KIRKUK, Iraq -- To assist soldiers of 3rd Battalion, 49th Brigade, 12th Division Iraqi Army, their partners 'Gunner' Soldiers of Alpha Battery, 2nd Battalion, 3rd Field Artillery, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division out of Fort Bliss, Texas, delivered much needed supplies, to their headquarters in Dibis near Kirkuk, Iraq, May 18.
After the 'Gunner' Soldiers noticed the IA soldiers were staying in unsafe living quarters they decided to work to bring their partners the supplies needed to make their area more secure, according to 1st Lt. Zac Martin, a St. Clair, Mich., native and platoon leader for 3rd Platoon, Btry.A.
"When we found out our partners were in unsafe conditions we went to talk to civil affairs to see what could be done," said Sgt. Christopher Comer, an El Paso, Texas, native and team leader for 3rd Plt.
After a few weeks of gathering supplies the 'Gunner' Soldiers brought hygiene kits, first-aid supplies, sandbags, barriers and various equipment for their IA partners, according to Martin.
"The sandbags and barriers are to help with the security of their buildings and living quarters and the first-aid supplies will assist with injuries," said Comer.
Delivering these supplies has further built on our relationship with the IA, it shows we're not just here to train them but we care about their welfare also, said Comer.
These supplies came at just the right time. We have more than 400 new soldiers scheduled to be assigned to us, and we are changing from a reserve battalion to active, according to Sgt. Muhammed, an Iraqi Army noncommissioned officer with 3/49 Bde.
After the supplies were unloaded the IA soldiers decided to celebrate with their partners by playing an intense game of soccer.