Soldiers Help Iraqis Provide Humanitarian Aid to Zafaraniya

By 1st Lt. Georginia Bradshaw, USA

BAGHDAD, Aug. 24, 2006 – In response to recent bombing and gas explosions in the area, Multinational Division Baghdad soldiers joined Iraqi police and local officials in providing humanitarian aid Aug. 22 to displaced citizens in Zafaraniya. Soldiers from 4th Battalion, 320th Field Artillery Regiment, and 801st Brigade Support Battalion, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division, provided rice, beans, cooking oil, canned fish, blankets, vegetables, assorted condiments, cooking utensils and stoves for affected Iraqis.

The items were delivered at the Zafaraniya government center. Policemen from 2nd Battalion, 1st Iraqi National Police Division, as well as neighborhood advisory council and tribal leaders, aided the soldiers. "It was a lot of fun being with the soldiers and helping the people," said Sgt. Mark Faulkner, 801st Brigade Support Battalion team leader. "We downloaded the humanitarian packets by hand. We formed a chain with the Iraqi soldiers to download the items, which felt like there was a lot of teamwork, which built camaraderie."

Coalition forces Helping Iraqi security forces and local government leaders in humanitarian aid helps the local citizens to realize the combined presence is one of growth and facilitation of an emerging government for all of Iraq, said Sgt. 1st Class Richard Powell, master gunner, 4th Battalion, 320th Field Artillery Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division. "The inclusion and participation in this endeavor by all religious and ethnic groups contributes to a more stable and prosperous Iraq," he said.

(Army 1st Lt. Georginia Bradshaw is a public affairs officer assigned to the 4th Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division.)