US Soldiers partner with IP to re-open al Fadallah school, build community relations

Courtesy Photo | Aruba Iraqi Police Chief Col. Sherzad, passes out toys to students of al Fadallah Elementary school during its reopening ceremony, March 14, 2011. The local IP worked with "Thunderhorse."  

CONTINGENCY OPERATING STATION WARRIOR, IRAQ

03.14.2011

Courtesy Story

United States Division-North

By: Spc. Kandi Huggins
1st Advise and Assist Task Force

CONTINGENCY OPERATING SITE WARRIOR, Iraq – “Thunderhorse” soldiers of 2nd Battalion, 12th Cavalry Regiment, attached to 1st Advise and Assist Task Force, 1st Infantry Division, from Fort Riley, Kan., assisted Iraqi policemen of the Aruba Police Station distributing humanitarian aid during the reopening of al Fadallah Elementary school in Kirkuk, March 14.

The newly renovated school provides a better learning environment for the students, said 1st Lt. Nicholas Rosa, platoon leader, Company B, 2nd Battalion, 12th Cavalry Regiment.

“A better learning environment means better teaching for the kids, which leads to a better education that in turn benefits the country of Iraq,” he said.

The renovations included repairing electrical wiring, installing new flooring, rebuilding the courtyard wall, repainting the walls of the building and fixing the bathrooms, said Rosa, a Jackson, Mo., native.

“It took about two months to get everything done, and it’s in a lot better shape than when we first got here,” said Rosa.

U.S. forces partnered with Aruba IP, who led routine inspections on the school house reconstruction project and coordinated for the ceremony commemorating the school’s reopening, said Rosa.

Deployed as part of U.S. Division-North in support of Operation New Dawn, Rosa said soldiers of Thunderhorse Battalion work with local Iraqi Police to build support within the community and demonstrate Iraqi Security Forces’ concern for the citizens of Kirkuk.

Aruba IP Chief Col. Sherzad said his station’s involvement with the renovations, the humanitarian aid distribution and the school’s reopening will help improve the relationship between his unit and the community.

“This is a great idea and a great job done by [partnered] forces,” said Sherzad. “[We’re] doing a good job by not just focusing on security operations, but every part of life that supports the people of Iraq and their needs.”

After Sherzad and the school’s headmaster cut the ribbon to signify the school’s reopening, the IPs opened the boxes containing supplies and coats, and assisted the teachers to distribute the items to the children.

Various U.S. non-governmental organizations donated the school supplies, sporting equipment, winter coats, toys and other items handed out during the school reopening.

“We’ve done these kinds of things before with previous units in other parts of Kirkuk but we continue to do them for the people,” said Sherzad. “We want to maintain a close relationship with them and want to assure them that we are concerned about their needs and well-being.”

• Date Taken: 03.14.2011
• Date Posted: 03.25.2011 03:27
• Story ID: 67699
• Location: CONTINGENCY OPERATING STATION WARRIOR, IQ