Courtesy Photo | Maysan Provincial Reconstruction Team members and Task Force-Business and Stability...... read more read more
By 2nd Lt. Anthony Greco
CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE ADDER, Iraq — Escorting and assisting Provincial Reconstruction Team efforts to build up the civilian infrastructure is almost a daily task for many Soldiers deployed to Iraq, however, the project that members of Task Force Pathfinders participated in Dec. 18, could be considered extra sweet.
Second Platoon, "B" Battery, 2nd Battalion, 29th Field Artillery Regiment, Task Force Pathfinders rolled out that day with eight members of the Department of Defense's Task Force to Improve Business and Stability Operations to the city of Al Majaar Al Kabir, in southern Iraq's Maysan province.
They were escorting TF-BSO personnel to evaluate the Al Majaar Al Kabir Sugar Factory, in need of renovation. The manager of the sugar factory brought in engineers and representatives from several departments within his corporation to meet with the taskforce.
TF-BSO recently completed two inspections with "B" Btry. The first was an initial evaluation of the factory's buildings. The second was to examine the machinery inside and the sugar cane fields once used to supply the factory.
The fields still grow sugar cane, but, without the means to refine it into a finished product, locals have to sell the cane to factories outside of Maysan. The refined sugar then makes its way back to the province and is resold at increased prices in local markets.
The partnership between the Maysan PRT and the Soldiers of "B" Btry is a new one in Iraq, part of the Army's 'advise and assist' concept to better integrate military support into building-up civilian infrastructure.
"The battery does a great job supporting our operations and projects in any way they can," said Steven Banks, Maysan PRT's team leader, "We're delighted to have such great and enthusiastic partners."
While this partnership consists mostly of escort missions to various projects, "B" Battery also conducts Commander's Emergency Response Program inspections and reconnaissance missions to assess Maysan's civil capacity needs.
Each CERP project is a direct result of a recognized need within the Maysan province, coordinated with the provincial government, but requiring funding and expertise local elected leaders simply don't have. Projects cover a variety of civilian needs and are steadily making an impact on the overall quality of life of the citizens of Maysan.
The rehabilitation of the sugar factory is a TF-BSO-led project with help from the Maysan PRT.
Donna Carter, the Maysan PRT's economic advisor, said the facility was "once a thriving industry in Maysan." The factory was capable of providing all of Iraq with its sugar supply and was once referred to as the "jewel of Majaar Al Kabir," but the factory had since been left neglected and abandoned.
"Its state of disrepair stands as a symbol of the despair, frustration and anger felt by many in the province," said Carter.
"Revitalization of this major factory will have a far-reaching impact," Carter said, "not only for the people of Maysan, but also for a legacy of American good will we hope to leave."
| Date Taken: | 12.18.2009 |
| Date Posted: | 01.04.2010 01:09 |
| Story ID: | 43422 |
| Location: | TALLIL, IQ |
| Web Views: | 574 |
| Downloads: | 437 |
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