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FOB HAMMER, Iraq (March 9, 2008) - Coalition leaders from the
3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team (HBCT) met with leaders of the Iraqi
security forces (ISF) in the Mada'in Qada, March 5, at Forward
Operating Base Hammer.
Col. Wayne W. Grigsby, Jr., commander of the 3rd HBCT, hosted
the meeting to discuss security in the qada, the brigade's area of
operation, and to welcome Maj. Gen. Kassim, commander of the 9th
Iraqi Army (IA) Division.
"From this day on, you are part of this family," said Grigsby,
from Prince George's County, Md. "We are all working together to
support the mayor and the good people of the Mada'in Qada."
Mushen Nasser, mayor of the qada, said residents were happy with
the arrival of the IA.
"They have a very positive idea of the Iraqi Army and are
expecting a lot of stuff to get done with them here," Nasser
said.
Grigsby told Kassim the purpose of such meetings is to
synchronize all security efforts of Coalition forces, ISF and
government and local leadership.
"This is a joint effort," Kassim added. "There is no singular
leadership."
Kassim explained future plans he has for his Soldiers to improve
the qada, including opening currently closed routes to allow for
more freedom of movement.
"I want to work to provide as many services as I can," Kassim
said.
Grigsby explained the current focus of Coalition and ISF is
Salman Pak. One issue is promoting awareness of the city's improved
security.
The people of Salman Pak need to have a positive perception of
security operations in their city, said Grigsby. Salman Pak has
improved security and citizens can actually see security operations
unfold in their area, he said.
Grigsby believes getting the word out will bring more Government
of Iraq officials to the qada.
According to Maj. David Fivecoat, from Delaware, Ohio, the 3rd
HBCT's operations officer, there has been only five murders in the
past month compared to the 37 murders in May 2007, when the brigade
first arrived to the area. There have been less than one attack per
day in the last few weeks and the 3rd HBCT has only fired one
counter-fire mission since late January.
"A lot of great stuff is happening in Salman Pak right now,"
said Lt. Col. Jack Marr, from Minneapolis, commander of the 1st
Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, currently tasked with securing
the city. "Work is being done largely by people who live in Salman
Pak. Every day they are requiring less help from Coalition forces.
We didn't do everything in one day. It took many days to get where
we are. We had a plan, explained our plan, and lived up to our plan
and we can't race to get ahead of ourselves."
Grigsby was happy with the outcome of the meeting.
"These meetings get better each time we have them," he said.
"This one has been exceptional. We have an extreme amount of
momentum and we need to take advantage of the IA here."
The 3rd HBCT, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Benning, Ga., has been
deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom since March
2007.
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