IA Commander Visits FOB Hammer

Maj. Gen. Qassim, commander of the 9th Iraqi army division (Mech), is greeted by Col. Tony Abati, 9th Iraqi army division liaison officer on April 22 at Forward Operating Base Hammer, Iraq. Qassim visited to talk tactics and receive an invitation to the brigade's transfer of authority ceremony.

By Sgt. 1st Class Scott Maynard
3rd Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division

FORWARD OPERATING BASE HAMMER, Iraq – An Iraqi army commander visited on April 22 to thank the commander of 3rd Brigade Combat Team for his support in bringing peace to the Mada’in Qada.

Maj. Gen. Qassim, commander of the 9th IA division (mech) expressed his gratitude to Col. Wayne W. Grigsby, a native of Prince George’s County, Md., for the Hammer Brigade’s hard work.

“I thank you and your brigade for all the support and efforts you brought with you to the Mada’in,” Qassim said.

Grigsby said neither group could have achieved security alone. “Our Soldiers did this together.”

Grigsby invited Qassim to attend the 3rd BCT’s transfer of authority ceremony, as the brigade is nearing the end of its tour.

“I would like to formally thank you and your division at the ceremony for all the hard work, our strong relationship and allowing us to support you here in the Mada’in,” Grigsby said.

Qassim accepted the invitation, expressing his desire to welcome the incoming commander and build a new relationship with him.

The 3rd BCT, 3rd Infantry Division, from Fort Benning, Ga., has been deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom since March 2007