Coalition Leaders Visit Sheiks

Courtesy Photo | TF 1-163 Infantry Civil Affairs Officer Capt. Todd Benson poses with Sheik Hatham during a meeting August 4. Sheik Hatham is the younger brother of Sheik Anwar.  

KIRKUK, IRAQ

08.15.2005

Courtesy Story

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FOB WARRIOR, Iraq -- Leaders from the 116th Brigade Combat Team's Task Force 1-163 Infantry met with several prominent Sheiks August 4 to express condolences at the death of a friend and discuss current issues.

TF 1-163 Infantry Commander Lt. Col. John Walsh was the head coalition leader at the meeting with Sheiks Anwar, Lewis and Hatham. Rashad Police Chief Capt. Ahmed, as well as Capt. Todd Benson and Sgt. Clinton Maples of TF 1-163 Infantry also participated. These leaders all live or work in the western portion of Kirkuk Province.

"We went to meet with Sheik Anwar to give our condolences about the loss of Sheik Mijebel," said Capt. Benson of the visit. "They were appreciative of us coming there to talk with them."

The participants also discussed current issues including elections, security and projects in the area.

"We discussed a variety of issues, but the hot topic was the upcoming elections," said Benson. "Sheik Anwar feels that Arabs should have equal representation in the government. We told him that their chance is now with these upcoming elections."

The group talked briefly about security in the area, all agreeing that the problem would take time and teamwork to solve.

"Sheik Anwar also asked about projects in the area and Lt. Col. Walsh told him that we are looking at doing some big water projects that will affect a lot of people," reported Benson. "He said that it is important to do these projects, but more important to turn the people's attitudes to being pro-coalition and to build good relationships with the people."
Benson said that overall the attitude of the meeting was positive.

Working with civic leaders in the province of Kirkuk is part of the 116th Brigade Combat Team's mission while deployed in north central Iraq. The unit's mission also includes assisting Iraq's new government, supporting economic development, facilitating communications and improving security and stability in the region.

The 116th BCT is comprised of headquarters and staff sections, two armor battalions, a mechanized infantry battalion, a support battalion, a field artillery battalion, an engineer battalion, and various intelligence, signal, and specialized units. The 116th BCT is one of several Army National Guard units deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom III.

• Date Taken: 08.15.2005
• Date Posted: 08.15.2005 17:23
• Story ID: 2730
• Location: KIRKUK, IQ