Iraqi government, MND-B Soldiers provide humanitarian aid to Zafaraniya

Photo By Capt. Georginia Bradshaw | ZAFARANIYA, Iraq – Soldiers from the 801st Brigade Support Battalion and 4th Battalion, 320th Field Artillery Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division and 1st Brigade, 2nd Battalion, 1st Iraqi National Police, Neighborhood Advisory Council, and tribal leaders, download humanitarian aid items at the Zafaraniya Government Center. (U.S. Army photo courtesy of 4th Bn., 320th FA Regt., 4th BCT, 101st Abn. Div.)  

BAGHDAD, IRAQ

08.24.2006

Story by Capt. Georginia Bradshaw 

506th Regimental Combat Team Public Affairs

Soldiers from 4th Battalion, 320th Field Artillery Regiment, and 801st Brigade Support Battalion, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division, Multi-National Division – Baghdad, implemented its consequence management plan Tuesday to provide humanitarian aid to displaced citizens in Zafaraniya in response to the recent bombing and gas explosions in the area.

To accomplish this, Soldiers from the 4th BCT provided rice, beans, cooking oil, canned fish, blankets, vegetables, assorted condiments, cooking utensils and stoves for Iraqis affected by the bomb.

"It was a lot of fun being with the Soldiers and helping the people," said Sgt. Mark Faulkner, a native of Oklahoma City, team leader, 801st BSB, 506th RCT, 101st Abn. Div. "We downloaded the humanitarian packets by hand. We formed a chain with the Iraqi soldiers to download the items which felt like there was a lot of teamwork which built camaraderie."

The items were delivered at the Zafaraniya Government Center. The Soldiers were aided by policemen from 2nd Battalion, 1st Iraqi National Police Division, Neighborhood Advisory Council and tribal leaders, who assisted with the download and distribution of the items to the local citizens.

"Coalition Forces assisting Iraqi Security Forces and local government leaders in humanitarian aid help the local citizens to realize our combined presence is one of growth and facilitation of an emerging government for all of Iraq. The inclusion and participation in this endeavor by all religious and ethnic groups contributes to a more stable and prosperous Iraq," said Sgt. 1st Class Richard Powell, master gunner, 4th Bn., 320th FA Regt., 4th BCT, 101st Abn. Div.

• Date Taken: 08.24.2006
• Date Posted: 08.24.2006 13:44
• Story ID: 7533
• Location: BAGHDAD, IQ