Troops build bonds with Yusufiyah residents

Courtesy Photo | YUSUFIYAH, Iraq – Soldiers from Company A, 4th Battalion, 31st Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, patrol the streets here Friday. The Soldiers spent the morning talking to the local residents in an attempt to build a positive rapport. (U.S. Army photo courtesy of 4th Bn., 31st Inf. Regt., 2nd BCT, 10th Mtn. Div.)  

11.10.2006

Courtesy Story

Multi-National Force Iraq Public Affairs

By Capt. Chris Sanchez
4th Battalion, 31st Infantry Regiment

PATROL BASE YUSUFIYAH, Iraq - The Soldiers of 4th Battalion, 31st Infantry Regiment, conduct daily patrols in Yusufiyah, a small community approximately 20 miles south of Baghdad, to provide security to the population of the town. But a patrol on Nov. 3 was a bit personal mission than a simple security mission.

Soldiers from Company D, 4-31 Inf. Regt., 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, moved through the city on foot to interact with local residents. They hoped to establish relationships that will last for their entire tour.

Schools in Yusufiyah are now in session, and as the Soldiers patrolled the streets at 8 a.m., many children were on their way to school.

"People are feeling more comfortable with us on foot patrols," said Pfc.Timothy Grom, a gunner with Co. D's 1st Platoon and a native of Clarksville, Tenn. "They are talking to us a lot more than when we first got here."

Troops took photos of key sites in town, such as mosques and schools, to aid in planning for civil-military operations. Armed with the knowledge of building locations and conditions, the Soldiers can better prepare for defending the people of Yusufiyah against attacks and aid in repairing damage.

The Soldiers discussed on-going operations with the local populace, visiting shops and other buildings.

"I think things are going pretty good so far," said Pfc. Joseph Amzack, a rifleman who hails from Torrence, Calif. "Going out and doing patrols lets the people feel a little safer."

Yusufiyah has long been a hot spot in Operation Iraqi Freedom and continues to be an area of focus for both Iraqi and Multi-National Division-Baghdad forces.

"Our presence here is a good thing," said Sgt. Rasheem Reevers, a squad leader with 1st Platoon. and a native of Fitchberg, Mass. "The locals are coming out more often to see us, and we are going out every day, trying to let them know that we are here to stay."

After a successful patrol, the Soldiers returned to their patrol base, prepared for future protective and combat patrols in the area.

• Date Taken: 11.10.2006
• Date Posted: 11.17.2006 12:56
• Story ID: 8309