CLICK HERE FOR THOUSANDS OF FREE BLOGGER TEMPLATES »

Tuesday, October 7, 2008

Good News from Iraq: 7 Oct 2008

From MNF-I, Marines Help Iraqis Rebuild Schools Destroyed by Terrorists.

SAQLAWAIYAH — It was local Iraqi’s unshakable resolve which stood at the forefront of a project to rebuild two schools destroyed in the wake of two terrorist bombing attacks last year.

The Iraqis, with assistance from numerous Coalition Civil Affairs Teams, finished reconstruction of the al Iqitdar and al Churhabil schools here, Sept. 21.

Marines with Civil Affairs, Detachment 3, Team 4, attached to Task Force 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 1, managed the Iraqi-led reconstruction projects for the past six months.

“We assisted in the funding, oversaw each phase of reconstruction and held Iraqi contractors to the standards of reconstruction in the work contract,” explained Gunnery Sgt. Anthony Zamora, the chief for Team 4.

The completed projects met, and in some areas, exceeded the team’s expectations, said Sgt. Aaron M. Raher, a 28-year-old security chief with Team 4 from San Diego.

New structural support, refurbished class rooms and sustained electricity throughout the schools came just in time for the approaching school year.

Read the rest here.