From Multi-National Force - Iraq:

A father pushes his son on a swing as other children play at the grand opening of Dover Park in the Qahira neighborhood in the Adhamiyah District of Baghdad, Oct. 28, 2008. Photo by Sgt. Jerry Saslav, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division Public Affairs.


Thursday, 30 October 2008

BAGHDAD — “As I drove by the Army canal every day, I saw this park, and I said this is something we can do to help the citizens,” said Col. John Hort, commander of the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division.

Dover Park, as it is known by Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers, sat abandoned for years; located in the Qahira neighborhood of the Adhamiyah District of Baghdad, its carnival rides were unusable and the land was overgrown with weeds.

“It was your typical abandoned park here in Iraq,” said 1st Lt. Rosita Rodriguez, a civil affairs team chief with Company C, 404th Civil Affairs Battalion, attached to 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, MND-B.

Thus, the mission to rehabilitate the park became Rodriguez’s mission. Two months later, the refurbished park was completed and handed over to the local neighborhood council, Oct. 28, 2008.

“This is our first park in Qahira. We never had one before,” said Mohamed Madaloom, the Qahira Neighborhood Assistance Council chairman.

The park has a small pond with a generator-run fountain with a flock of geese as well as benches, solar lights, several swings, slides and seesaws. There is also a tiled path lined with flowers and new grass has been planted. A gardener and a security guard, he added, will be hired.

The park is intended to be self-sufficient, and seven small kiosks will be rented to vendors. The rent will provide an income stream to buy fuel for the generator, pay the salaries of the staff and any other expenses.

“Everybody admires the park. I know the families are so excited to get here,” said Madaloom, who, along with fellow local officials and Coalition leaders, gathered for the official hand over. Iraqi officials and Col. Hort raised the Iraqi flag to symbolize the opening of the park as doves were released. Some families and their children couldn’t wait – they were already on the rides.

“I’m so pleased; our kids aren’t able to go many places because of the security situation. I am so pleased that we have such a park in our neighborhood,” said Aum Achmed, who was there with her daughter and a niece. “It’s important for every kid to have a place to go to.”

“It’s good. It used to be awful before. I wouldn’t even look at it before,” said Mostfa, a 3-year-old Iraqi child, before running off to a nearby slide.

(By Sgt. Jerry Saslav, 4th Infantry Division)

Labels: 404th Civil Affairs Division, 4th Infantry Division, Adhamiyah District, Baghdad, children, Civil Affairs, Good News, Iraq, Multi-National Division-Baghdad, Public Affairs, Qahira, US Army

From Multi-National Force - Iraq:


A student from Abu Shear School takes an arm full of backpacks back to the classroom April 14 in the Monsouri area of Iraq. Soldiers from Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, 1-76th FA, 4th BCT, 3rd Inf. Div., delivered backpacks, soccer balls and notebooks to students there. Photo by Sgt. 1st Class Tami Hillis.


Friday, 18 April 2008
By Sgt. 1st Class Tami Hillis
4th BCT, 3rd Inf. Div. PAO

FORWARD OPERATING BASE KALSU — A convoy rolls up to a small school in the Monsouri area of Iraq, just outside FOB Kalsu, and at first glance the school looks abandoned. Then small faces start appearing and heads lean out the windows.

Moments later, Soldiers with Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, 1st Battalion, 76th Field Artillery, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, and the 415th Civil Affairs Battalion, from Kalamazoo, Mich., currently assigned to 1-76th FA, are surrounded by helpful faculty and eager students, waiting to see what has been brought.

The Soldiers delivered backpacks filled with school supplies, soccer balls and notebooks April 14 to the al-Raqhaa School, for primary and secondary students, and the Abu Shear School, for primary students. Each school has approximately 800 students.

“A lot of the missions we’re doing right now are school improvements and this mission helps the kids get the materials they need in order to get an education,” said Cpl. Markbradley Vincze, a father of one from Lufkin, Texas.

Spc. Christopher Ryder, a Lake Charles, La., native and three-year veteran, said they try to put a smile on the kids’ faces.

“It makes me feel like I am actually making a difference,” Ryder said. “It shows the kids that we’re good people.”

Over time the goal is to get a backback and supplies to each student.

