Greywolf, Iraqi leaders celebrate Independence Day together in Mosul

Photo By Sgt. Jared Sollars | Col. Gary Volesky, the commander of the 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division welcomes officers from all the branches of the Iraqi security forces and U.S. forces at a luncheon held on Forward Operating Base Diamondback July 4. The event was a celebration of Independence Day and the handover of security in Mosul to Iraqi security forces.  

MOSUL, IRAQ

07.05.2009

Story by Pfc. Jared Sollars 

145th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment   

MOSUL, Iraq — Iraqi security forces leaders from Ninewa province attended a luncheon with commanders from the 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division at Forward Operating Base Diamondback July 4 to celebrate America's Independence Day.

The event also offered an opportunity for the leaders to recognize another date, just a few days earlier, which was significant for the people of Mosul as it symbolized another step towards strengthening Iraqi sovereignty. As of June 30, Iraqi security forces assumed full responsibility for security within the city.

"I am very happy to be celebrating [America's] Independence Day with you. It is very important that we honor our holidays and traditions," said Brigadier General Abdull Rehman Hanthel Mahdi, Iraqi Army 10th Brigade, 3rd Iraqi Army Division commander.

The lunch, hosted by Col. Gary Volesky, commander of the 3rd HBCT, 1st Cav. Div. and battalion commanders from the brigade, was attended by Iraqi leaders from the Ninewa Operations Command, 2nd and 3rd Iraqi Army Divisions, 3rd National Police and local Iraqi police.

Three long banquet tables were covered in a wide array of Iraqi dishes. U.S. and Iraqi leaders stood side-by-side as Volesky welcomed all the leaders and provided opening remarks for the special occasion.

"We have been celebrating democracy for 233 years now," Volesky said to the crowd, "and for Iraq June 30, 2009 is just another great example of their own sovereignty."

"I'm all for the Iraqi's taking charge of security in the city," said Lt. Col. Quinton Arnold, commander of the 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team Special Troops Battalion. Arnold is responsible for Iraqi police primacy in the city and his battalion works directly with the Iraqi police on all levels throughout the province. "They are capable and desire to control their own security," he added.

"This event symbolizes the beginning of a new phase of the U.S.-Iraqi Security Agreement," said Volesky. "I'm very happy for them. This is another step towards us accomplishing our mission here."

• Date Taken: 07.05.2009
• Date Posted: 07.07.2009 14:37
• Story ID: 36083
• Location: MOSUL, IQ