| Attacks on coalition forces in area drop more than 50 percent. |
| By Spc. Alexis Harrison 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division |
| BAGHDAD, April 10, 2007 — Troops from 4th Squadron, 9th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division patrol the Haifa Street area daily, shadowed by scores of children who greet them at every stop they make to ask for chocolate or a soccer ball. Most of the soldiers don't mind handing out sweets for the children while walking through the war-torn neighborhood the children call home. The "Black Hawk" Troop, commanded by Capt. Chris Dawson, who hails from Lima, Ohio, provides an essential service to residents who've been through so many violent times: peace of mind. U.S. Army 1st Lt. Brian Long, a fire support officer and "Blue" Platoon's leader from Jacksonville, Fla., said there's nothing more important than getting to know the people in the area and addressing their concerns. He said that even months after the heaviest of fighting, people still come to his troops with information and questions on what's happened in recent months. The troop took over the area after a heavy bout of insurgent activity forced many to flee their homes or hide for safety. Several days of fighting occurred before the cavalry troops finally slaked the violence, allowing many people to come back and start to live their lives. Attacks on coalition forces have since dropped by more than 50 percent in the area. Dozens of bodies were found along sectarian fault lines in the area, but since the new security plan has been established, the Black Hawk troops have not found a single body lying in the street or anywhere in their sector. Bringing peace to neighborhoods like this one is one of the major improvements the soldiers from the 2nd “Black Jack” brigade have been able to accomplish since they arrived last year. However, as one soldier recounts, it wasn't as peaceful the last time he was here. Staff Sgt. Jebediah Arthur was with 3rd Battalion, 82nd Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division a few years ago during Operation Iraqi Freedom II. He said heavy fighting was a regular occurrence for him and his troops. The Moran, Texas, native said Iraqis weren't as friendly as they are now. They used to shy away from the soldiers, giving no more than a cold stare or unfriendly gesture. Now everywhere the soldiers go, they are greeted like old acquaintances. The people in the community whom Arthur and his comrades visit, speak freely to them and often provide an inside look into what's really happening there. "It's finally gotten to where they can come and talk to us and work with everyone," Arthur said. "Acting professionally helps, but they actually see the results of the information they |
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| give us. I think that's been the key to our success over here this time." The troops have been busy with duties beyond patrolling busy streets. Recently, a medical operation headed by the troop and other soldiers from the brigade took place to bring some much-needed care to the residents. The leaders of the troop say they know how important it is to continue their work and not give up on residents. Long says coalition forces have gained a lot of momentum against violence in the area. "Being out there every day is a good way to dispel the rumors that we're not doing anything but inhibiting the growth of these neighborhoods," Long said. "We are seeing improvements, and we are appreciated by the people we interact with." "In 10 years," Arthur said, "we'll probably be vacationing here." |
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FR WAR NEWS!