Knee Deep in the Hooah!

Good morning! I have tried to post this thread all morning long, but I am having some *ahem* Firefox issues. Mike was gracious enough to let me use his computer to post the good news thread, so better late than never! As usual there is a good round up this week of success and plans being made to ensure that Iraq continues to move forward. A good news point or two from Afghanistan as well. I hope you are as blessed reading the news as I am posting it!

Colonel: Enemy neutralized in east Anbar

Iraqi children pose with Marine 1st Sgt. Robert W. Breeden during
a patrol through Ramadi, Iraq. The patrols, performed with Iraqi
Police, maintain security and assess the condition of the area.

by Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service

Excerpt

WASHINGTON (July 1, 2008) — The enemy in the eastern portion of Iraq’s Anbar province has been neutralized, the Coalition commander in the area said June 30.

Al-Qaida in Iraq still can launch occasional horrific attacks, but in Ramadi and Fallujah - once strongholds of the terror group - security is allowing the region to transfer to provincial Iraqi control, Marine Corps Col. Lewis Craparotta, the area’s Coalition commander, told Pentagon reporters in a briefing via satellite from Camp Fallujah.

Still, the colonel said, Coalition and Iraqi forces must remain vigilant, as al-Qaida wants to come back into the area. “Both cities have historical significance to the insurgents,” he explained.

In an attack in Karmah last week, for example, an al-Qaida suicide bomber infiltrated a tribal leader meeting. The explosion killed three Americans and 15 Iraqi leaders.

“We watch the enemy actions very closely,” Craparotta said. “We work side by side with both the Iraqi Police and the Iraqi Army to reduce the enemy’s capabilities to execute these attacks, and to prevent them from re-establishing themselves in our area.”Iraqi Police and Soldiers are full partners in the fight against al-Qaida, the colonel said.

“Yesterday, … we sat down with the police and the army and talked about this incident in Karmah,” he said, “and we decided there was a need to conduct an operation that … was completed this morning.” READ MORE

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Troops Re-enlist on Independence Day

1,215 Servicemembers from all over Iraq gather in the Al
Faw Palace rotunda on Camp Victory, to re-enlist and
celebrate America’s Independence Day, July 4, 2008.
Photo by MNF-I Public Affairs.

Friday, 04 July 2008

Excerpt

BAGHDAD — Servicemembers from all over Iraq gathered here today in the Al Faw Palace rotunda on Camp Victory, to re-enlist and celebrate America’s Independence Day.

All 1,215 servicemembers celebrated by raising their right hand and pledging to continue defending the ‘land of the free’ in what is the largest re-enlistment ceremony since the all-volunteer force began in 1973, according to the Multi-National Force – Iraq Command Sergeant Major, Command Sgt, Maj. Marvin L. Hill.

“Volunteering to continue to serve our nation, while deployed – is both noble and inspiring,” said Gen. David Petraeus, commanding general, Multi-National Force – Iraq. “It is, as award citations often state, in keeping with the finest traditions of our military services.”

Petraeus presided over the ceremony and led the airmen, Marines, Sailors, and Soldiers in their oath to defend their country against all enemies both foreign and domestic on this day of celebration of America winning its independence.

“We recognize the sacrifices they make and the sacrifices their families and communities make as they serve in Iraq,” Hill said. “These servicemembers know the cost of war and they are still re-enlisting.” Read MORE

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Salah Ad Din Province Sees Over 600 Men Reconcile

Posted on 07.02.2008
By Sgt. Rick Rzepka
1st Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division

Excerpt

Tikrit, IRAQ - Recently a meeting between coalition forces and local Iraqi leadership took place, June 26, regarding reconciliation in the city of Tikrit.

The Governor of the Salah ad Din province, Hamad Hamood Shekti along with Col. Michael S. McBride, commander of the 1st Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division met with local governmental and military leadership to discuss the way forward for Iraqis wishing to reintegrate back into society. Since May, over 600 hundred men, have pledged to support the Iraqi government by taking the gun out of politics in the province, which is home to the key Iraqi cities of Tikrit, Samarra, Bayji and Balad.

