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AL ASAD AIR BASE — The governor of Anbar province, Qasim al-Fahadawi, and the chairman of the Anbar Provincial Council, Dr. Jassim al-Halbusi, traveled here to meet with leaders of Multi National Force – West, July 16. In a conference room where photographs of the peaceful 2009 Anbar provincial elections hang, MNF-W leaders spoke of a topic that has long been one of the main focuses of the Marines’ mission in Iraq: reconstruction and development.

Col. Robert Lanham, the MNF-W assistant chief of staff for civil-military operations, explained that the purpose of the meeting was to provide a summary of all projects supported through various Coalition force funding resources in Anbar province.

“Today, we’re only discussing projects that deal with what we call ‘brick and mortar construction,’” said Lanham. “This means these projects are actually visible throughout the province.”

Lanham, while giving a presentation to the governor and provincial council chairman, said that since 2006, 1,785 Coalition-funded projects have been completed in the province, and currently MNF-W has 102 ongoing projects.

These visible signs of progress include structures like schools, crime labs, hospitals, greenhouses and judicial centers.

The three initiatives that have received the most funding since 2006 are education, transportation, and water and sanitation projects.

Though the focus of Lanham’s presentation was on construction projects, he mentioned another project that is aimed at boosting the province’s economy.

He said in early August, the U.S. State Department’s Provincial Reconstruction Team for Anbar plans to hold large classes for businessmen in the area. The idea is to teach these businessmen how to compete for contracts. Lanham added that Iraqi businesses vying for contracts will have special priority over foreign companies.

Maj. Gen. R.T. Tryon, the commanding general of MNF-W, and Brig. Gen. John E. Wissler, the deputy commanding general of MNF-W, sat next to Qasim and Jassim throughout the meeting, answering their questions and swapping advice.

“We aren’t going to do anything here other than work to help the province,” said Tryon, as the meeting concluded.

Qasim was quick to respond and voice his mutual support.

“When you encounter obstacles with your projects, please just let us know,” he said. “If anything is not being solved, please feel free to bring it directly to me.”

The governor thanked the Marines for the opportunity to come aboard the base and discuss such important topics.

“I’m glad we had the chance to come here and have this meeting, because one of the most important things in our combined efforts is making sure our approach in thinking is unified.”

(By Cpl. Meg Murray, Multi-National Force – West)

By Senior Airman Andria J. Allmond
332nd Air Expeditionary Wing

JOINT BASE BALAD — Airmen and Soldiers here recently received donations for Iraqi children who live near this base from a stateside fraternity.  The Pennsylvania State University chapter of the social fraternity Phi Kappa Tau supports programs to increase the quality of life for terminally ill children. Through their program Kicks 4 Kids, along with some inquiring by Capt. Craig Bryan, Expeditionary Aeromedicine Squadron psychologist and PKT alumnus, they were able to collect approximately 300 soccer balls to be distributed to Iraqi children via the support of JBB servicemembers.

“Kicks 4 Kids is an annual soccer tournament hosted by the PSU chapter of the Phi Kappa Tau fraternity,” said Bryan, who was president of the University of Evansville chapter, Ind., for two years. “It was designed as a philanthropy event to raise money for an international network of summer camp facilities for terminally ill children…allowing these children the opportunity to participate in typical summer camp activities despite their illnesses.”

Months prior to the donations being made, Bryan was having lunch with Capt. Laura Dart, 532nd Expeditionary Security Forces medical officer. She mentioned that Iraqi children were asking the 532nd ESFS for soccer balls while the Airmen were outside the wire on patrol.

“She commented that she wished she had some soccer balls to hand out to the kids, so I told her I’d e-mail some friends back in the States to see if they could send some,” said Bryan. “I e-mailed a few of my fraternity brothers and told them the story. I asked if they’d be willing to get some soccer balls for us. One of them wrote back and said ‘We’re on it…we’ll get you some soccer balls.’”

After Bryan contacted them, the PKT brothers hosting the event sent an e-mail to the 200 participating team coaches a month prior to the event. They requested each bring one deflated soccer ball and air pump to the event registration. The request was also posted on the Kicks 4 Kids Web site.

