MND-B, IA Soldiers work to keep Green Zone safe

Photo By Staff Sgt. Kevin Lovel | Ahabyona Todius, security officer, Babylon Gates private security company, and his dog check under a car's hood for explosive material and contraband during a search at Entry Control Point 11 near Baghdad's Green Zone.  

BAGHDAD, IRAQ

04.24.2006

Story by Staff Sgt. Kevin Lovel 

363rd Public Affairs Detachment

BAGHDAD - Working together as a cohesive team, Multi-National Division " Baghdad Soldiers, Iraqi army soldiers and private security company employees work at entry control checkpoints to provide safety and security for Baghdad's "Green Zone."

"Our mission is to provide safety for the local nationals (and IA and MND-B Soldiers). We try to keep terrorists out of the Green Zone. It's pretty much a safe haven," said Sgt. 1st Class Jesse Matthews, infantryman, 1st Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, who works at an Entry Control Point near Forward Operating Base Prosperity side-by-side with his Iraqi counterparts.

"The main thing we do is to make sure people have proper identification and passports. We make sure they're not bringing in suicide-vest improvised-explosive devices, vehicle-borne IEDs and weapons they're not supposed to have," said Matthews.

The MND-B Soldiers said one of the benefits of their jobs is the opportunity to interact with Iraqi citizens.

Spc. Sevillano Gonzalez, infantryman, 1st Bn., 12th Inf. Regt., 4th BCT, 4th Inf. Div., said he likes the fact that he "gets to see different faces and different attitudes. I get to know the Iraqi nationals more," but acknowledges "every day is a stressful day."

Gonzalez said his personal philosophy is to maintain a positive attitude despite the rigors of his job.

• Date Taken: 04.24.2006
• Date Posted: 04.24.2006 15:18
• Story ID: 6099
• Location: BAGHDAD, IQ