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CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE ECHO, Iraq – There was much to celebrate here, as the 1st Battalion, 82nd Field Artillery Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, hosted an iftar for local security, political, and social leaders in the city of Diwaniyah.
The event proved historic, as it will be the last iftar that United States Forces will share with the people of Diwaniyah.
A traditional Iraqi meal was served at the COS Echo dining facility as U.S. personnel and their Iraqi counterparts took part in the iftar.
“In a few short months, [the] Ironhorse Brigade will comply with the security agreement set forth by the government of Iraq and make the journey back to the United States,” Lt. Col. Edmond Brown, the Dragon commander stated.
Brown continued by highlighting the end of U.S. presence in Diwaniyah.
“For the first time in eight years, we will not be backfilled by fresh American soldiers, but by the men and women of Diwaniyah; Iraqi patriots focused on securing the city for their families and loved ones,” Brown continued.
Abed Muslim, the deputy governor of Diwaniyah, spoke highly of United States forces in Iraq and thanked all the soldiers through the years for their sacrifice and support in the name of humanity and the Iraqi people.
For many, the iftar signified that beginning of the end for U.S. forces at Echo as they begin to transition the station to the Iraqi security forces.
“In the upcoming months until we depart--and I believe I can speak for all the Americans in the room when I say this--you have my word that we will do all in our power to support and enable local security efforts,” Brown concluded.
| Date Taken: | 08.20.2011 |
| Date Posted: | 08.24.2011 14:04 |
| Story ID: | 75840 |
| Location: | CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE ECHO, IQ |
| Web Views: | 205 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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