Iraq 2009

By Pfc. Kelly LeCompte

BAGHDAD, IRAQ -  Spc. Yessenia Morales, of High Point, N.C., and Spc. Felicia Sloan, of Lumberton, N.C., are two military police Soldiers that serve as mine resistant ambush protected vehicle drivers in security details for the command group of the 30th Heavy Brigade Combat Team.

Morales, one of two females on her protection team, looks after Col. Greg Lusk, the North Carolina Army National Guard brigade's commander, while Sloan, one of three females on hers, protects the brigade's Command Sgt. Maj. John Swart.

By Spc. Michael Behlin

JOINT BASE BALAD, Iraq – Just seven months ago, Joint Base Balad's Iraqi-owned container repair yard consisted of 45 workers and a quota to repair a minimum of 60 containers per month.

Since then, the Miran Village Company has continued to exceed its production standard monthly since January. This accomplishment, however, pales in comparison next to what the company has grown into today through the hard work of its Iraqi owner and staff, and U.S. Forces.

By Sgt. Joshua Risner
TAJI, Iraq – Iraqi policemen at the Tarmiyah Police Station here, learned some useful techniques in first aid from Soldiers of the 591st Military Police Company, 93rd MP Battalion, 8th MP Brigade, May 16.

The training focused on controlling bleeding from an arm or leg, according to Pfc. Evan Mead, from Londonderry, N.H., a medic with 591st MP Co.

CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE ADDER, IRAQ – The Iraqi army's 10th Division sent out their ground troops and air support assets to conduct the first large-scale combined-arms live-fire exercise, nicknamed Operation "Lion's Roar" in southern Iraq, April 19.

"They did outstanding," said Maj. Gen. Michael Oates, the 10th Mountain Division's commander, said about the Iraqis' efforts during the training event. "The Iraqi army is here to defend its citizens and protect their borders."

By Spc. Kiyoshi Freeman

AL ASAD AIR BASE, IRAQ - An Army vaccination program to protect service members and local wildlife from rabies has been going on here and throughout Iraq for more than two and a half years.