“Right now we’re using a systematic way of distributing our generosity throughout our (area of operation),” said Chief Warrant Officer 2 Robert Green, target acquisition platoon leader. “So we started with these two schools and we’re kind of going in a clockwise motion around our AO with school drops.”

There are approximately 10 schools in the unit’s AO.

“We’ve gotten to know the people in our AO and it feels nice doing something good for them,” said Spc. Joseph Carroll, a one-year veteran from South Bend, Ill. “It also gives the Army a positive image.”

This type of mission helps build relationship between Coalition forces and Iraqi residents.

“It shows the people that we’re not just here for ourselves; we’re going to work for the community, work for the children,” said Green, a father of three and St. Louis, Mo., native. “I think if you win the children, you win the adults. They’re kids just like our kids, they just have less.”

The unit plans to work with the CA team on a continuous basis until each school has supplies for every student, said Green.

“Hopefully the young ones remember American Soldiers as helpful, so maybe our kids won’t have to be here in 20 years,” said Pfc. Agustin Aguilar Jr., a one-year veteran from Tucson, Ariz. “They are grateful for anything and they don’t look at us and run away - they know we’re friendly to them.”

Labels: 1-76th FA, 3rd ID, 415th Civil Affairs Battalion, children, Civil Affairs, FOB Kalsu, Good News, Iraq, US Army

U.S. Army Pfc. Justin Brock searches an Iraqi citizen before allowing him to pass to see American medical personnel during a free tailgate health clinic in Nahrwan, Iraq, Jan. 15, 2008, while Pfc. Josiah Greer provides security. Brock and Greer are assigned to the 1st Cavalry Regiment's 3rd Squadron, which is attached to the 1st Battalion, 10th Field Artillery Regiment. U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Natalie Rostek


U.S. Army Pfc. Kaley Maben hands medication to U.S. Army Spc. Sean Rolling for distribution during a free tailgate health clinic in Nahrwan, Iraq, Jan. 15, 2008. Both are medics assigned to the 10th Field Artillery's 1st Battalion. U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Natalie Rostek


U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Willie Sigears sifts though medication during a free tailgate healthclinic in Nahrwan, Iraq, Jan. 15, 2008. Sigears is assigned to the 10th Field Artillery's 1st Battalion. U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Natalie Rostek


U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Wayne Pack wraps an Iraqi boy's arm during a free tailgate health clinic in Nahrwan, Iraq, Jan.15, 2008. Pack is a medic assigned to the 489th Civil Affairs Battalion. U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Natalie Rostek


U.S. Army Sgt. Michael Cowan hands toothbrushes and toothpaste to patients during a free tailgate health clinic in Nahrwan, Iraq, Jan. 15, 2008. Cowan is assigned to the 489th Civil Affairs Company. U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Natalie Rostek



More Photo Essays at DefenseLink

Labels: 10th FAR, 489th CAB, Civil Affairs, Humanitarian Aid, Iraq, Nahrwan, photo essays, photos

A U.S. Army paratrooper receives German jump wings after a jump over Ft. Bragg, N.C., Dec. 8, 2007, during Operation Toy Drop. The 10th Annual Randy Oler memorial Operation Toy Drop is hosted by the U.S. Army Civil Affairs and Psychological Operations Command (Airborne) and is a foreign wings exchange and community service operation to support the military and local community by collecting over 1,400 toys for families in the Fayetteville area. U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Micky Bazaldua


A U.S. Army paratrooper with the 82nd Airborne Division has his equipment checked before a jump over Ft. Bragg, N.C., Dec. 8, 2007, during Operation Toy Drop. U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Micky Bazaldua


A U.S. Army jumpmaster from the 82nd Airborne Division instructs soldiers on proper exiting procedures during Operation Toy Drop at Ft. Bragg, N.C., Dec. 8, 2007. U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Micky Bazaldua


An U.S. Air Force loadmaster lowers the ramp of a C-130 Hercules during Operation Toy Drop at Ft. Bragg, N.C., Dec. 8, 2007. U.S. Air Force Photo by Senior Airman Clay Lancaster


