Posted on 01/02/2008 4:11:27 PM PST by SandRat
COMBAT OUTPOST CLEARY — Soldiers of the 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, attended an Iraqi holiday feast at the home of the head sheik of the Mada’in Qada, Sheik Nouri, Dec. 27, in Al Ja’ara.
Before the feast, leaders of the Concerned Local Citizens program, Iraqi security forces, 1-15 Infantry Regiment, and village leaders held a meeting to discuss future operations and progress Ja’ara and the surrounding areas.
“We specifically talked about recent incidents in the Al Bawi and Wardyah areas,” said Capt. Stephen Hemmann, Des Peres, La. Native and executive officer of Company B, 1-15 Inf. Regt.
While the leaders were inside Nouri’s house conducting the meeting, the Sheik’s family was outside preparing a holiday feast, a meal in honor of Christmas and the Muslim holiday, Eid al-Adha.
“The food was outstanding,” said Staff Sgt. Matthew Jemison, from New Orleans, platoon sergeant for 1-15 Inf. Regiment’s command security detachment, “It built a rapport between Coalition forces and the locals. Sheik Nouri preparing this meal shows he wants progress in his village and in the Mada’in overall.”
Hemmann explained the feast was a huge demonstration of the progress being made regarding the relationship between Sunni and Shia present in the Mada’in Qada.
“Both Sunni and Shia were present,” he said. “The Concerned Local Citizens (program members) were breaking bread with the National Police and there was no violence.”
Capt. Rich Thompson, West Palm Beach, Fla. Native and commander of Company B, 1-15 Inf. Regt., is pleased with the progress of the security in the area and the relationships between the security forces and locals.
“Security is going well in the area,” he said. “We’ve created opportunity for local businesses, families have moved back into the area; the National Police and the Concerned Local Citizens (program members) are working together to prevent al-Qaida and insurgents to work there. People are now able to safely travel from Baghdad to Salman Pak.”
The 1-15 Inf. Regt. is assigned to the 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, from Fort Benning, Ga., and has been deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom since March 2007.
FR WAR NEWS!
The wine was flowing and the barbequed pork ribs were great.
More like Fanta and beef kabobs. :)
bump
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