Joint Effort Gives Locals And Citizens Interaction Opportunities
Husseiniya, Iraq- When soldiers began to work among the community shortly after the fall of Saddam Hussein, his capture and eventual trial, they were met with silence, resistance, and a large amount of distrust from the local Iraq citizens.
Not so now. Children run out and swarm soldiers when they come through on patrol, and their family adult members stand by with huge smiles. Citizens now see the efforts of Coalition troops in a much friendlier light, and they are happy to have them in their communities.
Soldiers passed out newspapers to Iraqi Adults, and crayons and coloring books to the children while on patrol recently in Husseiniya. Many times they were not able to make it through the groups of excited children milling about.
MNF Coalition Soldiers from 3rd BCT, 68th Armor, 4th Infantry passed out toys and coloring supplies, and visited with Citizens as they patrolled the village this last week. “We work right alongside Iraqi police to show them how well foot patrols work,” said Army Staff Sergeant Jacob Gomez.
Sgt. Gomez is the squad Leader for Company B, 3rd BCT.
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The passing out of toys, supplies and newspapers is just one of several community based things that the Coalition troops are engaged in. “If we can continue to show the Iraqi citizens that we are not there as enemies, but as friends, then the conditions will continue to improve, and stabilize,” said First Lieutenant Dale Donaldson. Lieutenant Donaldson is Commander of Company B, 3rd BCT.
“Our efforts are being well received, and it’s a welcome change to be able to talk and visit among the citizens,” said Lieutenant Donaldson.
