Meet the new neighbors: Paratroopers seek out community leaders in Adhamiyah

Courtesy Photo | 1st Lt. Rusty Shackleford, platoon leader for Company B, 2nd Battalion, 325th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division, speaks with faculty of an Iraqi elementary school in Baghdad's Adhamiyah district while on patrol Feb. 15. The Charlotte, N.C., native and his Soldiers were out making contact with the residents they help protect.  

BAGHDAD, IRAQ

02.15.2007

Story by Sgt. Michael Garrett 

7th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

By Sgt. Michael Garrett,
7th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

BAGHDAD - The streets were filled with residents in the Adhamiyah security district, Feb. 15, as troops from the 325th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division got out in the streets and made contact with locals living around Combat Outpost Callahan.

The 325th PIR is helping to implement the new Baghdad Security Plan, aimed at reducing sectarian violence and help the transition to Iraqi self-reliance. They have set up residence at COP Callahan, getting them closer to the area they work in and helping them to create closer ties with the residents in the area.

"Today, we are trying to find out who are the leaders in the area so we can establish contact with them," said Sgt 1st Class Jorge Mazuela, a platoon sergeant for Company B, 2nd Battalion, 325th PIR.

"We also wanted to spread the word that we are here to provide security and help for the people of the community," said 1st Lt. Rusty Shackleford, a platoon leader with Co. B and a Charlotte, N.C., native.

Shackleford said building trust is a key element to helping the residents understand the importance of providing coalition forces with information, allowing them to help make their neighborhood safer.

"Hopefully, we will build trust so they are willing to provide us information," Shackleford said. "Because they are the best source of intelligence we need to clear the streets of insurgents."

Mazuela said being in the streets gives them the opportunity to show Iraqis they are not going to just drive through the area in vehicles, but are going to be a part of the neighborhood.

"We want the people to see us. It shows them we are here. It's more personal, and it's harder for insurgents to operate when we are on the ground," the Miami native said. "We are trying to tell them, 'Hey, we are here to secure this area,' because we know they have information and can help us."

Mazuela said he thinks the new security plan is a good idea and can provide the same type of life for Iraqis that he wants for his family back home.

"Just like in the United States, these people just want their kids to be safe, they want to go to work and to be able to provide for their family," Mazuela said. "This surge is a good plan, it shows the people we are not going to just leave them; we are giving this government an opportunity to grow."

Mazuela hopes living in the area they are trying to secure will help show some solidarity to the Iraqis.

"I like to think it shows the people we are not leaving them behind; we are here with them. And we are here to help them establish themselves. We want the people to be able to trust the Iraqi government," Mazuela said.

Mazuela said he hopes the relationships established today can help the residents trust, and work with his Soldiers. Above all, he said he wants the residents to know that help is just minutes away.

"Just call us."

• Date Taken: 02.15.2007
• Date Posted: 02.20.2007 21:14
• Story ID: 9199
• Location: BAGHDAD, IQ