3rd Battalion, 7th Infantry Regiment delivers water filters to Jelawiya locals

Photo By Spc. Justin Snyder | Sheik Khalil opens a water filter he received from Soldiers of the Company C, 3rd Battalion, 7th Infantry Regiment, Sept. 12, 2008.  

ISKANDARIYAH, IRAQ

09.23.2008

Story by Spc. Justin Snyder 

4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division Public Affairs

By Spc. Justin Snyder
4th Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division

FORWARD OPERATING BASE KALSU, Iraq - Soldiers from Company C, 3rd Battalion, 7th Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, with the assistance of Sheik Khalil, took part in a humanitarian aid drop in Jelawiya, Iraq, Sept. 12, 2008.

The Soldiers delivered water filters to the citizens of Jelawiya after ongoing concern by Iraqi citizens on a number of cases of cholera occurring recently.

Cholera is an acute, diarrheal illness that is usually contracted by drinking water or eating food that is contaminated.

Recently, Babil, the central Iraqi province approximately 100 kilometers south of Baghdad, was placed on alert after four people died from the disease in early September.

The 3-7th Inf. recently acquired 25 water filters and saw the opportunity to raise awareness for cholera in the nearby towns.

"[Cholera] is a big issue in this area right now," said Staff Sgt. Tim Wheeler, Company C patrol leader. "The opportunity to help and get out in the community is a big thing for us."

The first few filters were delivered to Khalil and his family, where the Company C Soldiers assembled, tested and explained to the sheik how the filters would help his people.

They then asked for his assistance in getting the remaining filters to local families in need.

"It was really important for us to have Sheik Khalil come with us to deliver the water filters," said Wheeler, a native of Washington, W.Va. "For the locals to see the sheik out working with us helps us gain their trust and continued cooperation in the future."

As the remaining filters were passed out in the community, Iraqi people lined the streets. 2nd Lt. Zonie Daniels, Company C platoon leader, said that this represented a big change since their arrival in Iraq approximately 11 months ago.

"The security is a lot better in this area, and our face-to-face interaction with the people is up," said Daniels, a native of Williamsburg, Va. "We spend a lot of time interacting with the people, and it has helped our mission to be a success."

Khalil said he was very thankful the coalition forces were helping his people during this time of concern over the cholera outbreak.

"I can speak for everyone when I say that we are proud to call them our friends," said Khalil. "We look forward to working with the Soldiers more in the future."

• Date Taken: 09.23.2008
• Date Posted: 09.25.2008 02:44
• Story ID: 24111
• Location: ISKANDARIYAH, IQ