Iraq's future stands up with help from supplies [Image 1 of 6]

TAQADDUM, IRAQ

11.27.2006

Photo by Master Sgt. Willie Ellerbrock 

1st Marine Logistics Group

"When we educate the kids, it's better for them because in the long run they are going to be the leaders of this country," said Petty Officer 3rd Class Kyle B. Whiteman, corpsman with Personal Security Detail, 1st MLG (Forward). American forces and Iraqi soldiers reached out in response to local civilians' requests for medical care and school supplies during a humanitarian mission here Nov. 27. "The civil affairs piece (of our mission in Iraq), it's how we build a relationship and build trust in their community, and also how we help the Iraqi Army and the Iraqi infrastructure stand up on their own," said Army Capt. Adam A. Gilbertson, 30 from Moorhead, Minn. The Iraqi Army led service members from door to door in the town of Mujar, interacting with locals and offering aid in any way possible. Civilians who seemed initially apprehensive soon became friendly, offering gratitude and sometimes tea to their visitors. "No matter what it is, security, medical, or just someone to talk to, they know that we're here for that? they can definitely move forward from this point on," said Petty Officer 1st Class Amber N. Floyd, a 32-year-old from Atlanta and a corpsman with Taqaddum Surgical, 1st MLG (Forward). The Army's 2-136th is deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom in the Al Anbar Province of Iraq (MNF-W) to develop the Iraqi Security Forces, facilitate the development of official rule of law through democratic government reforms, and continue the development of a market based economy centered on Iraqi Reconstruction. photo by: Gunnery Sgt. Willie Ellerbrock

• Date Taken: 11.27.2006
• Date Posted: 12.04.2006 03:35
• Photo ID: 33751
• VIRIN: 061127-M-2258E-001
• Resolution: 2160x1697
• Size: 2.12 MB
• Location: TAQADDUM, IQ