Photo By Michael Molinaro | DIYARAH, Iraq -- Capt. Ben Simms, commander, Company D, 2nd Battalion, 8th Infantry...... read more read more
By Pfc. Michael A. Molinaro
2nd BCT PAO, 4ID
DIYARAH, Iraq -- Residents of Diyarah celebrated the opening of a food distribution center here Jan. 18.
The center enables residents to buy grain, produce and other items at low prices through a program created by the Iraqi government.
"We hope this is the beginning of many openings and celebrations for us," said Saleh Hasen Alwan, the local imam. "The people of this area are in need of something like this."
The town council makes sure the voices of its people are heard, said Capt. Ben Simms, commander, Company D, 2nd Battalion, 8th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division. "Diyarah is a great success because of the town council's commitment to its people."
The project was a total community effort as local politicians acquired funding for the project, construction workers rebuilt the structures, and Iraqi soldiers secured the area so the workers were safe from terrorist threat.
The buildings were destroyed during the initial portion of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Warlords and gang members then used the buildings to organize criminal activities until the Iraqi army planted itself in the town, said Capt. Carlos Badillo, information officer, 2-8 Inf.
The town council feels safe because of the presence of the Iraqi army, Simms said. "They are not afraid of the insurgents."
New bathrooms, ceilings, floors and lighting fixtures were installed for more than 40 local nationals who will work at the center.
"This is a total nationwide effort," said Badillo. "You have the big government helping a small community, and in turn the small community government helping its people. It proves the Iraqi government is working."
| Date Taken: | 01.21.2006 |
| Date Posted: | 01.21.2006 14:46 |
| Story ID: | 5168 |
| Location: | DIYARA, IQ |
| Web Views: | 234 |
| Downloads: | 54 |
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