U.S. Soldiers and Iraqi citizens share the common goal of peace

By Spc. Mike Alberts
3rd Brigade Public Affairs

HAWIJA, Iraq, Feb. 15, 2007 — When they arrived six months ago they knew coalition success in their area of operation would hinge on integrating Iraq’s tribal culture. For centuries, tribal sheiks have influenced the social, economic and political landscape of the predominantly Arab southern portion of the Kirkuk Province.

So they began the arduous process of building relationships. Si x months later, Wolfhound soldiers of the 25th Infantry Division’s 3rd Brigade Combat Team are achieving their goals of a more secure and peaceful region one city at a time.

Soldiers of 2nd Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, hosted a mayoral luncheon welcoming civic and law enforcement leaders from surrounding communities to include the cities of Zaab, Multaka and Hawija to Forward Operating Base McHenry, located just outside of Hawija, Iraq, Jan. 28.

According to Capt. Jeffrey Fuller, fire support officer, the event was organized for the unit to express its appreciation for the support of those cities that have worked with coalition forces to rebuild local communities.
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(Photo: Lt. Col. Drew Meyerowich, battalion commander, 2nd Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, listens to community concerns from civil and law enforcement leaders of communities surrounding Forward Operating Base McHenry, located just outside of Hawija, Iraq, Jan. 29. Courtesy photosuccess much more possible.”)