Warhorse commander discusses brigade's role

Photo By Sgt. Rodney Foliente | Col. Butch Kievenaar, commander, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, discusses his brigade's role under the U.S. - Iraqi Security Agreement during a press conference at the Basra Operations Center July 8.  

BASRA, IRAQ

07.08.2009

Story by Sgt. Rodney Foliente 

2nd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division

CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE BASRA, Iraq — Col. Butch Kievenaar, commander, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, held a press conference with local media at the Basra Operations Center July 8, to discuss the brigade's role under the U.S. — Iraqi Security Agreement.

"We are not here to conduct combat operations," said Kievenaar. "Everything we do is with [and] in support of your security forces. My brigade and I are committed to fully supporting the Security Agreement."

The brigade turned over two patrol bases in June to the Iraqi police, he said.

"You've had a chance to observe our operations in this province for the last two months and the people of Basra have seen what we're trying to do," said Kievenaar. "Everything we do is in coordination with the leaders of this province."

"We are here to help train and partner with the Iraqi army, police and the Department of Border Enforcement, as well as work closely with your provincial government to improve the basic services here in Basra," said Kievenaar. "When you see us moving through the city, it is either to visit leaders, talk about the challenges they face or conduct training with the security forces that they have requested or to check on projects that we have ongoing in the city to help improve essential services for the citizens of Basra."

He highlighted ongoing essential service projects funded by the U.S. government in the province for electricity, water, sewage and trash.

"These projects are all designed to improve the quality of life for the people of Basra. These projects have all been coordinated with your government and the [director generals] for each of the areas of responsibility," said Kievenaar.

In the two months of operating in Basra, the brigade completed projects worth more than $13 million out of a total of close to $62 million, said Kievenaar.

"While these projects are assisting the people of Basra, there is still a lot of work to do," said Kievenaar, adding that huge strides have been made since the brigade began reconstruction projects in May.

By hiring local contractors which employ local laborers, money spent on the reconstruction projects also filters back into the community, stimulating the economy.

Kievenaar said he is optimistic about the future of the local economy, especially with the stable security situation and ongoing reconstruction projects supported by the provincial government. The brigade has also been working with the border agency to prevent the flow of weapons into Basra.

"Your security forces, on a daily basis, are conducting operations and apprehending those who threaten your security," concluded Kievenaar. "The current security situation the people enjoy here in Basra is all due to them."

• Date Taken: 07.08.2009
• Date Posted: 07.15.2009 04:23
• Story ID: 36389
• Location: BASRA, IQ