North Babil tribal sheiks, ISF have farewell, welcome luncheon with Coalition Forces commanders

Photo By Spc. Amanda McBride | Col. Michael Garrett, center, seated, commander of the 4th Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division, and Col. Thomas James, right, seated, commander of the 4th Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, together with Iraqi security force representatives, speak with tribal sheiks from North Babil province at a special luncheon at Forward Operating Base Kalsu, Nov. 30.  

ISKANDARIYAH, IRAQ

12.01.2007

Courtesy Story

4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division Public Affairs

4th Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division PAO

FORWARD OPERATING BASE KALSU, Iraq — Local sheiks representing both Sunnis and Shias met yesterday with Iraqi security force leadership to hail the newest brigade commander in their area and say farewell to Col. Michael Garrett, commander of the 4th Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division.

Garrett gave opening remarks before the luncheon began, stating that the intent of the meeting was to focus on the accomplishments made in the area of operations over the past 14 months and to look to the future.

The sheiks expressed their heartfelt gratitude for the coalition forces and their help in bringing peace to their towns. They thanked Garrett and his brigade for their help in stabilizing their tribal areas. Col. Thomas James, commander of the 4th Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division to the North Babil province pledged to continue to assist the Iraqi people as they forge ahead together to work to build a secure, unified Iraq.

James received a warm welcome by the sheiks as each one of them welcomed him and his brigade, saying that they look forward to building on the strong relationship that has developed over the past several months.

"This has been an incredible experience for me personally and professionally for the last 14 months," Garrett said. "And so, I will remember this time for the rest of my life."

James said, "We look forward to the future and building on the partnership that the Spartan Brigade has formed with the core tribal leaders. I am extremely confident that we will be successful."

• Date Taken: 12.01.2007
• Date Posted: 12.03.2007 15:58
• Story ID: 14374
• Location: ISKANDARIYAH, IQ