By broadening the reconciliation process across the province, the Iraqi government, Iraqi security forces and the Bastogne Brigade of the 101st Airborne Division seek to provide an opportunity for former fighters and supporters of the insurgency to unite under the Iraqi flag.

“The purpose of this is to open doors for those who do not have anything to do with violence or killing of any Iraqis or coalition forces,” said Shekti.

The long time Governor said that reconciliation is a window of opportunity that men who find themselves wanted by ISF and CF, should not pass up.

“The individuals whose names are on the roster should hand themselves in,” he said. “It is great chance to clear your name so you can continue with your life and to rebuild Salah ad-Din and Iraq.” Read MORE

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Militants Killed, Detained in Nimroz Province

Courtesy Story
Posted on 06.30.2008
By Combined Joint Task Force 101

Full Article with permissions

BAGRAM AIR FIELD, Afghanistan – Several militants were killed and one was detained Sunday during a coalition forces operation to disrupt militant activities in Nimroz province.

Coalition forces searched compounds in Khash Rod District targeting a Taliban leader known to facilitate suicide improvised explosive device attacks.

Coalition forces identified numerous militants armed with AK-47s, rocket propelled grenades and hand grenades. Multiple militant groups engaged the force in a compound and in nearby areas.
Coalition forces then killed them using small arms fire. Two additional groups of armed militants maneuvered against the force and were killed by airstrikes.

The force discovered numerous AK-47s, ammunition vests, ammunition, RPG warheads, grenades and IED materials. The weapons, munitions and IED material were destroyed to prevent future use. Source LINK

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Construction for Better Living

By Spc. Ryan Elliott
14th Public Affairs Detachment

Excerpt

FORWARD OPERATING BASE WARHORSE, Iraq - The electric buzz of construction equipment and clouds of dust have become common fixtures around Forward Operating Base Warhorse located in Diyala, Iraq, as the 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment, Regimental Engineering Corps, undertakes multiple construction projects to better troop’s living conditions.

“When we arrived at FOB Warhorse there was a lot of work to be done,” said Command Sgt. Maj. Victor Martinez, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment.

With an ambitious goal set, the Regimental Engineering Corps set out to build upon the existing foundation of security and conditions around the FOB.

“One of our primary focuses in the construction projects is to improve living conditions for soldiers,” Martinez said.

Sticking to this focus, one of the first projects undertaken was the expansion of the Cash Gym, which nearly tripled the gymnasium in size and in the amount of equipment made available to 2nd SCR soldiers.

Improvements have also been made to the food court area that will allow for more shade for Soldiers. Read MORE

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Multi-National Division-Baghdad Soldiers Detain Suspected IED Maker in Rashid District

Courtesy Story
Posted on 07.05.2008
Multi-National Division – Baghdad Public Affairs Office

Full Article with permissions

FORWARD OPERATING BASE FALCON, Iraq – Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers detained a suspected roadside bomb maker in the Rashid district of southern Baghdad, July 3.

At approximately 11:15 a.m., Soldiers from the 1st Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, detained the suspect in the Masafee community. During a search of his home and workplace, the patrol found a substantial amount of bomb-making components. The patrol returned to a coalition forces base with the suspect for processing.

“Capturing known criminals who engage in the trafficking of weapons caches and making bombs shows the commitment of MND-B Soldiers to provide a safe and secure environment for the 1.5 million residents of the Rashid district,” said Maj. Dave Olson, a spokesman for the 1st BCT, 4th Inf. Div. “Also, Iraqi security forces and Iraqi security volunteers are increasing the pace of security operations driving many of the criminals away from the neighborhoods.” Source LINK

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MND-B Soldiers, IA Make Effort to Protect Iraqi Children

Thursday, 03 July 2008
By Pfc. Lyndsey R. Dransfield
2nd Styker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division

Excerpt

CAMP TAJI — Children, at times, are easy targets for criminals and terrorists. Not only are they the victims of attacks, they are now the victims of recruitment into dangerous organizations. Since the liberation of Iraq in 2003, there have been several incidents of al-Qaida using children to conduct their terrorist activities.

