'Vision of hope' in Tarmiyah paves road ahead

Photo By Kenneth Griffin | Ms. Linda Specht (right) U.S. State Department liason to 2nd Striker Brigade Combat Team 25th Infantry Division Provincial Reconstruction Team has a final talk with Sheik Sa'ed Jassem (left) at the conclusion of the opening ceremony at the Tarmiyah Media Center in the city of Tarmiyah, Iraq, Oct. 22, 2008.  

TAJI, IRAQ

10.25.2008

Story by Kenneth Griffin 

2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division

By Ken Griffin
2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division

CAMP TAJI, Iraq – Residents of Tarmiyah, a small city on the Tigris River northwest of Baghdad, stood tall with smiles on their faces on Oct. 22, 2008, as they spoke words of hope and reconciliation; according to those gathered, the date was yet another dramatic turning point in their recent history.

Led by Sheik Sa'ed Jassim al-Mashadani, chairman of the Municipality Committee of al Tarmiyah Qada, Tarmiyah's local officials hosted a number of provincial and government of Iraq representatives at their first Civic Expo.

City residents hope to accomplish a number of tasks in the future, and they chose a unique, effective way to accomplish their goals, such as bringing government of Iraq officials to them so they could show, firsthand, the economic and political progress they've made in the area.

"Two years ago, an event like this would not have been possible," said Capt. Calvin Kline, a native of Cincinnati, who serves as an information operations officer with 1st Battalion, 14th Infantry Regiment "Golden Dragons," 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team "Warrior," 25th Infantry Division, Multi-National Division - Baghdad. "Even one year ago, the security situation would not have allowed it."

Kline, who played a key role in supporting Tarmiyah's planning for the event, should know. He's witnessed the gradual transformation of Tarmiyah from one of the "worst places in Iraq" to the booming economic center it is today.

Soldiers from 1st Bn., 14th Inf. Regt., shared the brunt of the work with residents to get the city where it is. During the past year, they've seen their role in the area shift after effectively training Iraqi security forces in the area and witnessing the Sons of Iraq stand up for their security. They now serve more as advisers in an overwatch position with Iraqis responsible for their own security.

This is also true of the construction there. The majority of reconstruction funds in Tarmiyah come from the GoI. As such, Iraqis are now planning and supervising their own projects in coordination with the GoI, explained Kline. Local officials recognize the Soldiers' role in reconstruction but are anxious to continue on their own.

"I want this information to reach others," said Sheik Qassim Khalifa, vice president of the Tarmiyah Qada Council. "Most of the armies around the world are used for destruction. The mission of the American Army is to construct, not destruct."

As politicians and citizens spoke of progress inside the event, ISF, SoI and coalition forces representatives spoke of security outside. Soldiers supported the ISF and SoI guards as they secured the city. The two-day event was a coup against extremism. Despite being an inviting target for extremists and anti-Iraqi forces, everyone arrived and conducted business peacefully.

When the event kicked off, sheiks from the surrounding areas poured into Bukhari Hall, followed by government officials from Baghdad and their representatives.

Inside the packed hall, city officials and their guests talked about the display they'd worked all night to construct. There were presentations highlighting their struggles against the extremists, construction, industrial progress and more.

"Today we'll show you all of our accomplishments," Jassim announced. "We'll show you the huge burden and suffering we went through. With our Sons of Iraq efforts, we were able to defeat terrorists."

The sheik may be one of Tarmiyah's best examples of the blood and sweat residents have put into securing the city. He's lost two sons to terrorism, and his eldest son was wounded by a suicide bomber.

"We have a large number of martyrs," he continued. "All Iraqi security forces in the area, they put their hands together with our Sons of Iraq – we're not going to encounter any obstacles that will keep us from achieving these goals."

Among other things, Tarmiyah Qada representatives proudly displayed how packed their market is now. Not too long ago, there were only a few shops open. Currently there are no empty shops along Tarmiyah's main drag. Industry is booming in the Tarmiyah area as well, and local companies advertised their services – some even showing videos on computer screens for visitors.

Toward the end of the event, it seemed Baghdad politicians were getting the message and sharing Tarmiyah's enthusiasm.

"We should all help each other and cooperate to rebuild our lovely Iraq," said Maji al-Sudani, representing the Baghdad provincial government. "[The people of Tarmiyah] are generous. They are honorable."

As the expo wrapped up, attendees flooded Tarmiyah's main street and witnessed another great event: the grand opening of the Tarmiyah Media Center. Local residents were now broadcasting on the radio, continuing to produce their own newspaper and have the capability to broadcast television.

The overall message of the expo and opening of the media center was unity, said to Lt. Col. Tom Boccardi, a native of Colorado Springs, Colo., the Golden Dragon commander.

"Not only did it bring together the Sons of Iraq, Iraqi police and Iraqi army – it also brought the local government together with the tribes and government of Iraq," he said. "Bottom line, they had a vision that I interpret as one of hope."

• Date Taken: 10.25.2008
• Date Posted: 10.25.2008 16:48
• Story ID: 25559
• Location: TAJI, IQ