Multi-National Corps – Iraq
Public Affairs Office, Camp Victory
APO AE 09342

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
RELEASE No. 20080513-06
May 13, 2008

3-6 FA Soldiers bond with local villagers in northeastern Iraq
By Capt. Shannon Wolf 1-10 Mtn. Div., 3-6 FA Multi-National Division – North

KIRKUK, Iraq – Since arriving to Kirkuk in September, Soldiers with the 1-10th Mountain Division’s 3rd Battalion, 6th Field Artillery Regiment, have been conducting routine patrols to villages in their area of operations in an effort to establish lasting relationships with the local populace.
 
The battalion’s Headquarters and Headquarters Battery frequently meet with local citizens to talk about security, infrastructure and other concerns the people are facing. Their efforts are helping villages in the area become more stable and self-reliant.
 
“When we enter these villages, the first thing we see is kids waving their hands and smiling. They are always very curious as to see what we will be doing in their village”, said 1st Lt. Jocephus Carlile, HHB, 3-6 FA.  “We strive to interact with the children to make them feel more at ease, and as an avenue toward good relationships with their parents.” 
 
Shortly after arriving to the villages, the Soldiers begin handing candy and other treats for the children before meeting with the local leaders to discuss the area.
 
Along with security, water is one of the biggest concerns for all villages within the battalion’s area of operations. Currently, villagers get their water from small diameter pipes that run unprotected across the open fields. 
 
During a recent visit, the 3-6 FA Soldiers gathered water samples that will be tested for possible bacterial or chemical contaminants. 
 
Sipping hot chai tea with the local leaders, the Soldiers discuss a number of projects that will eventually lead to the development of new playgrounds for the children and new job opportunities for the parents.
 
The villagers remain hopeful that safety will continue to improve as the government becomes more stable. 
 
In each meeting, the Soldiers are shown tremendous support by the villagers and are invited back for future meetings.
 
“The type of support we receive will help maintain the momentum toward a secure, stable area, and allow the electrical and oil infrastructure of northeastern Iraq to grow and continue to serve the people of Iraq as a whole,” said Staff Sgt. Patrick Sutphin, HHB, 3-6 FA. 

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