U.S. Army paratroopers prepare to board a C-130 Hercules aircraft during Operation Toy Drop 2007 at Pope Air Force Base, N.C., Dec. 8, 2007. U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Clay Lancaster


U.S. Army paratroopers from the 82nd Airborne Division parachute from a C-130 Hercules aircraft over Ft. Bragg, N.C., Dec. 8, 2007, during Operation Toy Drop. The 10th Annual Randy Oler memorial Operation Toy Drop is hosted by the U.S. Army Civil Affairs and Psychological Operations Command (Airborne) and is a foreign wings exchange and community service operation to support the military and local community by collecting over 1,400 toys for deserving families in the Fayetteville area. U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Micky Bazaldua


A U.S. Army jumpmaster performs a pre-jump inspection aboard a C-130 Hercules aircraft during Operation Toy Drop over Ft. Bragg, N.C., Dec. 8, 2007. U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Clay Lancaster


A U.S. Army paratrooper jumps from a C-130 Hercules aircraft during Operation Toy Drop 2007 at Pope Air Force Base, N.C., Dec. 8, 2007. U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Clay Lancaster


A U.S. Army paratrooper with the 82nd Airborne Division parachutes from a C-130 Hercules aircraft during Operation Toy Drop 2007 at Pope Air Force Base, N.C., Dec. 8, 2007. U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Micky Bazaldua


U.S. Army paratroopers with the 82nd Airborne Division parachute from a C-130 Hercules aircraft during Operation Toy Drop 2007 at Pope Air Force Base, N.C., Dec. 8, 2007. U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Micky Bazaldua


U.S. Army paratroopers with the 82nd Airborne Division head back to base after a jump during Operation Toy Drop 2007 at Pope Air Force Base, N.C., Dec. 8, 2007. U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Micky Bazaldua


More photo essays at DefenseLink

Labels: 82nd Airborne Division, aircraft, C-130, Civil Affairs, Fallen Heroes, Hercules, Opeartion Toy Drop, paratroopers, photo essays, photos, Pope Air Force Base, Sergeant First Class Randy Oler, US Army

Governor Ra’ad Hameed Al-Mula Jowad Al-Tamimi, Diyala governor, meets with the mayor of Balad Ruz, the Balad Ruz provincial council member, the deputy commander of Iraqi Security Forces in Diyala and several director generals to discuss security and services of the Balad Ruz region, during a meeting at the Government Center in Baqouba, Iraq, July 18. As security improves, the governor continues to meet with local leaders to address the peoples' concerns. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Serena Hayden, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division)




FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
RELEASE No. 20070721-03

July 21, 2007
Multi-National Division – North PAO

DIYALA, Iraq – Taking advantage of the improved security situation in Baqouba, Iraq, the Diyala governor and the deputy commander of Iraqi Security Forces in Diyala met with several local leaders July 18 to address concerns and issues throughout the province.

During the first meeting, Ra’ad Hameed Al-Mula Jowad Al-Tamimi, governor of Diyala, Staff Maj. Gen. Nouri, deputy commander of Iraqi Security Forces in Diyala province, and Col. David W. Sutherland, commander of Coalition Forces in Diyala, met with the mayor of Balad Ruz at the Government Center in Baqouba, Iraq.

The Director Generals of Education and Electric, as well as the Assistant Governors of Technical and Social Affairs were also in attendance to discuss solutions to issues throughout the Balad Ruz region.

The mayor discussed topics such as teacher salaries, irrigation, electricity, and fuel and food distribution. Ra’ad assured each issue would be addressed with respective ministries to reach a solution.

During the second meeting, Ra’ad, Nouri and Sutherland traveled to Abarah, Iraq, to visit local muqtars, the mayor and security officials. As of four months ago, there was no political leadership in the region; and this was Ra’ad’s first trip to the Diyala River Valley area since taking office.

“I don’t look at the Abarah Nahia (region) with pity,” said Ra’ad. “Instead, I look at it with love and respect.

“That’s why we are here with you today; to see what you need and how we can solve all these issues,” he continued.

“It is a great honor to meet with you,” said a local muqtar to the leadership in attendance. “We belong to you and you belong to us.”

While at the meeting, the group discussed food distribution, ISF integration into the DRV, recruiting, projects, repatriation of families and uniting tribes across Diyala.

