BAGHDAD - Soldiers from Company C, 1st Battalion, 111th Infantry Regiment, 56th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, conducted a presence patrol in the Al-Faris area, southwest of Tarmiyah Friday, March 13.
"We were basically patrolling the area, showing our presence, letting the people in that neighborhood know we're there to protect them," said Sgt. 1st Class James Mergott, a platoon sergeant from Ridley, Pa.
"From my perspective, I thought the patrol went well. I'm a vehicle commander, so I was in the vehicle providing over watch and could see what was taking place."
Prior to the patrol, Soldiers stopped by traffic control points manned by their Iraqi Army counterparts. Company C Soldiers and Iraqi Army soldiers routinely patrol through the village, providing security for residents and giving Soldiers the opportunity to learn about resident's concerns. Staff Sgt. Michael Brown, of Exeter, Pa., said the Al-Faris residents have spoken to patrolling Soldiers about how conditions have improved.
"We did a presence patrol in the neighborhood to talk to some of the local nationals, to see what they need overall in the neighborhood," Brown said. "Each time we're there, it's just getting better."
Brown said many of the Al-Faris residents had relocated to the area from Baghdad, because of previous insurgent activity there. Brown said the Al-Faris residents who had relocated want only to start over and live quietly.
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