3-1 Cavalry Commander Meets With Sheiks

A local sheik poses a question about projects to Lt. Col. John Kolasheski, from Loudon, Tenn., commander of the 3rd Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment, at a meeting between local sheiks and leaders from the Iraqi army and Coalition Forces at Forward Operating Base Hammer July 17. (Photo by Air Force Staff Sgt. Shawn Weismiller, 1st COMCAM Squadron)

By Staff Sgt. Sean Riley, 3rd HBCT Public Affairs
Jul 19, 2007 - 6:08:21 PM

FORWARD OPERATING BASE HAMMER, Iraq – Lt. Col. John Kolasheski, commander, 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team's 3rd Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment, along with civil affairs leaders, met with sheiks and tribal leaders throughout the brigade's area of operations here Tuesday.

The main objective of the meeting was to discuss future and ongoing civil projects for the Mada'in Qada.

Among many projects, the leaders talked about improving water, local schools, garbage and sanitation needs. The sheiks expressed their concerns to Kolasheski, who agreed to facilitate the sheiks' prioritization of the necessary projects.

During the meeting, Kolasheski, a native of Loudon, Tenn., agreed to release nine detainees to the custody of the sheiks.

The 3-1 Cavalry is assigned to the 3rd HBCT, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Benning, Ga.