Operation Raider Harvest Changes Focus

Formerly Clearing Operation Changes To Rebuilding Effort

What was once started, as an explosives and ordnance clearing Operation has now became a rebuilding effort.  More than four thousand troops from the 2nd Infantry Division are working hard to bring recovery to Iraq.  A great number of changes are becoming visible in the streets.

“We are trying very hard to establish positive projects to improve the infrastructure, and the quality of life,” said Captain Robert Green. Green is the Troop Commander of Grim Troop, 2-3 ACR.  The soldiers in Green’s Command and Iraqi soldiers worked together to distribute rice, flour, and other food to villagers.  Over twenty-five fifty-kilo bags of rice were given out to men, children and women lined up far down the street.

“It pleases us to have moved from simply blocking positions to being able to give out food, its our effort to show goodwill,” said 1st Sgt. James Adcock.  Adcock is with Grim Troop. “We are always monitoring the routes, and keeping track of the traffic, but it’s a sign of things getting back to normal,” said Sergeant Adcock.

“As we pass out food, asking nothing in return, slowly the people are starting to trust us,” said Adcock. “We are working to gain the trust of these people.”  Additional missions are in the planning stations to assist the Iraqi people in the Diyala and northern Iraq area.  More food distribution missions, as well as efforts to help with medical clinics and medical supplies are in the planning stages.