The captain said the boxes started arriving shortly thereafter.

“They just kept coming,” he said. “My initial reaction was, ‘What am I going to do with all these soccer balls?’”

The captain contacted Kids of Iraq, a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of Iraqi children by fulfilling their basic needs and providing a brighter future. They accepted the majority of the contributed balls and inflated them.

“We met at Troy’s place and there were boxes and boxes of these soccer balls to inflate,” said Airman 1st Class Jefferson Aguiar, 727th Expeditionary Air Control Squadron radar maintenance apprentice.

Due to the large amount of donations, Bryan coordinated multiple methods to distribute the soccer balls.

Some were kept in the intensive care ward at the base hospital and given out to pediatric patients, while a number were given to Army Spc. Nazha Lakrik, who is assigned to the 1st Medical Squadron Medical Control Center, he said.

“Certain days of the week, the [local nationals] on base come in for their follow-up appointments,” said Lakrik. “I know a lot of them are parents, so I make up goody-bags of items for them to give to their children, like books and school supplies. When I heard that Capt. Bryan had those extra soccer balls, I asked if I could have them to put in my bags.”

The remainder was given to the 532nd EFSF Quick Reaction Force for distribution to Iraqi children while on patrol in areas surrounding JBB.

“I think where we’re at right now in our operations in Iraq, building strong relationship with the citizens is what’s most important,” said Bryan. “Combat action will only go so far, especially during a stage that is 100 percent about building lasting, trusting relationships with the people.”

Story by Spc. Alun Thomas
1st Cavalry Division

TAJI — Far away in the hot, arid climate of Iraq, it might be easy for Soldiers to become distant from the places they like to call home, as life goes on without them. However, for some members of the 1st Air Cavalry Brigade on Camp Taji, a base camp north of Baghdad, their States came to them, bringing with them a reminder of the homes they left behind to serve their country.

Governors from Illinois, Minnesota, Missouri, Nevada and Texas made a goodwill visit to the 1st ACB, 1st Cavalry Division, Multi-National Division – Baghdad, July 18, and met with Soldiers from their respective states, while receiving a tour of the airfield and learning about the everyday activities of the 1st ACB.

The tour was a chance to meet the Soldiers and boost morale, said Texas Gov. Rick Perry, who said this is his third trip to Iraq since 2006.

“I’m coming in to see the troops, especially the ones from Texas, but also the other 49 states and territories,” Perry said. “It’s important to see them and tell them we appreciate what they’re doing and [that] the folks back home are pulling for them and praying for them.”

Perry said he is proud to come over and fly the flag for not just Texas, but the United States, by thanking deployed members for their service, adding the reception is worth the trip.

“It’s awesome, the kids love to see us, but I think we get a bigger charge out of it than they do,” Perry said. “It’s great to see the excitement of everything they’re doing out here.”

The situation in Iraq is significantly better than it was in 2006 on his first visit, Perry said.

“It’s amazing the progress that’s been made in the country and seeing Baghdad getting back to somewhat of a semblance of normalcy shows what an impact we’ve had here,” he said.

Getting to visit the 1st ACB while they are deployed was also an honor for Perry, who was inspired by his visit with the brigade.

“I’ve seen the Cav. back home at [Fort] Hood but never in Iraq,” Perry said. “It was nice to touch hands, touch hearts and touch minds.”

Joining Perry on the trip was Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn, who said the Soldiers he met from the 1st ACB are among the most dedicated people the U.S. has to offer.

“Our state [Illinois] is the land of Lincoln, so we believe in patriotism and serving others. And all the men and women I’ve talked to here have served with heart,” Quinn said. “Everyone I’ve met on this trip has more than paid their service to others.”

The trip is not just to honor those serving from Illinois, but every state, Quinn said.

“I really admire volunteerism and answering the call of duty because this is a tough deployment,” Quinn said. “We honor every person from our state and every other state for standing up for our democracy.”

Having the chance to visit and experience the 1st ACB was also an honor, Quinn said, who was excited to sit in an AH-64D Apache attack helicopter and meet enthusiastic 1st ACB troopers from Illinois.

