A first of many historic days

Courtesy Photo | An Iraqi man casts his constitutional referendum ballot at a Musaib polling site Oct.15. The Iraqi polling booths were made of cardboard boxes.  

BALAD, IRAQ

10.20.2005

Courtesy Story

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Story by U.S. Army Pfc. Mark B. Matthews


LOGISTICS SUPPORT AREA ANACONDA, Balad Iraq - On Sept. 17, 1787 the Constitution of the United States was signed. Since then the citizens of the U.S. have benefited from the rights given to them by the people who fought for peace, freedom and a chance to pursue a democratic way of life. This year a new nation stands tall and brings forth a constitution that will hopefully give its people a life they thought they would never get to live.

Thousands of Iraqis were seen in the streets with smiles and purple fingers waving high in the air after they had cast their ballots for the new Iraqi Constitution on October 15.

The goal for the elections was not for the Iraqi people to favor the constitution overwhelmingly, but to give them the opportunity to experience democracy in action and to feel their voices can now be heard.

"The Iraqi people can vote "Yes" or they can vote "No" and that is their freedom," said Staff Sgt. Joseph Shicker, Tactical Psyop Detachment 1090.

Although citizens had to be 18 years of age or older to vote, the election meant just as much or more to the children of Iraq.

"These elections mean a chance for freedom and I believe it means especially more to the kids," said Shicker. "If we can teach the kids about democracy, voting and freedom I think down the road things will go a lot smoother for the Iraqi people."

The elections were very successful, however, the reason for the success is partly due to the cooperation between the Iraqi Army, the Iraqi police and the U.S. military.

"The IA's and IP's did a great job," said Master Sgt. Carlos Saenz, B Company 490th Civil Affairs Battalion. "They were very professional, aware and well equipped thanks to their leadership."

"My guys did a great job," said Lt. Col. Mohammed, Iraqi Battalion Executive Officer. "If we follow the American forces 100 percent then we will be able to lead this country to the future."

Civil Affairs and Psyops worked closely along side each other to supervise and support the election process.

"The biggest thing that we did was to bring civilian and military forces together so that the entire operation would go smoothly," said Maj. Lloyd Navarro Jr., B Co. 490th Civil Affairs Bn. "Also leading up to the elections we checked up, armed and trained IA's and IP's."

As American and Iraqi forces secured the area, citizens began to pour into the polls to vote on the Iraqi referendum. The Iraqi people can count on these types of elections to be held more often. The citizens of Iraq will be able to vote for officials, laws and anything that concerns them.

"It was a historic day for the Iraqi people and a chance for them to experience
democracy," said Staff Sgt. Joe Conway, B Co. 490th Civil Affairs Bn. "It will probably take the Iraqi people some time to get to where they want to be, but I see a lot of potential and eagerness to turn their country into what they want it to be."

Editor's note; Pfc. Matthews is assigned to the 27th Public Affairs Detachment from Fort Drum, NY. He is currently deployed to Iraq in support of the 1st Corps Support Command at LSA Anaconda.

• Date Taken: 10.20.2005
• Date Posted: 10.20.2005 17:15
• Story ID: 3416
• Location: BALAD, IQ