"Our city was overrun by heartless terrorists, Zarqawi and his followers, who unloaded their bloodthirsty and voracious action of evil on this city for several months by indiscriminately killing men, women and children. Tall Afar was a human slaughterhouse. Simple services were not possible, causing the people to suffer, till the day you dispatched your troops, who were our lion-hearted saviors. Your troops came to rescue Tall Afar led by our heroes, whom Tall Afar will never forget. After the major operation, your wonderful soldiers started nursing the wounds of this city by rebuilding the damaged lives and buildings with great compassion and speed. These soldiers have done more than their original mission required of them. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts."
Transcript of MNF Press Conference in which Gen. Casey reads excerpt from letter
A recent article about the Tal Afar
Then the Americans, the mayor, a new chief of police and an emboldened Iraqi army division began the long, hard work of pacifying a frightened city and restoring some semblance of law and order.
How well have they succeeded?
"Go look in our city," the mayor said. "The children run after the American officers. They know their names. These men are heroes in Tal Afar."
Tal Afar Mayor Najim Abadullah Al-Jibouri (center) has worked so closely with Lt. Col. Christopher Hickey, left and Col. H.R. McMaster (right) that he has written President Bush begging him to extend the 3rd ACR's tour of duty.