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ADHAMIYAH, Iraq (March 24, 2008) - Multinational Division
Baghdad soldiers here witnessed the changes and progress in the
area and its bustling market during a joint dismounted patrol with
the Iraqi army on Chem Street.
The 3rd Infantry Division soldiers of 3rd Squadron, 7th Cavalry
Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, attached to the 4th Infantry
Division's 3rd Brigade Combat Team, along with Iraqi army soldiers
of 1st Battalion, 1st Brigade, 11th Iraqi Army Division, and
members of the "Sons of Iraq" citizens security group have been
working hand in hand to provide Adhamiyah residents with enough
security for them to feel safe walking the streets.
The U.S. soldiers are working with their Iraqi counterparts and
putting them in the lead so the people can see their country's army
"is out there to help security as much as we are," said Army Capt.
Erik Kjonnerod, commander of Troop A, 3rd Squadron, 7th Cavalry
Regiment.
"We wanted to show them their Iraqi security forces are out
there as much we are. They're not sitting on checkpoints doing
nothing. They go out on patrols, just like the Americans do," he
said.
Security in the area has led to the awakening of the market on
Chem Street.
"When we first got here, we could see an average of 15 to 20
shops open," said Army Staff Sgt. Germaine Seabrook, a cavalry
scout in Troop A, 3rd Squadron, 7th Cavalry Regiment. "With the
help of Iraqi forces, we helped keep the security tight. Most of
the Iraqi people started coming back, opening up shops, and the
economy started rolling better. The people from Adhamiyah can see
how safe it is now."
The joint dismounted patrols allow soldiers to talk to people
and assure them they are there for security and that they do care
about their concerns.
"In the beginning of our work here, the streets were pretty much
desolated," said Army 1st Lt. Matthew Jensen, a platoon leader in
Troop A. "We didn't see many people walking around. People were
scared to get out of their homes. Through civil affairs,
micro-grants, the Sons of Iraq and our presence, people started
coming out. Most of the stores on Chem Street are opened now."
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