“You can just see the spirit and ability here and it’s inspiring,” Quinn said. “The kind of enthusiasm and energy that each one of these servicemembers brings to the job is important and that’s what teamwork is all about.”

An Illinois native, who had an opportunity to meet with Quinn, was Maj. David Dinkelman from Chicago, support operations officer, 615th Aviation Support Brigade, 1st ACB, who said he was moved by Quinn and his words to fellow Soldiers from his state.

“Whenever you can get the governor from your state to visit and talk to the troops, it’s a tremendous opportunity,” Dinkelman said. “You could see it on everyone’s faces while he talked. You can’t beat that kind of inspiration.”

The trip was a highlight of the deployment thus far for Dinkelman, and he is certain all of the 1st ACB Soldiers who experienced the governor’s visit appreciated it.

“I don’t think you could find a Soldier who didn’t,” he said smiling.

Multi-National Corps – Iraq ReleaseBAGHDAD — Iraqi Police from the Basrah Special Weapons and Tactics team, along with Coalition advisors, arrested two suspected terrorists during an Iraqi-led operation in southern Iraq, July 18.

The SWAT team was operating under the authority of a warrant during the intelligence-driven mission. Court documents indicate that the Police force arrested the suspected insurgents in accordance with the Republic of Iraq’s terrorism law.

Military reports state that the suspected terrorists are linked to an insurgent cell operating in Basrah. More specifically, reports indicate they are accused of murder and conducting roadside bomb and rocket attacks against Iraqi Security Forces and Coalition forces.

During the early-morning operation, the SWAT team uncovered a weapons cache consisting of four previously-used 107mm launch tubes, four 107mm high-explosive rockets, a 107mm rocket-launch rail system and various bomb-making materials.

The information acquired from the apprehension of these suspects will yield further information leading to the capture of terrorists and lethal aid smuggling networks in the area.

“The apprehension of these wanted terrorists delivers a significant blow on the insurgent network operating in the area,” said Lt. Cmdr. Daniel Bernardi, a Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force – Arabian Peninsula spokesman. “The Iraqi Security Forces’ professionalism demonstrates their unyielding commitment to preventing violent attacks and their unwavering dedication to providing safety, security and stability to the people of southern Iraq.”

CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE BASRA — Pfc. Dustin Clark was manning the night shift when he heard the warning system go off.

“Now it’s time to do my job.”

This was not a drill. Clark is a member of Echo Battery, 4th Batallion, 5th Air Defense Artillery Regiment, C-RAM, out of Fort Hood, Texas. He and other C-RAM systems operators provide 24-hour coverage against mortars and rockets across Iraq.

“The maintenance is the biggest part. We have to test speakers pretty regularly,” said Newell. “We have to make sure everyone can hear the speakers. We have to maintain our radar equipment, make sure it’s calibrated correctly.”

“We didn’t have any injuries that night, which is a spectacular tribute to both the Soldiers here on the ground doing what they’ve been trained to do during an attack, and a tribute to the Soldiers who are manning shift and making sure that the area is protected,” said Newell. “If our alarm saves only one life, we have succeeded in our mission.”

“Helping people who are less fortunate is always a good thing whether in your home town or across the world,” said U.S. Army Lt. Col. Fred Harmon, deputy team leader for provincial reconstruction and project coordinator at Najaf. “Overall, these shipments send a message that bridges the cultural divide. In the more immediate impact, they simply help those who need it.”

“It is important because it is a capacity-building effort,” added U.S. Army Lt. Col. Roberto L. Garcia, a civil affairs officer with the 308th Civil Affairs Brigade, project coordinator in the United States. “It not only helps one person, but helps the whole mission war effort. Hopefully this can change the Iraqi citizens’ perception on Coalition forces.”

The humanitarian relief supplies, which consisted of wheelchairs, crutches, walkers, blankets and clothing, will also enable the Iraqi Air Force and Iraqi Army to work together.

“This was significant because it was an opportunity to have the Iraqi Air Force and the Iraqi Army working together for a mission that benefits the Iraqi people,” said Harmon, who is deployed from the 413th Civil Affairs Battalion.

