Soldiers In 3rd Infantry Work Closely With Local Leaders
After the level of battle and the harsh fighting that used to occur, the Soldiers that patrol the streets of Hamiyah are relieved that the situation has gotten a lot better. Instead of being greeted by insurgents and guns, smiling children greet them on patrol daily, and they pass out pockets full of gum and candy to the appreciative children.
Soldiers from the 3rd Infantry, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 7th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Battalion Company A patrol the streets of Hamiyah every day. “It means a lot to see the smiles instead of the stress of battle. The locals really enjoy the humanitarian aid and gifts, and they are very appreciative,” said First Lieutenant Chris Blom, executive Officer for Company A.
The citizens have slowly relaxed and apparently have come to recognize that the Coalition troops are there to help. The patrols and daily contact have served to help build bridges between the troops and the local leaders, and citizens of the Hamiyah village.
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Discussions with local citizens while on patrol has led to a number of talks with shop keepers, and even city council members. This has opened up a lot of dialog, and all of it positive. “Everything we are involved in has a reaction or a response, its rewarding for things to be going in a positive direction,” said Lieutenant Ryan Daily. Lt. Daily is 2nd Platoon Leader, Company A. Soldiers have had conversations with the city council and the Jurf Nahia Council.
Discussions have been positive, and talks about maintaining security and starting new building projects have been discussed.