Two policemen with the 1-5-2 National Police unload a chair from a truck during a school supply mission in southern Baghdad Feb. 4. (U.S. Army photo)
BAGHDAD, Iraq (Feb. 7, 2008) — Baghdad Soldiers partnered with Iraqi Security Forces distributed supplies to al Esha’a school of Saydiyah, in southern Baghdad, Feb. 4.
Policemen from the 1st Battalion, 5th Brigade, 2nd Iraqi National Police Division, delivered tables, chairs, book cases, a couch and backpacks for the students.
Soldiers from Company C, 4th Battalion, 64th Armored Regiment, based out of Fort Stewart, Ga., and attached to Task Force Dragon, provided security while the NPs distributed the truckload of furniture and backpacks.
“Their role is increasing,” said Rochester, N.Y., native, Staff Sgt. Timothy Montfort, a squad leader. “We’re pretty much in a supervisory role now. They’re pretty much doing everything and we’re back observing it, helping out where wec an.
“This group we have is really good,” he said. “The groups we’ve been working with, (1st and 3rd Battalions, 5th Bde., 2nd INP Div.) are real professional – their discipline, their security (and) the way they carry their weapons.”
While the NPs took the lead in the mission, MND-B Soldiers said they want to reach out to the Iraqi people.
“We’re uplifting the community,” said Cpl. Steven Kramer, from Antioch, Ill., a team leader with the unit. “We’re making a difference.”