Daily Afghan-Iraq Update/10-25
Paratroopers from 3rd Plt, Co B, 3rd Bn, 509th PIR, 4th BCT, 25th ID prepare to load a CH-47 Chinook helicopter in the Bermel District of the Paktika prov. in eastern Afghanistan, Oct. 13, during an air-assault mission to detain a known militant.
Paratroopers scan the ridgelines from the roof of a qalat.
In Laghman prov., Military working dogs help find militants that build, place and detonate IEDs. Staff Sgt. William Burger, said the dogs are very quick and efficient when performing their duties, which includes searching houses. “Having a dog go in a house is a lot safer than sending in Soldiers, because the dogs don’t stumble onto anything. If they smell something, they will sit and then we’ll get (EOD) to come check it out,” said Burger.
Spc. Brandon Steffey, a combat tracking dog handler for Fenty canine, agrees with Burger and notes other advantages of using military working dogs. “They move quickly. The dogs are able to search an area more thoroughly with much more speed and safety than humans,” said Steffey.
Though finding IEDs and those who build them can be dangerous, to the military working dogs, their job is fun. “It’s a game,” Burger said. “To them, finding bombs is fun. It's like hide and seek.”
Regardless what mission they're doing, the dog handlers appreciate the risks they and their dogs are taking each day. “They're like Soldiers,” Steffey said. “They risk their lives just like us. Their lives are in our hands and that's why we look out for them.”
“Dealing with a dog, teaching a dog and watching him execute his job is very rewarding,” Steffey said. “I spend a lot of time with my dog, and he's my best friend. We're a team.”
Burger shares Steffey’s sentiments and takes pride in his job. “Dogs save lives,” said Burger. “They're a great asset here and I’m proud to be a part of it.”
Staff Sgt. William Burger and his dog take a break during a recent patrol.
Staff Sgt. William Burger's dog spots a duck and alerts the Soldiers to its presence.
"It makes me feel as if we're doing something meaningful when we take school supplies to local schools," said Cpl. Joshua Allen, a medic. "Giving school supplies to kids builds long-term relationships, and they grow to love and trust us."
Many of the supplies are shipped in from the families of the Soldiers, small churches in the U.S., and humanitarian aid orgs like USAID, said Staff Sgt. Michael Hawf, civil affairs NCO. Unit cmdrs meet with the local govt to find out what is needed most in the communities, and try and accommodate the need with the supplies gathered.
-30-
CAMP TAJI – The shift of U.S. forces out of Iraqi cities has created a new set of tasks for troops in the Iraqi countryside, and a newly-formed group is concentrating on infrastructure projects here.
Combining the talents of the 1st Bn, 5th Cav Regt's leadership with members of the ePRT North and the 1479th Civil Affairs Co to form a Project Working Group (PWG). The goal is to highlight projects that benefit the local populace.
During a meeting held at the Tarmiyah Center, Oct. 13, district engrs from Tarmiyah, Abayachi, and Mushada met with members of the group to discuss possible area projects. Rebuilding the infrastructure of Iraq will create validity of the govt in the eyes of its people, said Capt. Mary Alice Keller, the 1479th team leader.
"The PWG just began in this area," said 2nd Lt. Nicholas Bryan, the bn's civil military ops officer-in-charge. "It's been successful in other areas, and I believe that it'll be successful here too."
The local Iraqi leaders created a list of 200 projects, but after much discussion and compromise, the list is now down to 70. "These projects will help keep the people happy," said Shaykh Ahmed, a SoI leader from the Abayachi district. "They've done so much for us, we're very appreciative."
Chosen projects focus mainly on essential services such as water and waste mgt, electricity, health services and schools. The idea of the PWG is to help as many people as possible with one project, explained Bryan. "I'm very satisfied with the list of projects that you've asked for. It's a fairly spread list throughout the Qada," said Lt. Col. Scott Jackson, the bn cmdr, to area leaders. "They represent serious concerns in the Qada and the needs of the people."
The Commanders Emergency Response Program (CERP) helps fund the projects, but the Iraqi govt is required to pay for a portion of the projects. Because the GoI helps fund the projects, they'll have ownership as well. This sense of ownership is expected to keep Iraqi leaders involved in these projects after completion, and after U.S. forces withdraw.
"We're very appreciative of everything that the U.S. forces are doing for us," said Ahmed. "They've done so much for us since they've been here," said Hameed, a city council engr from the Abayachi district.
-30-
Special to American Forces Press Service
By Navy Lt. j.g. Christopher Deluzio
TF Pathfinder incorporates civilian experts, engrs and civil affairs units, as it works hand-in-hand with PRTs to develop projects and training programs, to help the Iraqis deliver critical services to their people. In Muthanna, the focus has been providing essential services.
Over the past several months, the Pathfinders have sponsored more than 30 projects in Muthanna prov. through the CERP. More than half are focused on providing water and power to impoverished villages. “These programs serve 2 purposes. First, they reduce the number of waterborne diseases we're seeing among the children,” said Army Lt. Col. Michael Eastman, TF Pathfinder cmdr. “Second, by helping the elected Iraqi officials deliver basic needs to their people, we reduce the incentive of dissatisfied local residents to oppose both American and Iraqi forces in the area.” Muthanna residents have welcomed the change. In areas where life was a daily struggle for existence, clean water now is available both for drinking and for irrigating once-dry fields. “Getting out among the people has been a great experience,” said Army Sgt. Hugh Gunnerson. “We can see the benefit of our mission in Iraq, when people have something Americans sometimes take for granted, like clean water to drink.” While this mission is different from what most of these artillerymen from Fort Bliss, Texas, expected to perform, they've adapted extremely well. Much remains to be done in Muthanna, but Iraqis, PRT members and TF Pathfinder soldiers agree progress is being made in southern Iraq.MNF-I
Man ben Zaid Elementary School was the first stop, followed by a visit to Talabar Elementary. There were approx 100 children waiting the arrival of the humanitarian mission with an air of anticipation and excitement. Col. Jabar, Iraqi FP officer, spoke to the children and informed them why they were there.
After meeting the FP and learning what was about to take place, the children ran with smiling faces into their separate classrooms to sit, stand, or peek through windows, as the FP proceeded to hand out the school supplies.
When the last backpack was handed out, Capt. Timothy Behnke, the JTF Eagle chaplain, thanked the school administrator for the opportunity to meet the children, teachers and staff. Working with the FP and providing them with the opportunity to introduce themselves to local children, is essential in establishing a relationship with the community they serve. Behnke also conveyed that the education of children "is one of the hardest, but most important jobs."
The teachers and students expressed immense gratitude for the school supplies that they received. The FP were very enthusiastic about the opportunity to distribute supplies to the children. "It's a good, personal and humbling experience to provide much needed school supplies for Iraqi children," remarked Capt. Ismael Flecha, physician's asst for JTF Eagle.
Sgt. Justin Blank, 82nd Abn Div, checks his surroundings while providing perimeter security during a combined clearance op, Oct. 17, in the town of Nahrawan.
-30-
