KIRKUK, Iraq - To strengthen the partnership between the “Golden Dragons” of 1st Battalion, 14th Infantry, 2nd Stryker Advise and Assist Brigade, 25th Infantry Division, out of Wheeler Army Airfield, Hawaii, and the leadership of Qarah Anyar, near Kirkuk, Iraq, multiple key leader engagements were held, July 27.
“We held these meetings to gain a better understanding of the priorities of the village and discuss upcoming projects they have planned,” said Capt. Patrick Stauffer, commander of Company B, 1/14th Inf.
Stauffer, a Jaredsville, Md. native, and his Soldiers met with the mayor, district council, Iraqi Security Forces and leadership of the local hospital.
During each of the meetings the Qarah Anyar leadership expressed how they are looking forward to building a friendship with the new unit and how they hope to have more projects in the area.
“The U.S. forces have always helped us and we are happy to welcome the new Soldiers,” said the village Mayor, who goes by Evesta.
The local police chief agreed the Iraqi police in the area look forward to working with the “Golden Dragons.”
“We are sad to see our partners [Bravo Battery, 2nd Battalion, 3rd Field Artillery, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division] go but are very happy they will be with their Families and look forward to building a friendship with the new unit,” said Col. Osman Abdullah Hanameen, Qarah Anyar Iraqi police chief. “Anything you need we are here for you.”
According to Stauffer, the leadership of the village is not the only ones looking forward to the partnership.
“My men and I are looking forward to picking-up where Bravo Battery left off and continuing their good work,” he said. “We plan on working very closely with the Provincial Reconstruction Team to bring more projects to the area.”