Former detainees reintegrated on eve of holiday

Photo By Master Sgt. Mark Burrell | During an Iraqi detainee reintegration ceremony held by Soldiers from 1st Battalion, 150th Armored Reconnaissance Squadron, 30th Heavy Brigade Combat Team, Sept. 19 in southwestern Baghdad, former detainees wait to be released after they sign "Promise to Maintain Peace" paperwork. An official from the government of Iraq, an Iraqi army officer and the local sheik also had to sign and fingerprint the paperwork to vouch for these men.  

BAGHDAD, IRAQ

09.19.2009

Story by Staff Sgt. Mark Burrell 

Multi-National Division Baghdad

BAGHDAD — On the eve of Eid ul-Fitr, Soldiers from 1st Battalion, 150th Armored Reconnaissance Squadron along with Iraqi army soldiers reintegrated ten former detainees back to their families after a small ceremony in southwestern Baghdad, Sept. 19.

Eid ul-Fitr is a Muslim holiday that celebrates the end of fasting for the Islamic month of Ramadan with festivities, friends and family.

"Right at the end of Ramadan, releasing these guys is a good, gracious thing for Americans to do," said Sgt. 1st Class Robert Kennett, a platoon leader assigned to Troop B, 1st Bn., 150th ARS, 30th Heavy Brigade Combat Team. "At the end of their fasting, they have a holiday, so it's just worked out."

"It's an indescribable feeling, I can't put it into words," said a former detainee. "It is very good timing with the celebration for Eid coming."

The men wore new clothes, with creases in their shirts and pants, as they signed paperwork titled, "Promise to Maintain Peace." An official from the government of Iraq, an Iraqi army officer and the local sheik also had to sign and fingerprint the paperwork to vouch for these men.

"We're going to trust these sheikhs to do what they say they're going to do," explained Kennett, a native of Radford, Va. "It puts the responsibility back on the leaders of the community to help us move in the same direction."

In accordance with the U.S. drawdown of troops in Iraq, that direction is putting more responsibility on the Iraqi security forces and community leaders.

"We're handing over [former] detainees and we're handing over responsibility," said Spc. Jeremy Dodson from New Castle, Pa. "These guys are no longer in U.S. detention facilities and if they get picked up again, then they go straight to Iraqi jails."

By handing over more control of detainees and the prison system, U.S. forces are giving Iraqis more control over their areas, explained Dodson, a forward observer assigned to Troop A, 1st Bn., 150th ARS, 30th HBCT.

After much deliberation and paperwork being checked and rechecked, the Iraqi army officers agreed to release the men back to their families.

"I don't think they want to let these guys be released and let them fall through the cracks because of a paperwork glitch," said Kennett about waiting for two hours. "It shows a lot of progress on the IA side."

The released men shared tears and hugs with their families after the ceremony and were ready to begin their lives again.

"I want to get back to driving a taxi," said one of the released Iraqis with a smile on his face. "But I am first thinking about how my kids are doing. I will see them first."

"I believe in second chances," added Dodson after the crowd dispersed. "I hoped they changed their ways, or else we'll be right there to pick them back up again."

• Date Taken: 09.19.2009
• Date Posted: 09.21.2009 01:13
• Story ID: 39059
• Location: BAGHDAD, IQ