“If we are going to move forward, we have to move forward together,” said Sutherland. “Working together, we can accomplish things. We can make this area rich and prosper as it has before.”

“We will work to extreme capacity to serve Abarah and its surrounding communities,” said the Abarah Iraqi army commander. “We are committed to working together.”

Governor Ra’ad Hameed Al-Mula Jowad Al-Tamimi, Diyala governor, meets with the mayor of Balad Ruz, the Balad Ruz provincial council member, the deputy commander of Iraqi Security Forces in Diyala and several director generals to discuss security and services of the Balad Ruz region, during a meeting at the Government Center in Baqouba, Iraq, July 18. As security improves, the governor continues to meet with local leaders to address the peoples' concerns. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Serena Hayden, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division)

Diyala governor, Governor Ra’ad Hameed Al-Mula Jowad Al-Tamimi; the deputy commander of Iraqi Security Forces in Diyala, Staff Maj. Gen. Nouri; and the mayor of Abarah, Mayor Shakir; address concerns of muqtars and security force leaders from the Diyala River Valley during a meeting in Abarah, Iraq, July 18. The improved security situation allowed the governor to make his first visit to the Diyala River Valley since taking office. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Serena Hayden, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division Public Affairs)

A local muqtar from the Abarah area addresses the concerns of his people with the governor of Diyala, the deputy commander of Iraqi Security Forces in Diyala and the Mayor of Abarah during a meeting in Abarah, Iraq, July 18. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Serena Hayden, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division Public Affairs)





Diyala governor, Governor Ra’ad Hameed Al-Mula Jowad Al-Tamimi; the deputy commander of Iraqi Security Forces in Diyala, Staff Maj. Gen. Nouri; and the mayor of Abarah, Mayor Shakir; address concerns of muqtars and security force leaders from the Diyala River Valley during a meeting in Abarah, Iraq, July 18. The improved security situation allowed the governor to make his first visit to the Diyala River Valley since taking office. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Serena Hayden, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division Public Affairs)


A local muqtar from the Abarah area addresses the concerns of his people with the governor of Diyala, the deputy commander of Iraqi Security Forces in Diyala and the Mayor of Abarah during a meeting in Abarah, Iraq, July 18. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Serena Hayden, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division Public Affairs)



FOR MORE INFORMATION, contact MULTI-NATIONAL DIVISION – NORTH AT: tflightning.pao-AT-us.army.mil

Labels: 1st Cavalry Division, Civil Affairs, Diyala, Good News, Iraq, Iraqi Security Forces

An Al Kosh, Iraq, girl gets handed a new bat by one of the local softball coaches May 19. The girls received the new uniforms, helmets and equipment from the 27th Brigade Support Battalion during their visit to the village. (U.S. Army photo by Pfc. Bradley Clark, 4th BCT, 1st Cav. Div. Public Affairs)


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
SR# 0524-02
May 24, 2007

By Pfc. Welsh
27th Brigade Support Battalion


KOSH, Iraq — The faces of the seven girls of the Kosh Softball Team lit up with joy as they were handed new, bright orange softball team T-shirts by the 27th Brigade Support Battalion May 19.

The sponsor-related program was started by the 296th Brigade Support Battalion before they redeployed to Baghdad, and although they had plans to travel up to hand out the gear themselves, they were not able to be present.

Most of the girls spoke little English but were able to work together to translate how happy they were to receive the new gear. One girl, who said her name was Liza, said the team wanted to thank the Soldiers for helping them.

“We love Soldiers,” she grinned. “We have been playing together for two years and this is the first time we look like a team.”

Liza explained they had gone to Baghdad a year ago to participate in softball championships, in which they won 3rd place. Their dream though, she explained, was to go to the United States to compete someday.

“We have had passports to go to America for four years but we can’t go because of the war,” she said.

“Our coach says maybe someday soon we will be able to go, but he’s not sure,” added Sally, one of Liza’s teammates. “I want to go now though!”

The girls spent the afternoon walking around in their new team shirts, working to communicate their appreciation to several of the Soldiers present for the event. They are planning to continue to practice and get better so they can eventually show Americans their skills.


