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CAMP TAJI, Iraq (July 4, 2008) - Although soldiers here didn't
have a traditional Independence Day celebration, they made the most
of the time they had celebrating with new friends -- soldiers of
the Iraq Army -- during a series of athletic competitions to
commemorate America's Independence Day.
U.S. Army Capt. Andrew Farina, B Company commander, organized,
hosted and participated in the Borzoi Squad Competition for
soldiers from Company B, 1st Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment, 2nd
Stryker Brigade Combat Team, Multi-National Division-Baghdad, at
Joint Security Station Sheik Amir, northwest of Baghdad, July 4,
2008.
"Competition is always a good thing," said Farina. "It builds
camaraderie within our company, giving the soldiers bragging rights
as well as an opportunity to hang out with their friends."
The competition consisted of eight events: bench press,
pull-ups, tire flip, bouldering, a one mile steeple chase, sprint
relay, and basketball and volleyball tournaments.
Each platoon in the company participated and competed against
one another. Adding a twist to the competition, Iraqi Army soldiers
from the 2nd Battalion, 31st Brigade, 8th Iraqi Army Infantry
Division, were invited to partake in the events.
"Every day we get to see how they (the Iraqi Army) live, but
rarely do they get to see how we live. By sharing the wealth of
competition, we are developing something in common other then our
work," said Spc. Scott Geiszler, an infantry team leader with 3rd
Platoon, Company B, 1st Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment.
Many of the competitions were unfamiliar to the Iraqi Army
soldiers and their culture, but that didn't discourage them from
putting forth their full effort and support.
The U.S. soldiers put a lot of time into supporting and training
the Iraqi Army soldiers, Farina said.
"I think that it is a good thing for my soldiers to see the
Iraqi Army out here supporting us," he said, adding that the Iraqi
Army and MND-B soldiers thoroughly enjoyed the shared
experience.
Watching the two coalition forces participate in friendly
competition together is not only a good example of how far they
have come in building positive relationships with the people of
Iraq but is also a prime example of the safety and security that
has been established, he added.
"I've spent more than one (Independence Day) in this country,
and this is the first time we have been able to do this," said
Farina. "It really shows the faith that we have in the (Sons of
Iraq) program and also the amount of security that they are able to
do essentially by themselves"
After a long day competition in the hot sun, Headquarters
Platoon took the lead and earned the grand prize: bragging rights
and a plaque to hang in their platoon area.
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