Model neighborhood; Active local government keeps Qadisiyah thriving
By Spc. Alexis Harrison, 2nd BCT, 1st Cav. Div. Public Affairs
Jul 11, 2007 - 6:03:05 PM
Blackanthem Military News, BAGHDAD, Iraq — Just to the west of the
International Zone lays a neighborhood that has made great strides in
achieving and maintaining peace and prosperity.
A little more than two years ago, the troops from the “Red Dragons” of
the 3rd Battalion, 82nd Field Artillery Regiment patrolled this
neighborhood in hopes that it would become a beacon of stability for
the area. Now, after the artillerymen from the 2nd Brigade Combat Team,
1st Cavalry Division, have come back after that rotation, they have
noticed that not much has changed. And that's a good thing according to
several of the troops.
The troops maintain a consistent presence in the neighborhood
nonetheless. Recently, instead of just patrolling and maintaining
security, they made a stop in the neighborhood to spread a little cheer
among the kids living there by handing out soccer jerseys, toys and
school supplies July 2.
1st Lt. Joe McDonald said that many of the kids are well-known to his
platoon. The Glenwood, Md., native also said that the kids are always
eager to come out and see the troops when they roll in, especially when
there's a chance of getting a toy or football.
One of the Neighborhood Advisory Council deputy chairmen boasted that
Qadisiyah is the best neighborhood in Baghdad. He's happy to show you
why.
Instead of mounds of trash there are neatly-trimmed bushes along most
of the streets and larger roads. Instead of empty shops, bountiful
fruit stands and even a portrait studio are open and receiving business.
The owner of the shop said that he was very proud to be able to own his
own business and that it was due to the hard work of both Coalition
Forces and the local leaders.
This is all a stark contrast to the neighborhoods around Qadisiyah. The
residents of Karkh along the once-infamous Haifa Street only began to
go about their normal lives after intense fighting was slaked by
Coalition and Iraqi Security Forces earlier this year.
But Qadisiyah has remained quiet. Capt. Don Cherry, commander of the
Co. A "Gators," said that the neighborhood does a good job taking care
of itself by sticking together and taking pride in what they achieved.
He said that many of the residents have been living in the area most of
their lives, and they take an active role in community cohesion with
events like the one for the kids and even humanitarian aid food drops
for residents in need of assistance.
Some of the residents of the neighborhood are English-speaking Iraqis.
Unlike the other residents, they have the unique ability to be able to
carry on light-hearted conversations with the troops as they walk
around talking to people.
While making their special delivery, Soldiers had their hands full with
the small mob of children who had come out for the stuff.
