Free Republic

Firefighters Get Training in BaghdadBy Sgt. 1st Class Clarence Kugler, 478th Civil Affair Battalion BAGHDAD, Iraq – There are 25 fire stations in Baghdad. They are scattered on both sides of the Tigris River. The firefighters working in these stations are some of the most heavily worked firefighters in the world, according to Maj. Alan Leitschuh of the 478th Civil Affairs Battalion, a Miami, reserve unit supporting the 1st Cavalry Division for Operation Iraqi Freedom II. The need for firefighters has been so great in Baghdad that many of the new employees have had no formal firefighter training. They...

Florida Reserve Unit Takes on Community Missions By Sgt. 1st Class Clarence Kugler478th Civil Affairs Battalion BAGHDAD, Iraq, March 17, 2004 — The 478th Civil Affairs Battalion from Miami, Fla. arrived in Baghdad Feb. 4 to replace the 422nd Civil Affairs Battalion from Greensboro, N.C. The newly arrived Army Reserve unit has not wasted any time in getting out into the community and continuing the projects established by the 422nd and establishing new projects with the local advisory councils.“Our soldiers are happy to finally be on the ground in Iraq and to be working with the local citizens in improving...