Salah ad Din leadership meets with Deputy Ambassador

Photo By Staff Sgt. Joshua Ford | Maj. Gen. William B. Caldwell, Multi-National Forces-Iraq, deputy chief of staff for strategic effects, is greeted by Col. Bryan Owens, commander, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, before meeting with government officials of the Salah ad Din Province Sept. 25, 2006, at Contingency Operating Base Speicher, Iraq.  

TIKRIT, IRAQ

09.25.2006

Story by Capt. Aydin Mohtashamian 

3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division

by Capt. Aydin Mohtashamian
3rd BCT, 82nd (AA) PA

CONTINGENCY OPERATINIG BASE SPEICHER, Iraq – (September 25, 2006) Ambassador Daniel Speckhard, Deputy Chief of Mission of the U.S. Embassy in Iraq, and Maj. Gen. Bill Caldwell, Deputy Chief of Staff of Strategic Effects, Multi-National Force – Iraq, met with coalition and Iraqi leaders of the Salah ad Din Province today at COB Speicher to discuss political, economic, and security issues concerning the province.

"I'd like to express my respect and gratitude for your progress and bravery in this very difficult period of Iraq," Speckard said. "The government of the United States will stand by you during these times."

Salah ad Din Governor Hamed Hamood Shekti; Col. Bryan R. Owens, commander, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division; and Stephanie Miley of the Provincial Reconstruction Team were a few of the key-leadership participants of Salah ad Din present at the meeting.

Concerns for travel and how security in surrounding provinces affected their lives were brought to the attention of Speckhard and Caldwell by the provincial government.

Hamed also addressed the issues of job openings and better opportunities for the people of Salah ad Din as well as concerns about how to move forward in making the province a better place to live for all of its citizens.

"We will take your concerns back to Baghdad and we will work with the ministries to resolve your issues," Speckhard said.

Speckhard and his aides took copious notes as Miley discussed agriculture and infrastructure projects with long-term impacts. This was discussed in great detail as Hamed shared his thoughts on how projects such as date and olive orchards would improve the quality of life for all of his province's citizens.

The meeting also praised Owens' and his 3rd Brigade Combat Team for the progress they've made training Iraqi security forces and initializing infrastructure projects. Caldwell emphasized the need for partnership and cooperation among coalition forces and the people of Iraq.

"You have with you one of the best units in the United States Army," Caldwell said. "When the people of New Orleans were in need last year, the President sent the 82nd Airborne Division, Colonel Owens, and his brigade to help. He is here now to help you."

Sheik Rashid, leader of the Provincial Council also expressed his appreciation for Owen's and his Paratroopers.

"We are pleased with the work you've done," Rashid said. "We consider you a friend here."

• Date Taken: 09.25.2006
• Date Posted: 10.02.2006 13:43
• Story ID: 7883
• Location: TIKRIT, IQ