Building becomes 'shining light' for people of Tal Afar

Photo By Sgt. Armando Monroig | Young Iraqi girls wave flags and cheer in celebration of the grand opening of a new building at the government center in Tal Afar, Dec. 20.  

TAL AFAR, IRAQ

12.20.2006

Courtesy Story

5th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment   

By Sgt. Armando Monroig
5th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

TAL AFAR, Iraq -- City leaders in Tal Afar received more than additional office space with the grand opening of a new building at the city's government center, Dec. 20.

"This building is a symbol for the people of Tal Afar," said Mayor Najim Abdullah Abid Al-Jibouri. "With this building, the people of Tal Afar show their insistence on building their city in spite of the hard situation in Iraq and Tal Afar."

The recently constructed building will house the mayor's office, along with those of other city officials.

More importantly, the building has already become a symbol of the continuing progress being made by the citizens of Tal Afar to be self-reliant, and the dedication of their leaders to keep moving forward, said Lt. Col. Malcolm Frost, 3rd Squadron, 4th U.S. Cavalry Regiment commander.

"It demonstrates the Iraqi security forces are taking the lead," said Frost, whose unit, part of the 25th Infantry Division, provides military support to the Iraq Security Forces operating in Tal Afar. "This becomes the shining light for the seat of governance here."

Frost said the new building is "a visible marker for the transition" of Tal Afar's government to a body which continues to grow less dependent on U.S. influence. To that end, members of 3-4 Cav. have been supporting Iraqi leaders in the western Nineveh Province for the past five months.

"It makes the Iraqi's feel good," said Frost. "It makes them proud that they are moving forward, can do things on their own and are in charge of their future."

Maj. Gen. Benjamin Mixon, the commander of the 25th Inf. Div., headquartered in Tikrit, attended the grand opening and commended the city's leaders on their unity.

"This is what Iraq needs – Iraqis coming together," said Mixon during a press conference held inside the new government building.

"The coalition will stand with you," he said. "It is up to Iraqis to take control of Iraq. I know this great country and people can do that."

• Date Taken: 12.20.2006
• Date Posted: 01.04.2007 09:58
• Story ID: 8739
• Location: TAL AFAR, IQ