Photo By Sgt. Daniel West | 2nd Lt. Francisco Ruiz, of El Salvador's Battalion Cuscatlan, passes a bag of food to...... read more read more
By Sgt. Daniel T. West
41st Fires Brigade, Public Affairs Office
FORWARD OPERATING BASE DELTA, Iraq – Nearing the end of their six-month tour in Iraq, soldiers of El Salvador's Battalion Cuscatlán have begun to wrap up some projects in Wasit province, and prepare others for transfer to the next rotation.
"We developed projects for water, education, health and humanitarian aid," said Col. Walter Mauricio Arévalo, Battalion Cuscatlán commander.
"That included repairing air conditioning for medical facilities, constructing and equipping classrooms, providing office furniture and distribution of humanitarian assistance packets, such as food, children's clothing and school supplies," he added.
This is the tenth rotation since El Salvador began deploying troops to Iraq in August 2003. The current rotation has been at Forward Operating Base Delta since February.
The contingent's primary mission is humanitarian in nature - supervising construction projects and distribution of humanitarian aid, Arévalo said. The incoming contingent will continue humanitarian work as well.
Part of their preparation for the turnover of responsibility is planning for future projects and acquiring supplies so it will be a seamless transition when the new battalion arrives.
"The plan is for us to buy the supplies now, and the 11th rotation will distribute them," said Arévalo. "We will also be turning over several projects, including a playground being developed at al Thobad and projects to bring equipment to hospitals and medical facilities around the area."
The turnover process will take eight days, and the new battalion will be briefed on current projects, humanitarian aid missions, as well as visiting four different locations around the province.
The Cuscatlán Battalion accomplished many things during their time in Wasit province, but the relationships they built with community leaders were their most significant achievement, Arévalo said.
"They've told me they believe the battalion is important, delivering humanitarian assistance and developing projects that have a positive impact on the people," he said. "They said they want Battalion Cuscatlán to stay for a long time, even that they want two battalions. They believe we're making a positive impact."
The U.S. Army has also provided key support for our projects, Arévalo said.
"Without them, we couldn't have achieved any of what we did," he added. "The relationships we had with the U.S. and other coalition countries were critical for the mission we had."
Looking forward, Arévalo said his soldiers were happy, and believe they brought a positive impact to the province.
"I believe the next rotation will do well," he said. "I have spoken with their commander many times, both on the phone and through email. He is happy with the mission, and they will make their best effort to accomplish this humanitarian mission."
| Date Taken: | 08.16.2008 |
| Date Posted: | 08.16.2008 04:26 |
| Story ID: | 22553 |
| Location: | AL KUT, IQ |
| Web Views: | 257 |
| Downloads: | 200 |
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