Armies deliver message of a unified Iraq to Mosul

Photo By Spc. Adam Blazak | A member of Iraq's Emergency Response Battalion 2 rolls up a poster stressing unity in within the country, Oct. 30, 2008. Scores of posters and large stickers were posted throughout the eastside of Mosul, Iraq, with the assistance of 552nd Military Police Company who provided the materials and pulled security while the ERB 2 hung each sign.  

MOSUL, IRAQ

10.30.2008

Story by Spc. Adam Blazak 

11th Public Affairs Detachment

By Pfc. Adam Carl Blazak
11th Public Affairs Detachment

MOSUL, Iraq – U.S. Soldiers from the 552nd Military Police Company teamed up with Iraq's Emergency Response Battalion 2 to help spread the message of unity in Mosul, Iraq, Oct. 30-31, 2008.

Armed with 50 posters stating "Trust the Iraqi security forces for a better Iraq" and 40 large "Unity –One Iraq" stickers, the two armies convoyed throughout the eastside of the city, stopping at various fortified checkpoints to hang the signs.

"This was the first time going out and putting up posters," said Sioux Falls, S.D. native Sgt. 1st Class Fineson Trueblood, 2nd platoon squad leader, 552nd MP Company adding the importance "to have a positive respect for the ISF."

Previously, the company distributed leaflets in the area but wanted to reach a broader base of people by placing the extra large signs at bustling checkpoints.

However, due to the extreme cold weather conditions of last winter, many of the flyers were used to help start fires so the police could stay warm when manning the various checkpoints in the city. This time around, the large stickers and posters should remain in place due to the ERB 2 properly securing the posters at each checkpoint, said San Antonio native, 1st Lt. Daniel Shalchi, platoon leader, 552nd MP Company.

"The ISF is here," said Trueblood. "They are in charge, and the people of Mosul can trust them."

Not only did the mission benefit the people of Mosul, it also helped bring a stronger bond between the ERB 2 and the Iraqi police who guard each checkpoint.

The security forces are changing the history and security of Iraq, said Shalchi, adding that the posters are a good way of continuing to provide the people of Mosul with a positive message about the ISF.

Having the ERB 2 place the posters and stickers, which came from Baghdad, throughout Mosul demonstrates the improved security situation within their area of operation.

The significant activity reports throughout Mosul have dropped significantly since the beginning of the year, said Shalchi.

Schalchi elaborated on the reports saying that at the start of his deployment last fall, it wouldn't be unusual to receive more than 30 SIGACTS daily, and currently they average less than 15 on any given day.

With their hard work and cooperative effort, the days of continued pounding by the insurgency seems to have faded away.

• Date Taken: 10.30.2008
• Date Posted: 11.01.2008 13:39
• Story ID: 25816
• Location: MOSUL, IQ