A ‘Vision of Hope’ in Tarmiyah
Sunday, 26 October 2008
By Ken Griffin
2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division
According to those gathered, the date was yet another dramatic turning point in their recent history.
Led by Sheik Sa’ed Jassim al-Mashadani, chairman of the Municipality Committee of al Tarmiyah Qada, Tarmiyah’s local officials hosted a number of provincial and government of Iraq representatives at their first Civic Expo.
City residents hope to accomplish a number of tasks in the future, and they chose a unique, effective way to accomplish their goals, such as bringing government of Iraq officials to them so they could show, firsthand, the economic and political progress they’ve made in the area.
“Two years ago, an event like this would not have been possible,” said Capt. Calvin Kline, an information operations officer with 1st Battalion, 14th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, Multi-National Division - Baghdad. “Even one year ago, the security situation would not have allowed it.”
Kline, who played a key role in supporting Tarmiyah’s planning for the event, should know. He’s witnessed the gradual transformation of Tarmiyah from one of the “worst places in Iraq” to the booming economic center it is today.
Soldiers from 1st Bn., 14th Inf. Regt., shared the brunt of the work with residents to get the city where it is. During the past year, they’ve seen their role in the area shift after effectively training Iraqi Security Forces in the area and witnessing the Sons of Iraq stand up for their security. They now serve more as advisers in an overwatch position with Iraqis responsible for their own security.
This is also true of the construction there. The majority of reconstruction funds in Tarmiyah come from the GoI. As such, Iraqis are now planning and supervising their own projects in coordination with the GoI, explained Kline. Local officials recognize the Soldiers’ role in reconstruction but are anxious to continue on their own.
“I want this information to reach others,” said Sheik Qassim Khalifa, vice president of the Tarmiyah Qada Council. “Most of the armies around the world are used for destruction. The mission of the American Army is to construct, not destruct.”
When the event kicked off, sheiks from the surrounding areas poured into Bukhari Hall, followed by government officials from Baghdad.
Inside the packed hall, city officials and their guests talked about the display they’d worked all night to construct. There were presentations highlighting construction, industrial progress and their struggles against the extremists.
“Today we’ll show you all of our accomplishments,” Jassim announced. “We’ll show you the huge burden and suffering we went through. With our Sons of Iraq efforts, we were able to defeat terrorists.”
The sheik may be one of Tarmiyah’s best examples of the blood and sweat residents have put into securing the city. He’s lost two sons to terrorism, and his eldest son was wounded by a suicide bomber.
The overall message of the expo was unity, said to Lt. Col. Tom Boccardi.
“Not only did it bring together the Sons of Iraq, Iraqi Police and Iraqi Army – it also brought the local government together with the tribes and government of Iraq,” he said. “Bottom line, they had a vision that I interpret as one of hope.”
Basrah Neighborhood Welcomes New Primary Healthcare Center BASRAH — A newly-opened primary healthcare center in Basrah is providing improved medical care and much-needed jobs for the local community.
“We plan to double our staff of 30 personnel within the next few months and offer additional services,” said Dr. Hadeel Sami, the PHC’s administrator who reports serving about 90 patients daily. “Local families tell us they’re very happy to have this facility in their community.”
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers oversaw construction of the new two-story medical facility, which serves the Hai Al Muhandiseen neighborhood of about 10,000 residents.
Army Engineers Provide Training, Guidance to Ensure Sustainable Infrastructure KIRKUK — Engineers with the Gulf Region Division, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, are teaching and mentoring their Iraqi counterparts on every aspect of reconstruction project development, preparing them to continue building and managing Iraq’s infrastructure after the Coalition leaves.
Lt. Col. Jack Hourguettes is an Army engineer assigned to the Kirkuk Provincial Reconstruction Team - a joint effort to integrate infrastructure projects in the province; such as training, coaching, advising, increasing engineering expertise, and improving decision-making; while balancing political and engineering requirements.
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