Fort Bliss Soldiers Doing Humanitarian Work In Iraq

By Pfc. Jessica Luhrs / Special To KVIA

Two lines formed beside the Mosque in Judeda, near Kirkuk, Iraq.

One line of children excited to receive a new soccer ball and backpack, in the second, adults in the village lined up to receive food and water, from soldiers with the 3rd Brigade, 12th Division Iraqi Army and ‘Blackhawk’ Soldiers of 2nd Platoon, Bravo Troop, 6th Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division, out of Fort Bliss, Texas, April 30.

In the village of farmers, food and water is sometimes tough for the families to get, it is nice to know the village can trust the IA and U.S. Soldiers to help us, said Gema Husizer, a farmer in Judeda.

The village, of around 200 people, is under the watch of Lt. Hussien Abss Haquade, platoon leader for 2nd Company, 3/15th Div. IA, and he ensures each family receives what they need.

Hussien does this by asking the village leader to assist him in identifying the poor and larger families to make sure they receive extra food. The IA soldiers have really stepped it up lately; they want the people in the villages to know they are on the same side, fighting against the insurgents, according to Staff Sgt. Robert Ramos, an El Paso, Texas, native and a ‘Blackhawk’ section sergeant.

Col. Kahalaf Hussien Joseph, battalion commander for 3/15th Div. IA, agreed saying, they no longer want the people of Iraq depending on U.S. forces but to trust their own security forces.

Gaining the trust of the people of Iraq has been a goal of the IA and U.S. forces since the beginning of their relationship, according to Staff Sgt. Ramos.

“We are beginning to move in the right direction,” said Kahalaf. “We are seeing the benefit of our hard work; we are gaining the trust of the people.”