Saturday, May 09, 2009

Iraq: On Ground Updates - May 09, 2009

Iraq: On Ground Updates
U.S., Iraqi Police Donate Backpacks
Saturday, May 09, 2009
. Photo/Story from MNF-I website
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FOB DELTA - Iraqi (IP) and U.S. Military Police (MP) partnered for "Operation Backpack," delivering more than 250 backpacks filled with school supplies to the Sukaina School for Girls, May 6th.
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IP from the Old Izza police station in Kut led the humanitarian aid mission while U.S. MPs helped by delivering the backpacks to the IP who then handed them out at the school.
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"This is very beneficial to the students because they are getting supplies to help them with school," said Suhad Naeen Hethel, school manager. "It is also good because it shows the cooperation between the Iraqi Police and Coalition forces."
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The school is located right next to the Old Izza police station, and the station commander said he hopes these types of projects will help [improve] the school-aged children's perceptions of Coalition forces.
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"Today went very well and I hope to continue to do these types of projects in the future so that the children see that they should throw flowers at the Coalition forces . . . because of all the help the Coalition forces have given them," said Lt. Col. Thanwan, Old Izza IP station commander.
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Community policing missions are different than the normal police training missions the MPs normally concentrate on. According to 1st Lt. Tyler Field, an MP platoon leader, these missions play an important role by improving the IP relation with the community.
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"The IP were the ones handing everything out and the children, along with the teachers, saw the IP giving back to the community," said Field. "It's going to go a long way with community policing."
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Operation Backpack is scheduled with other IP stations that the 772nd MP Co., partners with and it's always a good time when they get to do something that benefits the community.
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"I just enjoy doing this stuff," said Sgt. Matthew Dubuc, an MP squad leader. "Just seeing the smiles on the kids faces definitely means a lot. It shows that they really appreciate what we try to do for them."

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Written by Sgt. 1st Class Joe Thompson - Multi-National Division-Center

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