Courtesy Photo | Soldiers with 1st Battalion, 7th Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd Advise and Assist...... read more read more
Subscribe
Story by: Capt. Brian Cotter
BAGHDAD — Over the course of the nearly eight years U.S. forces have been in Iraq, units have regularly rotated into, out of, and within the country, to meet the demands of the ever-changing mission.
That constant rotation has at times hindered those units’ abilities to build and maintain a strong relationship with the local population of the areas in which they operate. In spite of these difficulties, American units have attempted to ensure that the quality of life of Iraqis has not been forgotten amid the constant attacks and combat patrols that have come to characterize the war.
As the conflict in Iraq winds down during Operation New Dawn, the 1st Battalion, 7th Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd Advise and Assist Brigade, 1st Infantry Division, United States Division – Center, representing the bulk of the remaining U.S. presence in eastern Baghdad, has continued the tradition of upholding the welfare of their Iraqi neighbors.
As the “First Lightning” battalion arrived at Joint Security Station Loyalty, east of the Tigris river, replacing the departing 1st Battalion, 41st Field Artillery, 1st Advise and Assist Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division, among the first priorities was the engagement of a struggling family nearby.
Soldiers and leaders made their way out to the impoverished home in early December, bringing with them water, hygienic supplies and toys for the children.
Sgt. 1st Class Herman Richardson, the command group personal security detachment platoon sergeant with 1st Bn., 7th FA Regt., and a Willow Springs, N.C. native, recognized the importance of acquainting his unit to the local population in such fashion.
“It was good to get out early so the families are familiar with the new faces,” he said, adding that it was important to “build good relationships with the populace.”
Capt. Robert Fry, chaplain with 1st Bn., 7th FA Regt., was emphatic about the importance of the efforts with the local population.
“If our efforts our genuine, the people will know it,” he said. “As Americans, we have a history of wanting to show compassion.”
Fry took it upon himself to teach the children of the house a little bit about basketball.
“Sports are a universal language,” he said. “We don’t have to speak the same language to understand each other.”
The American mission in Iraq may be winding down over the next year as the last troops are currently scheduled to be out of the country by December 2011. However, the commitment of the U.S. troops to the Iraqi people remains steadfast.
The Soldiers of the “First Lightning” battalion carry on this commitment in eastern Baghdad, from the Iraqi security forces with whom they’ve partnered to the individual families trying to make a life for themselves in this new era in Iraq.
| Date Taken: | 11.23.2010 |
| Date Posted: | 12.23.2010 04:00 |
| Story ID: | 62514 |
| Location: | BAGHDAD, IQ |
| Web Views: | 14 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, USD-C Soldiers continue partnership with eastern Baghdad communities, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
No keywords found.
