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Troops help with ISF humanitarian aid

Written by Sgt. Kimberly Johnson, 196th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment Tuesday, October 05, 2010 10:50

BAGHDAD – U.S. Soldiers recently assisted Iraqi Security Forces during “Operation Raider Outreach,” an ISF-led humanitarian aid mission to an area in need near here.

U.S. Army 1st Advise and Assist Brigade Soldiers greet residents of Zambraniyah, Iraq, during an Iraqi Security Forces-led humanitarian mission to the area, Sept. 29, 2010. U.S. troops assisted as needed, while joining their Iraqi counterparts in providing security for the event. U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Kimberly Johnson.

“The Iraqi Security Forces and the local leaders from the Zambraniyah area coordinated the event, due to the mutual trust they have established with each other and the local population,” said Capt. Irvin Nelms, commander of Company A, 2nd Battalion, 7th Infantry Regiment, 1st Advise and Assist Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division, and a Lake City, S.C., native. “The U.S. has done operations there before and these relationships are beneficial because as the U.S. draws down its presence in the months ahead, it gives [the ISF] the framework to continue these operations and assist the local population.”

A woman carries a box of donated food supplies as children wait in line for medical treatment during an Iraqi Security Forces-led humanitarian mission in Zambraniyah, Iraq, Sept. 29, 2010. U.S. Soldiers with 2nd Battalion, 7th Infantry Regiment, 1st Advise and Assist Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division, assisted the ISF in providing security for the event. U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Kimberly Johnson

...“Operations like [Operation Raider Outreach] started in May,” Sierra said. “Since then, we are seeing an increase in the ability of the [ISF] to plan and resource the missions. Also, each time these programs are held, they get closer and closer to their people. That, over time, builds security.”

During this mission to Zambraniyah, medical care was administered, school supplies were distributed and boxes of food were given to the families.

“The medical piece was important, because in order for the local nationals to develop a sense of pride in [the Iraqi Army], they need to feel like they are being supported and protected,” Nelms said. “The best way to do that is by giving them tangible items; something they can hold and see that somebody cares about them.”

There were more than 100 males, 100 females and 50 children treated by medical personnel during the mission, Nelms said.

“The Iraqi Army was in the lead on the treatment,” he explained. “The U.S. medics were just there to provide support.”...

(More here.)