Posted on 01/11/2009 9:41:41 AM PST by SandRat
BAGHDAD — Lt. Col. Michael Shrout announced the start of Operation Iron Gator, Jan. 8, with more than $2 million in funding for school refurbishments, the expansion of the Bawi Canal, construction of the Kanassa windmills and micro-grants for small businesses in Salman Pak.
The announcement was made at the ground breaking for the Mada’in high school refurbishment. The funding for the projects comes from the Commanders Emergency Relief Program and is intended to improve the infrastructure and quality of life in Salman Pak while building the capacity of the government agencies that operate and maintain schools and other public facilities.
“This is an important event,” said Shrout, the commander of Task Force 2nd Battalion, 6th Infantry Regiment, Multi-National Division – Baghdad. “The people of Marquez Mada’in, Coalition forces, the Sawah [Sons of Iraq], and the Iraqi Security Forces have accomplished a great deal over the past year. We have built up great momentum and the progress needs to continue.”
Without understanding between MND-B Soldiers and community leaders, improved services would not be possible and there would no progress or stability in the region, said Kadim Attia, chairman of the Marquez Mada’in Nahia Council.
“The progress in the region,” he said, “depends on the willingness of the people and local government to push for [progress].”
Shrout, a native of Renton, Wash., included the school among the projects both underway and planned for in Operation Iron Gator.
“This is a great day for the young men of the Marquez Mada’in,” he said. “Soon, their school will be refurbished by an Iraqi company, with local labor, secured by Iraqi Security Forces and the Sawah. I am pleased that Coalition forces can play a part in the future of the Marquez Mada’in. We want to see you prosper.”
I just upgraded to SP3. Made a big difference.
Don't try it on dial-up though.
Doing anything on a dial-up is slow.
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