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CAMP TAJI, Iraq (June 10, 2008) - It was a picturesque day in
the Taji Qada, northwest of Baghdad, perfect for the opening of al
Thoha school, June 5.
There was a jovial feeling in the air and it was evident in the
faces of the young and old alike on the clear sky afternoon.
The headmaster of al Thoha School, Akmed Salmin Hussein, stated,
"Al Qaida destroyed this school (two years ago), but with the help
of coalition forces this school was rebuilt. This area has been
made safe by the Iraqi army and the presence of coalition
forces."
Soldiers from 1st Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment
"Wolfhounds," 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team "Warriors," 25th
Infantry Division, Multi-National Division - Baghdad work to secure
this area of the Taji Qada and have had a presence for over six
months.
Their presence, along with members of the Iraqi security forces
was instrumental in the rebuilding and opening of the school.
This community has begun to heal from the war that has consumed
this nation.
"We're at the tipping point," said 1st Lt. Eric Wiesenhan, a
native of Camby, Ore., and member of the embedded local
reconstruction team for the Wolfhounds. "It's really a unique time
now. The locals can take pride that it's being funded by the
government of Iraq and ultimately by them."
Iraq's ministry of education has begun to prompt change for the
children and the people of Iraq as a whole.
As the people of Iraq are beginning to take a more active role
in dictating their future, the government of Iraq and the Iraqi
security forces are there to shoulder the weight as a foundation
that is well-built.
"It went well. The people who needed to be there were there,"
stated 2nd Lt. John Busego, a native of Ontario, Calif., and
education advisor for the 1st Bn., 27th Inf. Reg., 2nd SBCT, 25th
Inf. Div., MND-B's eLRT. "The government of Iraq, Iraqi army, local
representatives were all involved. There's really a sense of
accomplishment."
This community has begun to heal, and the Wolfhounds continue to
secure and assist the government of Iraq in reestablishing
essential services, such as education, to the residents in the
area.
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