RAMADI, Iraq (Army News Service, Sept. 1, 2010) -- Iraqi Police officers in Anbar province distributed care packages to Iraqis-in-need, Aug. 29, at the Anbar Business Center in an effort build a more stable and self-sustaining country.
About 20 members of the Ramadi City District Police coordinated the humanitarian assistance operation that provided nearly 500 residents with packages containing rice, flour, sugar, powdered milk and cooking oil.
The Iraqi Police provided security around the business center, ensuring the safety of those in attendance. U.S. Army senior leaders are hoping the long-term effect from these operations is an increased trust between civilians and the Iraqi government, said 1st Sgt. Chad Brown, a first sergeant with the 4th Advise and Assist Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division. Brown's team of 25 Soldiers supported the IP-led humanitarian assistance.
"They asked us to be there just as an outside force, but most of the work they did themselves," he added. "The Iraqi Police are stepping up and taking the lead in almost all operations."
Brown, a four-time combat veteran, said much has changed since he first deployed to Iraq with the 3rd ID during the 2003 invasion. "With the invasion, there was the excitement of coming in and liberating Iraq," he said.
There has been significant improvement in Iraq that has resulted in a philosophy that success is absolutely attainable, Brown said.
Second Lt. Dan Smith, fire support officer for 15th Infantry Regiment, 3rd ID, said the IP-led event helped give the local population confidence in the Iraqi Security Forces and the Iraqi government.
"The event was conducted smoothly and efficiently and illustrated the Iraqi Police's ability to adapt to different security environments and to conduct a well-organized mission," Smith said.
Brown said this was the second humanitarian assistance mission his regiment has supported since their arrival in Anbar Province in July. Soldiers in his battalion plan to support more IP-led events like this in the future.
"Even though our mission now is to [advise and assist] the Iraqi government, as an American Soldier, I like to get out and see the good order of effects that we can bring," he said.
"It's always a good feeling to just interact with the local culture," Brown added. "There will be a lot of people tonight...enjoying some of the food that was handed out today."
(Staff Sgt. Tanya Thomas writes for 4 AAB, 3rd ID)
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