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FORWARD OPERATING BASE HAMMER, Iraq (March 7, 2008) - Soldiers
from 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team delivered 240 cases of bottled
water March 5 to a town east of Baghdad.
The soldiers brought the water to the "Sons of Iraq" citizen
security group's headquarters in Narhwan for distribution.
"Water is very important here," said Army Sgt. Lucas Walrod,
from Panama, N.Y., a squad leader in Troop B, 3rd Squadron, 1st
Cavalry Regiment, currently attached to 1st Battalion, 10th Field
Artillery. "There is a shortage of potable water here, so it is
greatly appreciated when we deliver it. It is one of the main ways
we help the community."
Walrod said the Sons of Iraq will play a key role by
distributing the water to the town's residents. In previous
operations, Troop B distributed the water themselves, but many
citizens were unable to attend the water drops.
"We deliver it here, and Sheik Kasum (the leader of the Narhwan
Sons of Iraq) hands it out to the people who need it," Walrod said.
"The Sons of Iraq have an unbiased system of getting it out to all
the people here. … They are really good at it, because they are
from here and know the people they are helping.
"Having the Sons of Iraq deliver it also adds to their
legitimacy here," he continued. "The people can actually see that
the group is here to help them when they do things like deliver
water."
Kasum said he uses 40 different agents to identify needy
families and distribute food to them. The agents use a ration card
system to ensure that each family is getting the amount they
require and to limit people from stockpiling more than they
need.
Soldiers say the roads in Narhwan are secure because of the
performance of the Sons of Iraq and goodwill brought about by
projects like water and food drops.
"I get a good feeling coming down here, because the routes are
secure," said Army 1st Lt. Jose Mendoza, from Fresno, Calif., a
platoon leader from Company G, 203rd Brigade Support Battalion,
currently attached to 1-10th FA. "I have not been shot at or hit by
an (improvised explosive device) this entire deployment. I credit
the clearance teams and soldiers for making sure the routes are
secure, but the Sons of Iraq checkpoints have played a big part in
the security of the roads here as well. They have been doing a good
job and are working with us."
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