Story by: Sgt. Sean Kimmons
HEYCHEL AREA, Iraq -- As Task Force 1-27 Infantry's Operation Wolfhound Fury II hunted down suspected terrorists, it also had a whole different side -- providing humanitarian and reconstruction assistance to the Iraqi people in this remote area.
Throughout the 72-hour operation, TF 1-27 Inf. units along with Civil Affairs and Psychological Operations teams improved the welfare of Iraqis in Heychel and its surrounding villages.
This was rare since many Iraqi people here have not seen any assistance from the Multi-National Forces until this operation began Jan. 21. That is because the area lays on the boundaries of three Army units.
"We've done reconstruction all over our area, but we just recently acquired this area as part of our battle space. [So], we needed to get up here and see what they needed," said Capt. Jeramy Hopkins, civil military operations officer with TF 1-27 Inf.
Wolfhound Fury II helped kick start the bidding process of projects on three health clinics, two schools, and the graveling of roads in at least four different areas. More than 30 small-term projects for area beautification and analysis on future water and electricity projects were also initiated.
Once everything gets finalized, the Heychel area will receive at least $250,000 to $300,000 in reconstruction projects.
Hopkins anticipates that these projects will build a better future for the Iraqi people here and eliminate any negative views they may have toward Multi-National Forces.
"I really hope it changes the perceptions of the way we're seen here.
"I also hope these projects help the future children. We want them to grow up and think that there is hope for the future, not just because the Americans are here but that things are getting better in their country," Hopkins said.
The process of getting these projects underway was not an easy task though. Hopkins, plus Civil Affairs and PSYOP personnel struggled to find contractors with a somewhat stubborn muktar or head sheik in the Sudayera village.
The initial reaction Soldiers received from this muktar was that his people didn't need any assistance.
"I knew that the nature of the Arabs our known to be hospitable to peaceful guests, so Capt. Hopkins and myself let our teams visit him on a more cordial visit," said Maj. David Ford, a team leader with Provisional Company A, 385th Civil Affairs Brigade.
After politely asking for the muktar's blessings and support on future projects in his village, the Soldiers were invited into his conference room to talk about the details.
What started as a planned 15-minute discussion turned into a 2 ½ hour meeting with numerous glasses of Chai tea and a traditional Arabic meal.
"It surprised me that we were able to accomplish so much and get so much cooperation. What struck me was the nature and hospitality of the Arab people," Ford said.
Eventually, the muktar agreed to put out the word to his people about the need for contractors and laborers.
"Our persistence is what impressed him [and] that we we're genuinely interested in helping them," Ford said.
Besides infrastructure projects, TF 1-27 Inf. units even purchased local items and disturbed them to local needy families and Mosques.
"We purchased all the shoes a store had to sell, and turned right around in the same store and gave them all away," said Maj. Mario Diaz, S3 for TF 1-27 Inf.
Soldiers also donated more than 1,500 blankets, 75 Kerosene heaters and many toys.
And with Soldiers being out in the community, there was also an opportunity for them to engage the locals about the elections, Diaz said.
| Date Taken: | 02.01.2005 |
| Date Posted: | 02.01.2005 11:11 |
| Story ID: | 987 |
| Location: | HEYCHEL AREA, IQ |
| Web Views: | 55 |
| Downloads: | 11 |
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