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FORWARD OPERATING BASE FALCON, Iraq (May 14, 2008) -
Multinational Division Baghdad soldiers from the 4th Infantry
Division's 1st Brigade Combat Team are safeguarding a piece of
Iraqi religious history while operating from a combat outpost next
to a Christian-based seminary in southern Baghdad's Rashid
district.
The soldiers of Troop B, 7th Squadron, 10th Cavalry Regiment,
ensure the preservation of the seminary, college and chapel that
encompass the St. Peter Seminary of Chaldean Patriarchate in the
predominantly Muslim community of Abu Tshir.
"Due to the proximity of the seminary to the COP, it became
necessary to conduct clearance operations within the seminary and
chapel to ensure it was not being used by criminals for attacks
against coalition forces," Army Capt. David Lombardo, Troop B
commander, said. "Also, 'Bulldog' Troop conducts scheduled patrols
within the seminary grounds to lock access points and prevent
vandalism."
The seminary opened in Baghdad in 1960; in 1991, the Pontifical
Babel College for Philosophy and Theology was added to the
compound.
"In 2006, coalition forces obtained permission from the Chaldean
bishop in charge of the property to use the college as a patrol
base," said Lombardo, a native of Waynesboro, Pa. That year, the
seminary had relocated outside the country and the college became a
combat outpost for coalition forces.
U.S. forces found, collected and salvaged numerous religious
artifacts, such as books and documents dating back to the 17th
century, helping to preserve a piece of Iraq's history, Lombardo
said.
"We make sure all the religious valuables inside the church are
safe," said Army Pfc. Shane Nerenberg, a forward observer from
Riverside, Calif., assigned to Troop B.
The soldiers said it is a duty they don't take lightly.
"It's an honor to be charged with the duty of securing the
church," said Army Spc. Michael Lavelle, a mortarman from
Pittsburgh, assigned to Troop B.
Just as the previous four units that operated out of the combat
outpost did, the Bulldog soldiers will continue to provide security
in their operating environment and preserve a small piece of Iraq's
renowned history, Lombardo said.
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