FOB KALSU, Iraq (Army News Service, March 3, 2008) - An observant Iraqi citizen contributed to a significant cache find in southern Arab Jabour Friday.
The man, who was driven from his home by al-Qaeda in Iraq, recently returned to the area thanks to the efforts of Soldiers of the 5-7th Cavalry, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division and Sons of Iraq.
The partnership between the two groups has resulted in the ousting of AQI from the area.
The man, whose son is a member of the SoI, located the cache while removing debris from his barn. He noticed discoloration in the dirt and reported his find to Soldiers of Troop B, 5-7th Cav., at Patrol Base Meade.
First Lt. Noah Walker, platoon leader in Troop B, was there when the cache was unearthed. After digging about five feet, Soldiers and local volunteers discovered six 55-gallon drums.
Using a nearby resident's tractor, the barrels were pulled from the ground.
Inside, Walkersaid they discovered 50 rocket-propelled grenade warheads, an RPG launcher, 200 rounds of 37mm ammunition, 500 rounds of 23mm ammunition and 2,000 rounds of .50-caliber ammunition among other munitions.
"It has been great for the locals and community," Walker said of the find and the cooperation between residents and Soldiers that led to it. "If we can secure where the people live and sleep, it helps build up trust."
So far that trust has helped seriously degrade AQI resources in the area, Walker said.
He said at one point, locals pointed out 13 improvised explosive devices over a one-kilometer stretch of road, marking their locations to allow Coalition forces to safely remove the threats.
Besides providing for the safety of the community, the Iraqi man was also compensated for his find. In a show of good will, the man split the reward with the other men who helped remove the barrels and the man who loaned the tractor.
(Sgt. Kevin Stabinsky serves with the 2nd BCT, 3rd Inf. Div. PAO)
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