BAGHDAD — The Iraqi National Police and the Rough Riders from the Multi-National Security Transition Command-Iraq implemented a working partnership July 5-6 to comply with U.S.-Iraq Security Agreement articles.

This demonstration of partnership was fostered successfully for two important reasons. MNSTC-I’s Rough Riders provided thorough training and Iraq’s police were willing to work hard to meet the high standards necessary.

Multi-National Division – North Release

KIRKUK

— It was a long line for Soldiers and Airmen, but awaiting them at the end were legendary NFL coaches ready to sign photos, shirts or anything else you could scribble a signature on. The coaches, who included New York Giants’ Coach Tom Coughlin, Baltimore Ravens’ Coach John Harbaugh, Tennessee Titans’ Coach Jeff Fisher, former Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ Coach Jon Gruden, and former Pittsburgh Steelers’ Coach Bill Cowher, were accompanied by Gen. Ray Odierno, commander of Multi-National Force - Iraq, during their visit, July 2.

The coaches signed autographs and took photos with as many Soldiers and Airmen who could crowd around them, before eating lunch with servicemembers.

“Even though there wasn’t the Saints head coach, it was a good experience,” said Pfc. Tad Letourneau, a Louisiana native.

Letourneau was one of the lucky few who had a chance to put on Gruden’s victory ring from Super Bowl XXXVII while getting an autograph.

“It felt good,” he said. “I know I will never be able to wear one on my own.”

Odierno, who is a close friend of Coughlin’s and has visited him during the Giants training camp, was very impressed by how well the coaches interacted with the servicemembers.

“It’s a tremendous group of coaches, incredible experience, and they’ve been tremendous with the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, and Marines,” Odierno said. “They have been signing many, many thousands of autographs and taking hundreds and hundreds of photos and they’ve been wonderful so far.”

During his visit, Coughlin reflected on how he feels about the servicemembers serving in Iraq.

“I’ve been so impressed and so inspired by the attitude,” he said. The men and women over here really believe in what they are doing, and we are always impressed by that.

“I know that the troops think that we’re here to inspire them, but believe me, they inspire us as well,” said Coughlin.

Coughlin also recognized the sense of teamwork that, much like in football, is so important for servicemembers.

“You have to serve each other in order to actually understand what the team concept is all about,” he explained.

CAMP SPARROW HAWK — The Non-commissioned Officer Corps is the backbone essential to the Army’s success, and the 4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division has recently instituted a Master Trainer Course (MTC) to help develop junior Iraqi NCOs. For five days, Soldiers from Company A, 4th Battalion, 6th Infantry Regiment conducted the first Cordon and Search Master Trainer course here, June 14 - 18.

The course attendees were members of the 38th Brigade, 10th Iraq Army Division. Five Iraqi Soldiers were chosen from each battalion to attend the MTC.

Once they were familiar with using maps and terrain models, they moved into planning. The Iraqi leaders learned the steps to planning a successful cordon and search, applying skills learned from the terrain model class.

“We constructed a terrain board and taught the Iraqi’s how to relate what they see on the map to the terrain board and how to use the terrain board to plan missions,” said Sgt. Tyson Sowers, an infantryman from Grandview, Wash.

By the end of the class the Iraqis were planning their own cordon and search missions in accordance with the standards. Pulling Soldiers from all across the Iraqi brigade created a uniform standard, strengthening subordinate Iraqi units.

The ultimate aim of this training, however, was leadership development. These young leaders can now take the lessons learned and begin training their own Soldiers.

“Getting over the language barrier, even with an interpreter, was difficult. Overall, it was a good opportunity for me, as an NCO, to practice teaching,” said Sgt. Joshua Bevan, an infantryman from Pinson, Ala.

The MTC developed junior Iraqi leadership and empowered them with the knowledge to effectively train their own Soldiers. The idea behind developing the junior Iraqi NCOs is to provide the Iraqi Army with tactically competent Soldiers who will be able to effectively lead their comrades at the decisive point of an operation.

(By Capt. Jeff Giltzow, 1st Armored Division)