Photo By Jeremy Todd | Kassam, a Sons of Iraq member in eastern Baghdad, shows his identification card and...... read more read more
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By Sgt. Jeremy Todd
4th Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division
FORWARD OPERATING BASE RUSTAMIYAH, Iraq – Government of Iraq officials made monthly salary payments, Dec. 18, to 110 Sons of Iraq and Daughters of Iraq for the second consecutive month at two sites in New Baghdad.
The SoI and DoI, who provide security and assist Iraqi security forces at checkpoints within their communities, each received 354,000 Iraqi dinars, which is the equivalent to $300 in U.S. currency.
The GoI accepted responsibility for paying SoI and DoI salaries, Oct. 1, when they began integrating the community security forces into ISF and GoI civil service.
Before GoI began paying the monthly salaries in October, Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers paid the SoI and DoI forces to provide security in their local communities. Now however, MND-B Soldiers from 1st Battalion, 66th Armor Regiment attached to 4th Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, merely observed as GoI officials paid SoI and DoI members in New Baghdad.
"The Government of Iraq obviously has this under control," said Capt. Ben Culver, a native of Troutdale, Ore., who serves as the battalion fires and effects coordinator for 1-66 AR. "The SoI continues to provide valuable checkpoint security throughout the city of Baghdad."
The SoI and DoI are proud to serve their communities. In addition to pride, however, it is good to have the support of the GoI and earn a salary at the same time.
"It makes me happy to know that I am earning my money while keeping my neighborhood safe," expressed Kammraa, one of a handful of DoI operating in New Baghdad. "I do not have a husband to care for me, and this employment allows me to care for myself [financially]."
Mohammed Abdul Hassan, whose main responsibility is to document and redistribute seized weapons, was on hand to assure those receiving SoI and DoI payments had valid and updated identity cards. He said he appreciates support the coalition forces offered SoI and DoI in the past but believes the GoI's time has come.
"The U.S. forces implemented these citizen soldiers and paid their salaries for a long time, and we thank them for that contribution," expressed Hassan. "But now, it is our responsibility, and I am here to make sure it is done properly."
Hassan matched each identification card to a name and photo list, meticulously checking for possible forgeries or alterations.
"Yes, it is a somewhat bothersome process, but I understand why they do it," said Alaa Mohammed Salin, an SoI member who added that he hopes one day to work as an Iraqi policeman. "They [GoI] have to make sure the person getting money is the right one."
| Date Taken: | 12.18.2008 |
| Date Posted: | 12.21.2008 11:58 |
| Story ID: | 27970 |
| Location: | RUSTAMIYAH, IQ |
| Web Views: | 342 |
| Downloads: | 308 |
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