Photo By Petty Officer 2nd Class Brian L. Short | Newly appointed Maj. Gen. Abdull Ameer, commander of the Iraqi army 12th Infantry...... read more read more
By Spc. Karla P. Elliott
11th Public Affairs Detachment
FORWARD OPERATING BASE WARRIOR, Iraq – The Iraqi army's newly established 12th Infantry Division celebrated the 88th annual Iraqi army day with a ceremony and lunch for local leaders at its division headquarters in Kirkuk, Jan. 6.
The sound of music from the 12th Inf. Div. Band filled the atmosphere with joy and energy as newly promoted Maj. Gen. Abdul Ameer, commander, 12th Inf. Div., greeted everyone before the celebration.
"The Iraqi army is here for the benefit of the people - to work with the people, and to protect and provide security for the people," said Ameer, during a speech to more than 200 people, including the governor of Kirkuk, members of the provincial council, approximately 25 local sheiks, and several U.S. military leaders.
"[The new Iraqi army] is stronger and, thanks to God, we are destroying terrorism," said Maj. Dawan Musbah, training officer, 46th Brigade, 12th Inf. Div. "We're going to continue fighting until our country is free of terrorists."
Musbah joined the Peshmerga, the Kurdish para-military organization, in 1998 when Kurdish people were forbidden to join the Iraqi army. However, after the fall of Saddam Hussein's regime, he entered the new army in 2003. Musbah said he was honored to be part of the new Iraqi army.
The Iraqi army also had another reason to celebrate - it only promotes its Soldiers twice a year, and the Iraqi army day is one of them. Ameer was promoted to major general, and Musbah to major.
"This promotion is very significant for the people of Kirkuk," said Col. Matthew Russell, commander, 18th Engineer Bde., 25th Inf. Div. "Gen. Ameer brings the ability and personality which will provide unity within his division."
Russell called the future of Kirkuk province exceptionally bright because of caring leaders such as Maj. Gen. Ameer who strive to bring all ethnic group views into the government's decision-making process.
"Gen. Ameer is a prime example of a very concerned leader who cares about the rights of all people – the Kurds, the Turkmen, the Arabs and the Christians," Russell concluded.
| Date Taken: | 01.06.2009 |
| Date Posted: | 01.09.2009 08:28 |
| Story ID: | 28642 |
| Location: | KIRKUK, IQ |
| Web Views: | 283 |
| Downloads: | 243 |
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