Soldiers from 4th Platoon, Company C, 1st Battalion 14th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team “Warrior,” 25th Infantry Division, Multi-National Division – Baghdad, joined with the Iraqi army to reach out to children and their families by conducting a patrol throughout the Mushada area, northwest of Baghdad, passing out flyers and speaking with the locals of the city.

Their intent is to educate them about criminal and terrorist activities.

“At first the people that we made contact with were apprehensive to talk to us,” said Sgt. 1st Class Steve Purvis, native of Lexington, N.C., and platoon sergeant with Company C, 1st Bn., 14th Inf. Regt. “But when they realized we were there to inform them and about recent ploys to exploit their children, and that we care about them and their children, they were more receptive and openly began to talk with us.”

Not only were they successful in informing the families, but Sgt. John Mulcahy, native of Atlanta, and team sergeant attached to 1st Bn., 14th Inf. Regt., said they also had success in having their message distributed by the local religious leader, or imam.

Providing reassurance to their people, the Iraqi Army played a necessary role stopping recruitment of children. Read MORE

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A Broken Heart Mending in Fallujah

Friday, 04 July 2008
By Cpl. Chris T. Mann
Regimental Combat Team - 1

Excerpt

FALLUJAH — Sounds of joy and laughter resonate through a police station’s narrow hallways. A young boy slowly enters through a doorway at the end to greet the boisterous group of Marines, but the sounds of excitement quickly diminish as they see him gasping for air after walking just a short distance.

The boy, five-year-old Ahmed, is the son of Warrant Officer Othman Mallouki, an Iraqi policeman with Fallujah Headquarters District. Since his birth, Ahmed has suffered from a rare but fatal heart condition that if left untreated, will eventually kill him at an unthinkable, young age.

Ahmed’s parents first noticed there was something wrong with their son when he was a year old. The medical condition present in Ahmed’s cardiac system keeps needed oxygen from reaching organs like a normal person’s circulatory system would, causing a bluish coloring around the eyes and on the face.

Tasks such as walking up a set of stairs are very tedious for the young boy because of his medical condition. Ahmed runs completely out of breath performing the simplest of daily activities.

“I was extremely worried all these years, that I might not be able to get the help my son needs,” said Mallouki. “In our culture, the first born is very important and this is our first son.”

Only recently did the light begin to peak through at the end of a dark tunnel for Ahmed and his family when Marines from Company B, Police Transition Team 8, Regimental Combat Team 1, and a charitable organization called “Gift of Life,” based in Tampa, Fla. intervened. Ahmed’s condition was diagnosed at Fallujah Surgical when Marines took him in for an examination, said Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Craig W. Pasanen, a corpsmen with the team. Doctors discovered a hole in the septum of his heart that causes oxygen and deoxygenated blood to pass through the heart and not the lungs.

**SNIP**

Ahmed will finally undergo the surgery he’s needed sometime this month.

“Before I could not hope for anything at all and I was depressed all the time,” said Mallouki. “Now I feel in my heart a sense of hope that my son will grow up normal. I would not have this hope in my life if it weren’t for the Marines here.” Read MORE

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British Army Gunners Pack a Punch in Iraq

Friday, 04 July 2008
By Karen Thomas
Ministry of Defence

Excerpt

BASRA — When Coalition forces came under heavy attacks from insurgents in Iraq, the flames of the British Army gunners’ 155mm AS90s proved to be the showstopper. Packed off from the gun lines on the Contingency Operating Base (COB) in Basra, a team from D Battery, 3rd Regiment Royal Horse Artillery, deployed north to Tallil. As well as delivering munitions back at the insurgents’ door, the Gunners’ 155mm self-propelled weapon,capable of firing 96lb (43.5kg) Nato HL15 projectiles over a range of 25km, also rapidly caught the attention of their coalition comrades.

“We were working with the Australians, Americans and Romanians. They were coming under indirect fire (IDF) and needed counter-fire, and we can deploy there when people need us,” said D Battery’s Sergeant Guy Catterick, describing the action against the abrupt escalation in fighting that swept across Iraq at the end of March.

