War in Iraq Daily News - October 7, 2008

Armenians Complete Successful Mission

Tuesday, 07 October 2008 By Pfc. Eric Glassey

BAGHDAD — The 8th Armenian Contingent conducted an end of mission ceremony at the Joint Visitor Bureau, Camp Victory, Iraq, Oct. 6, 2008. The 46 member contingent worked in support of the Polish brigade, Multi-National Division – Central South, as medical staff, transportation and explosive ordnance disposal personnel. “The Armenian peacekeeping and humanitarian mission in Iraq began in January 2005,” said U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Paul Lefebvre, deputy commanding general, Multi-National Corps – Iraq. “Since that time, the Armenian armed forces have rotated 380 personnel through Iraq and have provided first-class support to Operation Iraq Freedom in the areas of transportation, engineering and medicine.” The Armenian transport component has successfully executed more than 60 convoys, while the engineering component has removed more than 9,000 pieces of unexploded ordnance and cleared more than 130,000 square miles of terrain. In addition, the Armenian medical component has performed more than 300 surgeries and provided ambulatory healthcare to over 450 military personnel and 700 civilians, thus bolstering ties between the nation of Iraq and coalition forces. “It has been our honor to serve under your command and to know and to work with you in the filtering of peace and democracy in Iraq,” said Capt. Ruben Papyan, commander, 8th Armenian Contingent Commander and Armenian senior national representative. “On behalf of the Armenian contingent, I would like to take the opportunity to offer you all our gratitude” Brig. Gen. Mihai Chirita, Romanian army, deputy director, USF-I CJ5 coalition, presented each soldier with a certificate of appreciation for their outstanding service and support to the coalition and Operation Iraqi Freedom. “Never forget what you have accomplished here,” Lefebvre said. “You will be able to look back and know that you were part of something great; something that shaped the world for future generations. You have represented your country to the highest degree.” Interactive Iraq :: Video News Iraqi Freedom Minute, Oct. 5 • This edition features stories on secretaries of states traveling to Iraq to learn about the absentee voting process for service members overseas. Watch Now . Freedom Journal Iraq, Oct. 2 • This edition features stories on more Iraqi Security Forces taking control throughout Iraq and how that allows displaced families to return home, a joint security station that houses a government center, and the end of Ramadan. Watch Now Feature Stories Patrol Stops, Applies First Aid to Iraqi Boy BAGHDAD — While on patrol to Camp Victory, a crew member observed a small group of children in the Al Firdaw district gathered along the roadside around a small boy who appeared wounded and in pain Sept. 26, 2008. The patrol stopped and a close examination revealed the boy had jagged cuts from a piece of glass.   Marines Help Iraqis Rebuild Schools Destroyed by Terrorists SAQLAWAIYAH — It was local Iraqi’s unshakable resolve which stood at the forefront of a project to rebuild two schools destroyed in the wake of two terrorist bombing attacks last year. The Iraqis, with assistance from numerous Coalition Civil Affairs Teams, finished reconstruction of the al Iqitdar and al Churhabil schools here, Sept. 21.   Coalition Trains Iraqi Police District Response Team FORWARD OPERATING BASE MAHMUDIYAH — With help from Coalition Soldiers, the police force here is building a district response team. "This group of DRT members will make sure Mahmudiyah is not threatened by terrorists," said Mahmudiyah police officer 1st Lt. Yessir Shabp Abid, future platoon leader for the DRT. "We will gain the trust of the people by making sure the enemy has no place to safely rest." The Soldiers of the 65th Military Police Company, 16th Military Police Brigade, are training the team in basic rifle marksmanship, close-quarters combat, combat lifesaver skills, vehicle assaults and building entry and clearing techniques.   Hear, Hear Monday, 06 October 2008 CF trains Mahmudiyah IP District Response Team Crescent Kid Monday, 06 October 2008 Video Available: U.S. government officials visit al Anbar Right There Monday, 06 October 2008 Coalition forces detain 10 suspected terrorists in northern, central Iraq BAGHDAD Standing Tall DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Pfc. Tavarus D. Setzler, 23, of Jacksonville, Fla., died Oct. 2 of wounds sustained when his vehicle struck an improvised explosive device in Majar al Kabir, Iraq. He was assigned to the 2d Squadron, 7th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas. The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Sgt. William P. Rudd, 27, of Madisonville, Ky., died Oct. 5 of wounds suffered from enemy small arms fire while on a combat patrol in Mosul, Iraq. He was assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment, Fort Benning, Ga.