An amazing story of personal courage, hand-to-hand combat, and a fight for survival in the dark and the mud. The Silver Star was awarded.

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The reason behind the huge influx in numbers of visitors this year is evident in the faces of the people as they feel safer now which makes them more willing to get out with their families and enjoy an evening at the park.

“We come to the park typically on holidays,” said Jameela, a Baghdad resident who was at the park with her children. “This time is much better than before [in terms of safety], better than last year or the year prior to that.”

“Now security is very good. It is safe and I think people are coming here because of that,” said Ali.

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For most Soldiers serving here, it’s hard to imagine a small pond with lush green life around it in the middle of this sand-filled country. However, this oasis is located on the border of Camp Mejid on Al Asad Airbase, and is home to several species of wildlife.

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After a complete assessment had been made, TF 1-6 initiated projects to completely overhaul the structures. Renegade Soldiers watched as all of the schools underwent a transformation. Government-hired Iraqis went to work and replaced wire and electric facilities, installed air-conditioning units, desks, dry erase boards, new playground equipment and repainted the inside and outside of the schools.

“The rebuilding and transformation of the schools was like night and day. It really showed the neighborhood who was on their side, trying to make Jamilla a better place,” said Sgt. Mario Braxton, Co. A, TF 1-6.

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A terrorist detonated a suicide vest Sunday in Mosul while Coalition forces were conducting an operation to capture a wanted man.

As Coalition forces entered the building housing the terrorist, they began receiving small arms fire. Coalition forces returned fire once engaged. A terrorist detonated a suicide vest shortly thereafter in the house.

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The Polish army commanded Multi-National Division – Center South, which operated throughout the Qadasiyah Province. Polish forces completed 10 rotations in Iraq, which ended Oct. 1, and had 10 national contingents under its command including Armenia, Latvia, Mongolia, Poland, Romania, Ukraine, Bosnia and Herzegovina.

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This project and similar ones can now be completed due to the increased security in the Maysan province. The 38th Iraqi Army Brigade, partnered with the 2nd Battalion, 7th Cavalry Regiment, is conducting counter- insurgency operations along the southeastern border of Iraq.

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Ali Al Abdilzahara, Zafaraniyah Essential Services president, and Sabah Alrobaiey, Diyala Neighborhood Council chairman, cut the ribbon to mark an important day for the children in Diyala. Approximately 1,000 students will walk through the gate of the renovated school when the school year begins Oct. 7.

Soldiers from 5th Battalion, 25th Field Artillery, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, Multi-National Division – Baghdad, who assisted in the project, joined in the celebration.

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The legacy leader of one of al-Qaeda in Iraq’s Baghdad networks who was the mastermind behind some of the city’s recent bombings was killed by Coalition forces Friday.

Mahir Ahmad Mahmud Judu’ al-Zubaydi, also known as Abu Assad or Abu Rami, is believed to be the AQI “emir” of the Rusafa neighborhood of Baghdad. He exercised a degree of control over terrorist operations in other districts as well.

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The U.S. 5th Fleet continues to actively monitor the situation with Motor Vessel Faina, the Belize-flagged cargo ship, which was captured Sept. 25.

San Diego-based destroyer USS Howard (DDG 83) is on station and is in visual range of MV Faina, which is anchored off the Somalia coast near the harbor city of Hobyo.

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