORWARD OPERATING BASE WARRIOR, Kirkuk, Iraq— "I've got 50-to-1 odds on the Iraqis," shouted someone in the audience. The match was not looking good for the Americans.

Fortunately for the U.S. team, this was just a friendly soccer match against their local Iraqi police counterparts which took place on Forward Operating Base Warrior in Kirkuk, April 16.

The match started out rough for the Soldiers of the 2-12th Military Police Company, 607th MP Battalion, 8th MP Brigade, which works with the 3rd Battalion, 82nd Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, and it only got worse from there.

The initial goal was scored by Cpl. Adal Abdallah, a police officer in Kirkuk city, early in the match.

"I was feeling good about the goal," said Abdallah.

As the first half wrapped up, the score had climbed to 0-6 in favor of the IPs.

"I think we should have had a better strategy," said Capt. Luis Mejiaroman, a Miami native and the commander of the 2-12th.

"They are really good," said Pfc. Osualdo Garcia, a Hobokin, N.J., native and an MP with the 2-12th.

According to Garcia, they had played the IPs once before and also lost by a score of 2-7.

With halftime over, the Soldiers and Iraqi police took to the field and finished up the match, with the IPs adding to their already substantial lead. The final score ended with the Iraqis defeating the MPs 9-0.

The match was more than just about competition, said Col. Gaze, the executive officer for the IPs who were playing.

"It's a good day for the IPs and coalition forces to come together," said Gaze. "I think it's great we get to spend time together outside of work."

For nearly a year now, these IPs have partnered with the 2-12th MPs in Kirkuk, and although the 2-12th is soon leaving the country, the day was a chance to celebrate the time they have spent together.

"They have been very good partners," explained Mejiaroman. "We both have the same objectives, and days like this foster our relationship."

"They are great to work with outside of the wire," said Abdallah.

Once the post-match photos wrapped up, the 2-12th cooked the Iraqis a meal consisting of steaks, burgers and hotdogs, and treated them to some friendly arm wrestling matches.

"They are good guys just like us," said Spc. Eugene Huber, a Pocatello, Idaho, native and a medic with the 2-12th.

Days like this show that we can get our butts kicked by them in soccer and still have a good time, said Huber.

"This day will stay in our minds forever," said Abdallah.

• Date Taken: 04.25.2009
• Date Posted: 04.25.2009 11:53
• Story ID: 32872
• Location: KIRKUK, IQ