Photo By Sgt. Tiffany Fudge | Lefebvre presents Dusetov, Ismuhambetov and Mazhimbekov with their AAMs during the...... read more read more
By Spc. Allison Churchill
41st Fires Bde.
FORWARD OPERATING BASE DELTA, Iraq - Soldiers from the Kazakhstan contingency to Iraq reflected on their accomplishments and lessons learned during an end-of-mission ceremony at Forward Operating Base Delta, Oct. 20, 2008, marking the end of their support of Operation Iraqi Freedom since deploying to Wasit province in March of 2003.
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"Since the first day, [our] soldiers have been meritoriously carrying out their mission," said Lt. Gen. Bulat Sembinov, Kazakhstan deputy minister of defense.
Sembinov thanked coalition partners and Iraqi security forces for their "comradeship and partnership" during the Kazakhstani soldiers deployment, noting that his soldiers had not worked alone
Iraqi leaders thanked the Kazakhs for their efforts and pledged to continue building upon the Kazakhs successes, in the continued efforts to strengthen and rebuild Iraq.
"You have fought side-by-side with Iraqi security forces," said Vice Chairman of Iraqi armed forces Gen. Nasier Abadi. "That's a testimony of the progress of our soldiers."
"We are looking forward to building good relationships between Iraq and other countries, based on love and peace and cooperation far away from wars," said Wasit Deputy Governor for Administration Yousif Reja.
The Kazakhstanis received several tokens of appreciation during the ceremony.
Romanian Army Brig. Gen. Mihai Chirita, Multi-National Force – Iraq deputy chief of staff, presented a certificate of appreciation. Marine Maj. Gen. Paul E. Lefebvre, Multi-National Corps – Iraq deputy commanding general, presented a token on behalf of the Corps leadership. Col. Richard Francey, 41st Fires Brigade commander, also gave the Kazakhstan forces a certificate of appreciation.
Four Kazakhstani soldiers were singled out for their service. Capt. Azat Mukhamadiev received the U.S. Army Commendation Medal, and Sgt. Erlan Dusetov, Warrant Officer Amantay Ismuhambetov and 1st Lt. Akylbek Mazhimbekov received the Army Achievement Medal.
During their five years in Iraq, Kazakhstani soldiers a variety of different missions.
A reverse osmosis water purification Unit provided more than 6,000 cubic meters of clean water for Iraqi citizens and coalition forces at and in the areas surrounding Patrol Base Murray.
An explosive ordnance disposal platoon destroyed more than 4 million pieces of ordnance, including 12,821 pieces of unexploded ordnance. A medical section of the EOD platoon provided care to more than 5,000 Iraqi civilians.
| Date Taken: | 10.20.2008 |
| Date Posted: | 10.21.2008 09:50 |
| Story ID: | 25315 |
| Location: | AL KUT, IQ |
| Web Views: | 176 |
| Downloads: | 87 |
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