Iraqi citizens celebrated the completion of construction at the Omah Moktar School for Girls in the Qadisiyah Apartment Complex in Mahmudiyah, about 20 kilometers south of Baghdad, May 8.

After nearly three months of construction, the Moktar School’s approximately 600 students can now enjoy new windows, gates and doors, as well as new auditorium furniture. Exterior improvements included raising the outer wall as an added security measure.

“The educational environment was greatly enhanced and helped to bolster pride in their school,” said 1st Lt. Jason Potter, Moktar School project manager, 3rd Battalion, 320th Field Artillery, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault). “This project was significant in that it showed the residents of the neighborhood that the Coalition forces are really here to help.”

Mahmudiyah Qada Council chairman Abu Amar, Mahmudiyah Nahia Council president Talib Abbas and Dr. Qais al-Hanni from the Ministry of Education attended the ceremony.

Al-Hanni reminded attendees of education’s importance and maintaining an environment that encourages children to learn.

Students took the stage throughout the ceremony to give speeches, sing and recite poems. One group also performed a short skit reflecting on the successes of Iraqi Security Forces in improving security in the area, and cleaning up the neighborhood’s appearance.

At the end of the ceremony, Soldiers from 2nd Battalion, 25th Brigade, 6th Iraqi Army Division distributed school supplies to the students.

Task Force Marne
By Sgt. 1st Class Kerensa Hardy

Spc. Cameron Beal, of Fort Campbell, Ky. and Staff Sgt. Donovan Miller, of Detroit, Mich., both assigned to Iron Hawk Troop, 3rd Squadron, 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment seize the opportunity for a quick wink between missions, at Combat Outpost Courage, Mosul, Iraq, April 6.

Iraqi army and coalition forces have continued to solidify their gains in Mosul by starting construction on Combat Outpost Shan in the al-Bareed neighborhood.

“They (Al Qaida in Iraq) have used a remote control vehicle borne improvised explosive device, rocket propelled grenades and sniper fire” in an attempt to thwart construction, said 1st Sgt. Anthony Gast, Iron Hawk Troop, 3rd Squadron, 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment. “We are restricting their freedom of movement and they are running out of places they can bring their equipment in.”

The COPs are designed to protect the Iraqi people from potential AQI attacks. This is accomplished by improving security and acting as a facilitator for constant communication between the citizens and their IA and CF protectors.

“The COPs provide increased security and ultimately as security increases, allows for infrastructure improvements and more commerce,” said Gast. “COPs allow the Iraqi army to have a permanent presence and show the Iraqi people that the IA and IP are here to defend them every day and that has made a big difference.”

DVIDS