Iron Rakkasans Provide Humanitarian Relief to Samarra Police

Courtesy Photo | Soldiers from the Forward Support Company, 3rd Battalion, 187th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade, 101st Airborne Division, delivers over 4000 meals to the Samarra's Iraqi Police Station.  

SAMARRA, IRAQ

03.20.2006

Courtesy Story

133rd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

Sgt. Waine D. Haley
133rd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

SAMARRA, Iraq (March 13, 2006) -- The Iron Rakkasans give the Iraqi Police a hand-up not a hand-out as the bombing of the Golden Mosque adds another problem to the people of Samarra.

1st Lieutenant Michael R. Caldwell, Executive Officer, Forward Support Company, 3rd Battalion, 187th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade, 101st Airborne Division makes a big impact with just a small gesture of humanitarian aid.

The 25 or more Iraqi Police stationed in Samarra have not been able to use their normal supply route since the Golden Mosque was bombed by anti-Iraqi Forces. This in-turn caused them to have a shortage of food and water.

Capt. Peter Chacon, 3rd Battalion's Logistic and Supply Officer, organized an emergency food shipment to the Iraqi Police station. Caldwell and as many as 10 Soldiers from the 3/187th made the delivery.

"They [IPs] seemed pretty happy to get it and we are always happy to help out," Cadwell said. "We [3/187th] had the extra supplies so we were able to help."

The 4000 bottles of water and 4000 Hallah meals, which are the equivalent to America's Meal Ready to Eat, were shipped this week to the Samarra Police station.

The mission that had such a big impact took minimal efforts. The convoy carrying the supplies left FOB Brassfield-Mora. Upon arriving at the police station the 978th Military Police Company directed the convoy where to unload. The Iraqi Police Officers took over from there and unloaded their well needed supplies.

"They should now have enough food to sustain them till their system is back online," said Cadwell. "Hey we're here to help. When they hit a bump in the road -- we are here to back them up."

• Date Taken: 03.20.2006
• Date Posted: 03.20.2006 14:43
• Story ID: 5784
• Location: SAMARRA, IQ