Civil Affairs officer, 1st Lt. Kendra Evers, 27th Brigade Support Battalion, helps hand out new uniforms to the boys and girls softball teams in Al Kosh, Iraq, during a humanitarian mission May 19. (U.S. Army photo by Pfc. Bradley Clark, 4th BCT, 1st Cav. Div. Public Affairs)


Soldiers with the 27th Brigade Support Battalion take time to play with the children on the soccer field in Al Kosh, Iraq, while on a humanitarian mission May 19. During the Soldier’s visit to the village, they handed out new baseball uniforms, helmets, bats and hats, as well as blankets for the local citizens. (U.S. Army photo by Pfc. Bradley Clark, 4th BCT, 1st Cav. Div. Public Affairs)

Labels: Civil Affairs, Good News, Iraq, US Army

ENTOURAGE
U.S. Army Sgt. Scott Monahan, a tactical human intelligence team leader assigned to the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, collects an entourage of children while on a civil affairs mission in the Rabi area of Adhamiyah, Baghdad, Feb. 26, 2007. U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Mike Pryor

Labels: 2BCT, 82nd Airborne, Adhamiyah, Baghdad, children, Civil Affairs, Iraq, photos, US Army

NOTE: Pay particular attention to the last paragraph -- Pam



Iraqi Army Soldiers, with the help of the 5th Battalion, 82nd Field Artillery Regiment and the 45th Sustainment Brigade, distribute supplies throughout the town of Shafa‘at Feb. 1. (U.S. Army photo by 1st Lt. Bennett Freeman, 5th Battalion, 82nd Field Artillery Regiment)


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
SR# 020107-26
Feb. 5, 2007

By Sgt. Paula Taylor
4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division Public Affairs

SHAFA ‘AT, Iraq— Soldiers of the Black Dragon Battalion partnered with members of the 3rd Brigade, 2nd Iraqi Army Division and the 45th Sustainment Brigade to hand out supplies and conduct a medical assessment throughout the town Feb. 1.

“The 3/2 IA unloaded several trucks filled with water and toys for the populace and were greeted by the children with hugs and smiles of thanks,” said 1st Lt. Bennett Freeman, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 5th Battalion, 82nd Field Artillery Regiment. “The Iraqi Army, 5-82 FA, and the 45th all had medical personnel on hand to administer aid to the children of the town. Approximately 45 children were seen by the medical personnel and the rest of the medical supplies were left for future use by the town,” he explained.

One of the medics, Sgt. Garrick Morgenweck, of the 5-82 FA from Huntsville, Ala., who joined the effort, said he thought the mission went very well. “We had an Iraqi Army doctor there, two IA medics and three Soldiers from the 45th,” said Morgenweck. “These types of missions are always successful. People come in droves from all around and are glad there are people available to help.”

The group also spent time mingling with the townspeople and interacting with the children. “I played with the little kids,” said Spc. Heather Jay, transport operator from Iowa City, Iowa, 5-82 FA. “We shook their hands, sat down with them, asked how old they were and just tried to make them feel comfortable. The kids were running around, giving ‘high-fives’ and having a good time. They brought out the kid in all of us that were in that room.”

Jay and Morgenweck said the distributed items consisted of medicine, lotion, toys, clothes, blankets, water and candy. The two agreed it was a great experience and look forward to the opportunity to assist the locals in getting back on their feet.

“The media always puts out there that we’re always under gunfire, it’s horrible over here, things are blowing up left and right, because they’re going after the ‘story’” said Morgenweck. “But where we are, the people are glad we’re here; they’re happy to have us here, as far as I’ve seen. The Iraqi people, in general, are like anybody else. They just want to better their lives and they’re glad we’re here to help them get there.”

Labels: 1st Cavalry Division, 4BCT, Civil Affairs, Good News, Humanitarian Aid, Iraq

SWEET TREATS — A U.S. Air Force 1st Lieutenant hands out candy to eager Iraqi children at the Civil Military Operations Center in Baghdad, Iraq, Jan. 23. Located inside the Victory Base Complex, the center opens every day to local Iraqis in need. U.S. Army photo by Cpl. Laura Bigenho

Labels: Baghdad, children, Civil Affairs, Good News, Iraq, photos, USAF, Victory Base