Coalition Forces Meet at FOB Hammer

Al-Rubay’l, the mayor of Mada’in Qada, talks to the leaders of the 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, Iraqi security forces and fellow civic leaders of the Mada’in Qada in a meeting at the 3rd HBCT’s new Tactical Operations Center, June 27. Col. Wayne W. Grigsby, Jr., from Prince George’s County, Md., the 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team Commander, is seated to Al-Rubay’l’s right.

Story by Spc. Ben Hutto
3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team Public Affairs

FORWARD OPERATING BASE HAMMER, Iraq – Leaders from the Iraqi security forces, 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team and Mada’in Qada met at Forward Operating Base Hammer Wednesday to increase communication among the three elements.

Meeting in the 3rd HBCT’s new Tactical Operations Center, the group reviewed combined operations, lessons learned and future projects in the Mada’in Qada.

“I’m glad we had this meeting today,” said Wayne W. Grigsby Jr., from Prince George’s County, Md., commander of 3rd HBCT. “We want to assist all of you in getting the help you need and we will use our contacts in Baghdad to do that.”

Al-Rubay’l, the mayor of Mada’in Qada, reported that the people in his province are very supportive of coalition forces. He explained that he had witnessed many young men volunteering to join the Iraqi security forces so they can help expel al-Qaida from the province.

“Soon they will be ready to fight and take the lead in operations,” explained Al-Rubay’l through a translator. “The people here are willing to help themselves, but we still need support. The insurgents, we must admit, are well equipped and have military training. They are using innocent women and children as shields. Innocent people would become targets. American help is still needed.”

Grigsby explained that he would provide aid to the people of Mada’in Qada.

“I’m glad to hear that the people of the Qada are tired of terrorist like al-Qaida and JAM (Jayash Al Madi),” said Grigsby. “The people here are standing up and saying they are tired of putting up with bullies and thugs that do not care about the will of the Iraqi people. I applaud them for that.”

Lt. Col. Ryan J. Kuhn, from Clarks, Neb., complimented the Qada Mayor for his government’s work to refurbish the Al Bawi water pump station. The pump station was sabotaged in early-March, prior to the arrival of the 3rd HBCT. When fully operational, the pump station provides more than 90 percent of the water needed in the Mada’in Qada.

“Under the guidance of the mayor, we are almost done with the project,” said Kuhn, the deputy commander of the 3rd HBCT. “The pumps are almost up and ready. This is good, but it also makes the station a target. It has to be protected.”

Brigadier General Hassan, commander, 1st Battalion, 1st Brigade Iraqi National Police, agreed with Kuhn’s assessment.

“The pump station is very vital, so of course we will guard it,” said Hassan.

All parties involved in the meeting agreed to a police recruitment drive that has been scheduled to run from the middle of July until the end of August.

Grigsby praised 1st Iraqi National Police Brigade’s recent involvement in Operation Blore Heath II.

“We really went into where the insurgents are,” said Grigsby. “They (insurgents) are no longer operating normally in this area.”

Near the end of the meeting, Grigsby expressed how pleased he was with the discussions that took place. He expressed that he was looking forward to the next meeting in several weeks.