Iraqi Ground Forces Command networking graduation

Photo By Sgt. Amber McLamb | Staff Sgt. Storey swapped his unit patch with Col. Abdulkerim.  

BAGHDAD, IRAQ

09.17.2011

Story by Spc. Amber McLamb 

50th Signal Battalion (Expeditionary)

BAGHDAD – Approximately six Iraqi soldiers graduated from signal networking class at the Iraqi compound located on Victory Base Complex, Baghdad, Iraq. The signal networking class was taught by multiple soldiers from the 820th Signal Company and the 50th Signal Battalion (Expeditionary), including Staff Sgt. Storey, Sgt. Souza, and Spc. Barghoorn. Maj. Thompson, liaison for United States Forces Iraq, and Sgt. 1st Class Sanker, liaison for 50th Signal Battalion (Expeditionary), paved the way for the signal networking class to take place.

Graduating from the networking class was a huge accomplishment for the six Iraqi soldiers. They learned basic signal networking skills, as well as information about the American soldiers that taught them. To help the communication between the teachers and students, there were two translators to make things run much smoother.

During the graduation, the Iraqi soldiers were excited to receive their graduation certificates from Maj. Thompson. After the Iraqi soldiers were presented with their certificates, the networking teachers were given handcrafted gifts from Col. Abdulkerim of the Iraqi army. At the end of the graduation, the Iraqi soldiers handed out homemade cookies and soft drinks in celebration. Both Iraqi and American soldiers alike enjoyed the fellowship.

After the refreshments, everyone gathered to take pictures and a few soldiers traded items with each other from their uniforms. Staff Sgt. Storey swapped his unit patch with Col. Abdulkerim and Capt. Boyd, C Company, 50th Signal Battalion (Expeditionary) Commander, swapped his 82d Airborne Division patch for a set of airborne wings from a graduate of the class.

• Date Taken: 09.17.2011
• Date Posted: 10.19.2011 08:15
• Story ID: 78705
• Location: BAGHDAD, IQ