U.S., Iraqi Soldiers Share Recognition

Multi-National Force - Iraq ^ | Pfc. Justin Naylor, USA

[SandRat]

Lt. Col. Terry Cook, commander, 3rd Battalion, 82nd Field Artillery Regiment, pins a U.S. Army Achievement Medal to the uniform of an Iraqi Emergency Services Unit Policeman, May 11. The IP were being rewarded for their hard work and dedication in Kirkuk City. Photo by Pfc. Justin Naylor, 1st Cavalry Division.

KIRKUK — Partnership is the term used by U.S. military officials to describe the cooperative relationship between Iraqi Police (IP), Army and U.S. Soldiers following the Security Agreement signed between the two countries, January 1. This includes daily missions maintaining security in Kirkuk province, and it also means sharing in accomplishments.

Iraqi Emergency Services Police here recently witnessed a re-enlistment ceremony for two U.S. Soldiers from the 82nd Field Artillery Regiment.  Known as the “Red Dragons,” the unit also awarded Army Achievement Medals (AAM) to five IP at the event.
 
The ceremony began with dozens of IP standing in formation to watch the unfurling of the U.S. flag and the re-enlistment of two U.S. Soldiers.

“There is nothing more fitting than for these Soldiers to raise their right hand and reenlist with their Iraqi partners present,” explained Lt. Col. Terry Cook, commander, 3rd Battalion, 82nd FA Regt.

Aside from wanting to extend their time in the military, there were additional reasons the Soldiers chose to re-enlist with their Iraqi partners beside them.

“We are in their country,” said Spc. Jonathan Real. “We wanted to show them how we [U.S. Army Soldiers] do our ceremonies.”

Sgt. David Crebo explained that the IP have been great partners and this ceremony not only symbolized that partnership, but gave the IP an example of how to conduct their own ceremonies.

Following the re-enlistment, the five IP to receive AAMs stood before their fellow IP and U.S. Soldiers.

By Army regulation, the AAM can be awarded to any member of the Armed Forces of the United States, or to any member of the Armed Forces of a friendly foreign nation who, while serving in any capacity with the Army, distinguishes himself by meritorious service or achievement.

According to Iraqi Brig. Gen. Khatad, the five IP were being rewarded for their outstanding work and for setting an example for their fellow Policemen.

“I’ve seen the Shurta [IP] within Kirkuk city working at an exceptional level,” said Cook. “We are honored and humbled to be able to serve with such a fine organization.”

For one IP in particular, the award had special meaning.

“It is very unusual for us to receive awards for doing our job well,” explained Anies Fandi Naijm Muter. “I am very proud.  All my fellow Shurtas are going to try and prove that they can be better than me now.  It’s a great program, and it is great that we are being rewarded for doing what we love.”

[SandRat]

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