U.S. ARMY EUROPE STRYKER SOLDIERS JOIN WITH IRAQI POLICE, GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS FOR SCHOOLS UPGRADES

BAGHDAD, Iraq -- Shala Mikla was supposed to be teaching her students about biology

Oct. 31. Instead, the class got a lesson in cooperation.

That was what was on display when U.S. Army Europe Soldiers and Iraqi National Police officers

visited Mikla's classroom at the Al-Andalus Girl's School in Baghdad's Sadr City neighborhood to view

recently completed renovations.

The renovations were part of a joint effort by the Ministry of Education, local neighborhood councils,

school officials, the Iraqi National Police and USAREUR's 1st Squadron, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment.

The students got to see that partnership in action as the Soldiers and police officers, led

by Iraqi Brig. Gen. Ali Ibrahim Daboun, commander of the 8th Brigade, 2nd Iraqi

National Police Division, and Lt. Col. Dan Barnett, commander of the 1-2nd SCR, went

from classroom to classroom to talk with the children and hand out free backpacks.

"Gen. Ali is a great partner. We have a very strong relationship," said Barnett.

The units' relationship has helped the national police and the 1-2nd SCR complete a

project to improve nine schools in the Sadr City area. At the Al-Andalus school, the

renovations included a new roof, a new gate, repairs to cracks in the pavement and stairs,

and a paint job, said Capt. Alex Carter, a civil affairs team chief who helped oversee the

project. All told, contractors put $200,000 worth of work into fixing up the school, Carter

said.

The students in Mikla's class showed their appreciation by giving Barnett a big "Thank

you!" in English when he stopped by the classroom.

"We are very grateful," Mikla said. "For the children, every little bit helps."