|
Blackanthem Military News
|
Last Updated:
Mar 20, 2010 - 5:39:42 PM |
|
|
Blackanthem Military News
 |
| Dr. Abd Alghafoor Alsamare, head of the Sunni Endowment for all of Iraq, addresses an audience in Nasser Wa Salam Sept. 29, of almost 1,500 locally-recruited Iraqi Police who recently graduated from the Baghdad Police Academy. The celebration marked the great strides the residents in the area have made concerning the security situation in their own communities. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Jon Soucy, 58th IBCT Public Affairs) |
NASSER WA SALAM, Iraq - The village of Nasser Wa Salam celebrated the graduation of almost 1,500 Iraqi Police candidates who were recruited from the local area, Sept. 29.
The gathering, which all of the new officers attended, included several hundred local residents, roughly 50 local sheiks and tribal leaders and Soldiers from the 2nd Battalion, 5th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division.
The celebration marked the end of a three-month effort to get volunteers from the local tribes in the Abu Ghraib area -- who stepped forward to fight Al Qaeda -- through the Iraqi Police recruiting, training and stationing process. The local leaders invited the 1st Cavalry Division troops to the event to show their appreciation for their efforts in accomplishing these tasks.
"This is an historic date for the people of Abu Ghraib (and) Nassir Wa Salam," said Col. Paul E. Funk II, commander of the 1st Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cav. Div. "These almost 1,500 new graduates of the IP course is historic in that it is the Iraqi people standing up to protect themselves."
The event included songs and speeches by many prominent leaders. One of the more well known speakers was Dr. Abd Alghafoor Alsamare, head of the Sunni Endowment for all of Iraq.
For many, the event was a way to look toward the future of the area.
"This town represents what Islam stands for, which is a community working together for peace and prosperity." said Lt. Col. Kurt Pinkerton, commander of 2nd Battalion, 5th Cavalry Regiment. "I look forward to working with the community and the new Iraqi police to further stabilize and secure Iraq, and eliminate all extremists who want to take away (the local resident's) riches and futures."
The event concluded with the posting of duty assignments for those who recently graduated, which is something that will help Coalition Forces achieve their security goals for the area.
"Our goal here is to bring stability and security to the region so there will be opportunities, in my area, for all people to stand up and help secure their own neighborhoods and their own communities," said Funk.
ADDITIONAL PHOTOS:
 |
| Lt. Col. Kurt Pinkerton addresses the audience in Nasser Wa Salam during a celebration marking the graduation of almost 1,500 locally-recruited Iraqi Police officers from the Police Academy Sept. 29. The gathering, which all of the new officers attended, included several hundred local residents, roughly 50 of the local sheiks and tribal leaders, and Soldiers from the 2nd Battalion, 5th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Jon Soucy, 58th IBCT Public Affairs) |
|
 |
| Lt. Col. Kurt Pinkerton stands among the almost 1,500 locally recruited Iraqi Police officers in Nasser Wa Salam, who were celebrating their graduation from the Baghdad Police Academy. The gathering, which all of the new officers attended, included several hundred local residents, roughly 50 of the local sheiks and tribal leaders, and Soldiers from the 2nd Battalion, 5th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Jon Soucy, 58th IBCT Public Affairs) |
|
 |
| Lt. Col. Kurt Pinkerton sits with tribal leaders and Sheiks at a celebration in Nasser Wa Salam marking the graduation of almost 1,500 locally recruited Iraq Police officers from the Baghdad Police Academy Sept. 29. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Jon Soucy, 58th IBCT Public Affairs) |
|
|
Comments
NO Soliciting.
Comments with links to websites or soliciting services will be removed.
Please read our Terms of use for more information.
|
Top of Page
|
|
|
|