Photo By Sgt. Cassandra Monroe | Brig. Gen. Patrick Donahue II, the Task Force Marne deputy commanding general...... read more read more
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SALAH-AD DIN PROVINCE, Iraq — Brig. Gen. Patrick Donahue II, the Task Force Marne Deputy commanding general maneuver, toured areas and villages throughout Salah ad-Din province with 1st Platoon, Security Detachment, Division Special Troops Battalion, 3rd Infantry Division.
The purpose of the tour was to observe areas of concern in the security detachment's area of responsibility.
"The mission was also a counter indirect-fire mission," said Donahue. "We went to the sites where traditionally rockets and mortars have been fired onto Contingency Operating Base Speicher, so by going out there, we were denying the enemy the opportunity to set up and fire at us."
With members of the security detachment providing security, Donahue first toured the village of Al Mahazem, where he discussed Iraqi citizens' concerns with the area. He also gathered information about the water plant and ensured that everything was working in the area. Following a small patrol through fields of tall grass along the Tigris River, the team mounted their trucks and drove to an area overlooking the river. An area security detachment personnel suspect is being used for enemy activities.
"When we moved to higher ground, he got a view of what we go out and do," said Sgt. Raymond Irizarry, an infantryman with the Security Detachment. "We looked across the river for any potential enemies in the area."
The group inspected holes suspected of being used as a source of indirect fire toward COB Speicher.
The focus shifted from enemy activity to education, when the patrol took an opportunity to stop by a small school. Donahue spoke with Iraqi citizens about the school's construction process and how they can receive both financial and construction aid.
"We followed up on the school, making sure the money that is being put out to fund projects is being used properly to get these schools fixed for these kids out here," said Irizarry.
At the end of the day, the general had a new view of the area and his Soldiers had a new view of their general.
"It went very well, I gained an appreciation for the terrain," said Donahue. "I've flown over the terrain many times, and it's the first time I actually walked over it, and I saw how difficult it was, with the valleys and draws, and places to hide that I have not seen from the air. It was good to get out there."
For Irizarry, it was an experience that was greatly appreciated.
"It's good that the general got to go out there and see what we have to do and become familiar with the area," said Irizarry. "Now, he's 'boots on ground' and can picture the area we're talking about every time we send up reports. It's good that he came out there with us because it brings even more information out."
| Date Taken: | 04.16.2010 |
| Date Posted: | 04.19.2010 12:33 |
| Story ID: | 48350 |
| Location: | SALAH AD DIN, IQ |
| Web Views: | 234 |
| Downloads: | 162 |
This work, Brigadier General conducts battlefield circulation throughout Salah-ad Din province, by SGT Cassandra Monroe, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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