“The gun made their life a bit easier and it’s good that people see what D Battery can do. We were on our own with the AS90 but the Australians were very friendly and there were a lot of visits to look at the gun. Then the Americans heard about it and we ended up showing quite a few people around. It’s a good show of force and had the same effect on lifting their morale, especially the first time we were engaged.”

Guaranteeing a round-the-clock defence system, D Battery’s gun teams had to step up to a hot plate when the violence erupted in southern Iraq. They were called on to return fire against the sharp increase in IDF attacks onto the COB, as well as firing in support of British Forces assisting the Iraqis pushing into Basra city. The plate got hotter when they deployed to Tallil. Read MORE

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Scouts Make Friends, Help Keep Community Safe

Wednesday, 02 July 2008
By Sgt. Zach Mott
3rd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division

Excerpt

BAGHDAD — As the sun baked the urban Iraqi streets to a soul-melting 120 degrees, Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers continued a mission that has occupied much of the past four months for them. Members of the Scout/Sniper Platoon from Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Combined Arms Battalion, 68th Armor Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, walk and drive the streets of the Sha’ab neighborhood in the Adhamiyah district of northern Baghdad to meet the people and to help deter extremists from conducting attacks there.

But, these Soldiers aren’t the only ones on the front lines protecting the Iraqi people as well as American Soldiers. Members of the Iraqi security forces and Sons of Iraq play a vital role in the security here.

“It helps them to get involved and it lets them know exactly what they’re looking for and work together with us to deter that threat as far as searching vehicles, helping with community and give their presence and have them put a face on the same mission that we’re trying to accomplish over here which is to keep the neighborhood safe,” said Sgt. 1st Class Lanny McLaughlin, a Nogales, Ariz., native who serves as the platoon sergeant for the Scout/Sniper Platoon.

McLaughlin stops at several checkpoints during his routine patrols in the area. Once there, he speaks to the men running them – be it national police, Iraqi army or Sons of Iraq (Abna al Iraq)– to ensure they have the proper uniform, enough ammunition and are properly checking vehicles.

This is also a time for McLaughlin to learn about the needs of the neighborhood. In talking to the people, it has opened up another source of information to keep the people safe.

“They will talk to us on a regular basis. If they do see something suspicious, then they’ll stop us and let us know what’s going on,” he said.

He also noted an instance when a welder pulled up wires for an improvised explosive device and gave them to his patrol. Read MORE

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Increased security brings Kirkuk residents out in evening to mingle in markets

A year makes all the difference

By James Warden, Stars and Stripes
Mideast edition, Tuesday, July 1, 2008

Excerpt
KIRKUK, Iraq — It’s the simple pleasures: Good friends, good conversation and a good hookah.

But for Adnan, a Kirkuk resident enjoying a sweet-flavored smoke from a waist-high hookah Saturday night, those simple pleasures weren’t so easy to come by just a year ago. Kirkuk was much more dangerous then, and Adnan had to spend most of his evenings at home.

Enjoying the evening cool with a couple buddies, he reflected on the differences a year has made for the city.

“We could not sit here like this,” he concluded.

The military will happily provide statistics to show just how dramatically Kirkuk’s security has increased over the past year. But visitors need only wait until the sun goes down and then venture into one of the Kirkuk’s several bustling markets to see that residents are feeling safer than ever in one of Iraq’s most diverse cities.

By rights, Kirkuk should be one of the country’s flash points. The Kurdish provinces claim the city as their own. Saddam Hussein intentionally displaced many Kurdish residents with Arabs during his reign to keep it in Iraq, and many of them now call the city home. Those Arabs are mostly Sunnis, but Shiites also live in the city, as well as non-Arab minorities like Turkmen.

Kirkuk also sits on top of an oil field that pumped about 13 million barrels of oil in each of the past two months. Should the Kurdish provinces secede and take Kirkuk with them, Iraq would lose about 13 percent of its oil.

Still, different groups mix and mingle peacefully right up until the nightly curfew — unlike in Baghdad’s markets, which tend to be segregated. Throughout the busy streets, groups of Kurds and Sunni Arabs relax at neighboring tables. Read MORE

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Tags: Good News (Iraq) //