'Dragon’ Battalion afforded unique opportunity to see project completed in Zaidon

Courtesy Photo | People gather Jan. 20 to celebrate the opening of the Zaidon milk processing facility by sharing a traditional Iraqi feast. (Photo by: Staff Sgt. Justin Phemister)  

BAGHDAD, IRAQ

02.04.2011

Courtesy Story

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

By: Staff Sgt. Justin Phemister

BAGHDAD — In September 2009, the 1st “Dragon” Battalion, 63rd Armor Regiment, 2nd Heavy Brigade Combined Team, 1st Infantry Division, began development on a project in Zaidon, part of the greater Abu Ghraib area west of Bahgdad.

Now in January 2011, the “Dragons” have returned to the area as part of the 2nd Advise and Assist Brigade, 1st Inf. Div., United States Division – Center in time to see the completion of that project, which began nearly a year and a half ago.

The goal of rebuilding a milk processing plant that would support area dairy farmers, create jobs, and improve the health of local citizens by providing fresher milk has been a complete success.

Now fully operational, the Zaidon milk processing facility, was unveiled during a ribbon-cutting ceremony Jan. 20. Soldiers and leaders with 1st Bn., 63rd Armor Regt., 2nd AAB, 1st Inf. Div. were invited and Lt. Col. Michael Henderson, commander of 1st Bn., 63rd Armor Regt. and an Emmett, Idaho, native, spoke at the event.

Ahmed Said, general manager of the Zaidon facility, had high praise for the “Dragon” Battalion efforts during his speech.

“I’d especially like to thank the ‘Dragon’ Battalion,” Ahmed said. “Without them, this factory would not exist.”

After the speeches were finished, Amhed Salem Hamed, an engineer and deputy director-general of the Al Bahn Company, which runs the facility, led the guests on a tour of the complex.

Inside the facility, pasteurization tanks and other modern equipment were shown off by the facility’s workers, and their functions briefly explained by Hamed. In one room, two Al Bahn chemists tested the purity of the last batch of milk produced.

Depending upon the quantity of raw product received from local farmers, the facility can produce up to 44 tons of consumable milk each day.
The Zaidon milk processing facility will employ about 65 people. In addition, it will allow local farmers to save on gas and vehicle maintenance by reducing their delivery distance.

Soldiers with the “Dragon” Battalion can feel a well deserved sense of pride, and so can the hundreds of people ultimately involved in the project, Henderson said.

“[The facility] is a great accomplishment,” Henderson said. “The cooperation between all groups—local government, religious leaders, Al Bahn businessmen, Iraqi Police and Army, even the continuity on the project between units within the United States forces—is commendable.”
Upon completion of the tour, the attendees shared a meal.

Across the lawn of the facility, diverse groups of Americans and Iraqis, Sheiks and suited executives, men and women, all shared in a celebration of food and conversation that spoke as much toward the progress of this country as to the success of the Zaidon project itself.

• Date Taken: 02.04.2011
• Date Posted: 02.04.2011 04:28
• Story ID: 64781
• Location: BAGHDAD, IQ