Posted on 01/16/2008 3:27:20 PM PST by SandRat
The changes are showing in the streets. Hundreds of Iraqis took to the streets of Mansuriyah, Jan. 13, some to observe their new Iraqi Army and Coalition Force neighbors, others to collect bags full of rice and flour during a humanitarian aid (HA) drop conducted by Soldiers of Troop G, 2nd Squadron, 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment (ACR).
“We are working to establish projects to improve life support and improve the infrastructure,” said Capt. Robert Green, Grim Troop Commander, 2-3 ACR.
Green’s troop and Iraqi Army Soldiers handed out scoops full of flour and rice to the people of Mansuriyah. Twenty-five 50-kilogram bags of flour and 25 50-kilogram bags of rice were distributed to dozens of men, women and children lined up behind Grim Troop’s entry control point.
“We’re trying to show a gesture of good will,” said Grim Troop 1st Sgt. James Adcock. “We’ve transitioned from blocking positions and defending against the IED (improvised explosive device) threat and just keeping an eye on the area. We’re still watching the routes and monitoring traffic, but we are trying to get things back to normal here.”
This is exactly why missions such as this HA drop needed to be conducted, according to Adcock.
“We are passing out this rice and flour in hopes of gaining some trust,” Adcock said. “We are showing these people we’re here to help.”
Gaining trust with the Iraqi people was a common goal between Grim Troop and the Iraqi Army.
“I’m very happy helping these people and children, it is a wonderful day,” said Iraq Army Warrant Officer Latif Cubah through an interpreter. “I am proud to help the people of this village with Coalition forces, because for a long time they haven’t had any government support. We hope to gain these peoples’ trust, and pray to Allah for a brighter future.”
More missions aimed at helping the Iraqis are in the works for the people of the northern Diyala River province. More HA drops as well as a medical exercise will help bridge the gap between the Iraqis and their occupiers.
“As a part of the brigade operation to remove AQI (al Qaida in Iraq) and support local governance, Grim Troop is distributing humanitarian assistance, and will conduct a cooperative medical engagement in the area in the next few days. We will treat acute problems like cuts and burns, colds and sinus problems,” said Grim Troop Medic Cpl. Bill Allen. “After the clearing operation we are just trying to reach out to these people here and let them know we’re here for them.”
But as Operation Raider Harvest moves on one day at a time, so does bringing the normal way of life back for the Iraqis of Mansuriyah.
“We will pass out this food today and see where it takes us tomorrow,” Adcock said. “I wish we could do more.”
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.