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Yusufiyah playground opens gates to community

Photo By Spc. Kelly McDowell | YUSUFIYAH, Iraq - Capt. Howard Donaldson, Military Transition Team 4, 2nd Brigade...... read more read more

IRAQ

06.19.2006

Courtesy Story

2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (AA) Public Affairs

A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held in Yusufiyah Monday, which celebrated the grand reopening of a newly restored playground.
The soldiers of 4th Battalion, 4th Brigade, 6th Iraqi Army Division, in cooperation with local government and Coalition Forces, worked tirelessly for a month to provide a clean and healthy environment for the children of the town to enjoy.

"The continued partnership and cooperation for security will help Yusufiyah and all Iraqis as they rebuild their country and provide security for the families and community of Yusufiyah," said Capt. Howard Donaldson, Military Transition Team 4, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division. "I want to thank the city council, led by city manager Hamid of Yusufiyah and the 4th Bn., 4th Bde., 6th Iraqi Army Division for coming together to help rebuild Yusufiyah to a safe and secure environment for the families who live in the area."

Children and their parents crowded the gates of playground to show their support for the progress the local government is making to the area.

"I am very happy to be here to see the progress we have made in Yusufiyah," said Lt. Col. Khadhim, commander, 4th Bn., 4th Bde., 6th Iraqi Army Division. "It is projects like these that help show the community that we are making progress, and it is projects like these that show the insurgents we will continue to grow as a government and community."

The ribbon cutting was followed by a round of applause and a rush of children through the gates. The smiling and laughing children were presented gifts by the Soldiers to celebrate the ceremony.

"The Coalition Forces have been working closely with the sheiks and city council leaders to plan more projects in Yusufiyah," Donaldson said. "In order for this to continue, we must continue this partnership of security with the local nationals, local government and Iraqi army."