Good News from Iraq: 20 Mar 2008

From MNF-I, MND-N Soldiers Take Mosul’s Pulse.

MOSUL — Soldiers assigned to 1st Battalion, 8th Infantry Regiment in Mosul are working to assess and help improve services for basic needs such as schools, healthcare and security.

“Essentially we go out and speak with key people at schools, neighborhood healthcare clinics, shopkeepers and local leaders,” said 1st Lt. Larry Gwinn, a platoon leader with the Regiment. “We get to know the people and what their needs are; this will help up us as we enter the rebuilding phase.”

Gwinn said sanitation workers were already hired through the local government and were making a difference in the community. Several other contracts are also in the bidding process for community improvements.

“The Soldiers on the ground are fighting the enemy on several different levels. This phase of the fight helps the citizens, and helps the Iraqi Security and Coalition forces through mutual cooperation,” said Capt. Melody Faulkenberry, spokesperson for Multi National Division – North.