thedrifter
03-18-07, 03:14 PM
2/3 enjoys accomplishments
Gunnery Sgt. Brenda L. Varnadore
BARWANAH, Iraq(March 17, 2007) -- BARWANAH, Iraq – Marines from Company F, 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, took a step back to walk through Barwanah, Iraq, and noticed the difference in the city from a mere six months ago.
In just a few months, the Marines, working with Battalion Landing Team, 2nd Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable), have assisted in setting up an Iraqi Police Force and are well on the way to having the Iraqi Army take control of the once hostile city.
“Six months ago, these (Iraqi) soldiers weren’t the most professional or the most organized,” said 2ndLt. Aaron Brusche, platoon commander, Co. F, 2nd Bn. 3rd Marines. “Now, they give orders, write their own missions and operate under the proper (rules of engagement).”
During a recent meeting with Multi-National Force-West, Ground Combat Element Commanding General, Brig. Gen. Charles M. Gurganus, Iraqi Army Capt. Muhanaed Hashim, expressed his desire to secure Barwanah and ensure safety for all its citizens.
“We wish to make this the safest place in all Iraq,” said Hashim. “We are going to do big missions here and we have worked well and learned well from our Marine friends. God willing, we will do our best to keep safe as possible.”
Not only do the soldiers have high hopes, but the Iraqi Police Department in Barwanah has been working with the Marines and the Iraqi Army to help the citizens rid their city of insurgents. A recruiting drive last month in this city, attracting more than 60 recruits, was spearheaded by local sheiks. Before the drive, there were no police to be seen, said Brusche, a New York native.
“We look forward to working with the (Iraqi) Army. We are from here, we know the people and we know who is bad,” said Capt. Thaer Mutar, Barwanah police chief. “We are people of this city and look forward to working with Marines and seeing progress. Just support us and we will do our best.”
Brig. Gen. Gurganus expressed that he would be here for a long time and looked forward to seeing the progress of the Iraqi police and Army. Insurgent activity is still in the area, but not as prevalent as it was once.
”We will get them one by one,” said Brig. Gen. Gurganus.
But, the Iraqis and Americans alike are looking forward to the future stability.
”We are looking forward to getting you a new jail and getting you new recruits,” said Brig. Gen. Gurganus,
As 2nd Bn, 3rd Marines, prepares to leave, they know the unit replacing them has their work cut out for them, but things are on the right path, said Brusche. Their Iraqi counterparts know this, too.
“I wish the Marines who are leaving here soon make it home safely because they have done well and have sacrificed a lot,” Hashim. “I look forward to working with the new Marines and will cooperate. Peace is coming soon to this area, but needs time and patience.”
Ellie
Gunnery Sgt. Brenda L. Varnadore
BARWANAH, Iraq(March 17, 2007) -- BARWANAH, Iraq – Marines from Company F, 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, took a step back to walk through Barwanah, Iraq, and noticed the difference in the city from a mere six months ago.
In just a few months, the Marines, working with Battalion Landing Team, 2nd Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable), have assisted in setting up an Iraqi Police Force and are well on the way to having the Iraqi Army take control of the once hostile city.
“Six months ago, these (Iraqi) soldiers weren’t the most professional or the most organized,” said 2ndLt. Aaron Brusche, platoon commander, Co. F, 2nd Bn. 3rd Marines. “Now, they give orders, write their own missions and operate under the proper (rules of engagement).”
During a recent meeting with Multi-National Force-West, Ground Combat Element Commanding General, Brig. Gen. Charles M. Gurganus, Iraqi Army Capt. Muhanaed Hashim, expressed his desire to secure Barwanah and ensure safety for all its citizens.
“We wish to make this the safest place in all Iraq,” said Hashim. “We are going to do big missions here and we have worked well and learned well from our Marine friends. God willing, we will do our best to keep safe as possible.”
Not only do the soldiers have high hopes, but the Iraqi Police Department in Barwanah has been working with the Marines and the Iraqi Army to help the citizens rid their city of insurgents. A recruiting drive last month in this city, attracting more than 60 recruits, was spearheaded by local sheiks. Before the drive, there were no police to be seen, said Brusche, a New York native.
“We look forward to working with the (Iraqi) Army. We are from here, we know the people and we know who is bad,” said Capt. Thaer Mutar, Barwanah police chief. “We are people of this city and look forward to working with Marines and seeing progress. Just support us and we will do our best.”
Brig. Gen. Gurganus expressed that he would be here for a long time and looked forward to seeing the progress of the Iraqi police and Army. Insurgent activity is still in the area, but not as prevalent as it was once.
”We will get them one by one,” said Brig. Gen. Gurganus.
But, the Iraqis and Americans alike are looking forward to the future stability.
”We are looking forward to getting you a new jail and getting you new recruits,” said Brig. Gen. Gurganus,
As 2nd Bn, 3rd Marines, prepares to leave, they know the unit replacing them has their work cut out for them, but things are on the right path, said Brusche. Their Iraqi counterparts know this, too.
“I wish the Marines who are leaving here soon make it home safely because they have done well and have sacrificed a lot,” Hashim. “I look forward to working with the new Marines and will cooperate. Peace is coming soon to this area, but needs time and patience.”
Ellie