Multi-National Division – Baghdad PAO
BAGHDAD – A water distribution site officially opened at Joint Security Station Al Khansa in Fedaliyah of the New Baghdad District, June 27.
Soldiers from the 66th Armor Regiment had a hand in bringing purified water to area residents, but first had to provide security and build trust.
"The Soldiers faced tough circumstances when we first arrived in Fedaliyah," said Capt. David Beskow, a 66th Arm. Reg. company commander. "Our area of operations was a Special Group stronghold. Enemy contact was a given for any patrol, and explosively formed projectiles were strategically placed along all routes, which criminals also covered with small-arms fire and rocket propelled grenades."
Nonetheless, the 66th Arm. Reg. Soldiers began to drive a wedge between criminals and the local population. One of the most important factors in this effort was conducting operations from JSS Al Khansa, said Beskow. Working with Iraqi police and Iraqi national police, 66th Arm. Reg. Soldiers soon developed bonds with their Iraqi security force partners that led them to actively pursue and defeat criminals in the area and enforce the rule of law.
"The 66th Armored Regiment Soldiers' success at JSS Al Khansa was quickly noted, and plans for supporting the population of Fedaliyah soon incorporated the station," said Beskow. "Owing to high summer temperatures and relentless conditions, water distribution throughout Baghdad quickly became a top priority. It followed that the JSS would be a prime location to support this effort."
U.S. and Iraqi officials decided to emplace a Reverse Osmosis Water Purification Unit at JSS Al-Khansa, one of three newly opened water distribution sites in eastern Baghdad. Staff Sgt. David Hinson, a water purification specialist with the 94th Brigade Support Battalion said the ROWPU system produces a lot of potable water, which Iraqi water experts give a clean bill of health.
"Capable of producing 3,000 gallons of purified water an hour, the ROWPU is integral to the life support of the people in Fedaliyah," said Hinson. "The system uses existing sources of clear water to purify and produce drinking water."
The Baghdad Water Authority tested the clear water purified through the ROWPU system, and it met all health specifications, said Hinson. Clear water is filtered for personal hygiene and other uses but not for consumption.
Where the Soldiers of the 66th Arm. Reg. once faced an explosion on every patrol, they now face children asking for soccer balls. The water distribution at JSS Al Khansa will assist in keeping things that way.
Establishing security in a former enclave and preventing cholera and other health issues is something Beskow said the 66th Arm. Reg. Soldiers are proud to have accomplished in less than 90 days of operations.
| Date Taken: | 06.27.2008 |
| Date Posted: | 07.13.2008 08:14 |
| Story ID: | 21430 |
| Location: | BAGHDAD, IQ |
| Web Views: | 55 |
| Downloads: | 18 |
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