Mahmudiyah Sons of Iraq paid by government of Iraq

Photo By Col. Wayne Marotto | Sons of Iraq wait in line before receiving their first payment from the government of Iraq at Patrol Base Lion's Den.  

BAGHDAD, IRAQ

11.14.2008

Story by Lt. Col. Wayne Marotto 

2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division

By Lt. Col. Wayne Marotto
2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division

CAMP STRIKER, Iraq – The Sons of Iraq in Mahmudiyah Qada received their first paycheck from the government of Iraq Nov. 11.

The 17th Iraqi Army facilitated the payments at Patrol Base Lion's Den and several other locations south of Baghdad.

The GoI assumed responsibility for the SoI program Oct. 1. The program began in fall of 2007; members were previously paid by coalition forces.

Soldiers from Company B, 3rd Platoon Task Force 1-63 Armor, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division, monitored the activities as the IA paid nearly 2,000 SoI.

"This is just another great example of the government of Iraq coming together to give the people what they need," said 2nd Lt. George Schwartz, a platoon leader for B Co., TF 1-63 Armor. "The fact that they were able to facilitate this event without incident is extraordinary."

Many coalition leaders attribute the decrease in violence in Baghdad and other areas of Iraq to the SoI program. Coalition forces continue to work closely with the SoI and facilitate their transition to the security forces or other non-security sector jobs.

The SoI payday activities are planned to continue for another week to ensure all SoI personnel are paid for their valuable service and contributions to the security of Iraq.

• Date Taken: 11.14.2008
• Date Posted: 11.14.2008 03:04
• Story ID: 26324
• Location: BAGHDAD, IQ