A Soldier’s Story
Baghdad, Iraq 2004

By: Heather Nugent

As a Civil Affairs Specialist in the United States Army Reserves, we see the rewarding side of the War on Terrorism, Operation Iraqi Freedom. Our mission is to “win the hearts and minds” of the local population. Our mission includes rebuilding schools, hospitals, and municipality projects; each project improves the standard of living for the local nationals. Many of the locals were neglected during the Saddam Regime, their country consisted of the “haves” and “have nots.” Our main focus is the “have nots.” Imagine a school with raw sewage running through the bathroom, windows and doors missing, walls crumbling down, and extremely warm drinking water. As an American this was difficult for me to imagine, until I was deployed to Iraq.

Thus far the press has revealed many of the violent acts throughout Iraq, although they are missing the complete picture. I have frequently been asked if I think we should be there, my answer is yes. There are many days that I would love to enjoy the conveniences of home, although that is the day that you made a difference in the local populace. That is the day when you “rolled” through town, up armored, prepared to encounter the enemy while on mission to help the people, when a group of children and adults stop what they are doing to wave or give you a thumbs up. They stand there jumping up and down, thankful that the Americans are in town. Examples are daily, when working with the locals, one day I was on my way to a meeting, this small girl stopped me, it is common for the locals to stop us and beg, but this little girl and her family were different. I knelt down to give her a five, she didn’t understand the concept of “giving a five,” and she placed her palm on mine. Her aunt, witnessing the child’s curiosity, could speak English, she asked if I would be there tomorrow, I said no, but I would try to visit again. In her broken English she stated, “You welcome to my house, you come anytime.” These are the people we are fighting for, the innocent families, the people who have no concept of freedom; although they know because of the Americans Iraq is becoming a better place.

I am thankful I have had the opportunity to see the differences that the American Soldiers are making for the Iraqi people. I am fortunate enough to witness the progress, which has required many soldiers deployed stateside and overseas, and the friends, families, and citizens who without wearing a uniform, support and fight for the cause. The cause, a war to free the Iraqi people, innocent families who remain different than us by nothing more than where they were born and because of that everything beyond their birth is different. As a whole I believe our nation is doing the right thing by removing the Saddam Regime and occupying Iraq, fighting for a cause that many years ago our ancestors fought for to provide our freedom.

Tennessee Civil Affairs Team Helps Community Build School
By: Sean Llewellyn

The children of Al-Bata Village attended school by making a journey across HWY 1 to a neighboring school. This path caused many injures and a few fatalities among the students who were forced to walk though the continuous flow of traffic crossing one of the countries main roadways. The villagers deemed this unsafe for their children and petitioned the former regime to construct a school within the village of Al-Bata. The former regime denied the villagers’ request.

The people of the village committed to the leaders of tomorrow, their children and students, took a proactive approach to their denial and began building a school. This effort was possible as a result of a local sheik donating the land and the villagers donating funds. Shortly, after the foundation was poured and first bricks were laid, the war started. The construction and the funding came to a screeching halt. The war ended and the hopes of a new school were looking bleak. The school’s funding had dried up almost completely.

The villagers brought their concern to the new government, the Taji Nahia, to try their luck at getting a new school. The Taji Nahia or NAC (Neighborhood advisory council) located ten miles north of Baghdad, a part of the Sunni Triangle, made this project one of its highest priority. The Iraqi government then brought it to the attention of the civil affairs team in charge of this area. Bravo Company, 489th Civil Affairs Team 5 (out of Knoxville, Tennessee) has been working in this area for many months now, trying to legitimize and strengthen the local government thru coordination of projects. Projects like assessing local police departments and the recruiting of officers, repairing of roads, bridges, irrigation systems, and schools.


Schools are especially important to team 5 because just like in America, the children are the future of Iraq and no one knows this better then the team 5 team sergeant, Staff Sergeant A.C. Willis, ”The children of Iraq must walk many miles just to get to school.” The Sevier County High School biology teacher states. “The children mean a great deal to myself and the team.” So they immediately surveyed the site to come up with a scope of work. After finding funding and a contractor on May of 2004, the villager’s dream of a new school was once again re-ignited.
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The work was started in June, bringing this project back to life. On July 25, 2004 the Village of Al-Bata School was finally completed. The people of Al Bata village finally have their school as a direct result of the strength and unity of Al Bata village the Taji Nahia’s dedication to its people and Team 5’s hard work and professionalism. Because of this successful union, 400 students not only have a school to call their own, but a brighter future for the leaders of tomorrow, their families and ultimately Iraq.

Basateen: How Civil Affairs Gave Hope
to a Growing Community in Baghdad

By: SGT Jason M. Jones

Basateen is a small neighborhood in Baghdad located in Northern Adhamiya situated between two main arteries that link Northern and Southern Iraq. It is the home of an estimated 30,000 people. Basateen had many problems when Team 1, B Company, 489th Civil Affairs Battalion arrived in early February 2004. The neighborhood had no sewage system and no drainage system, making life unsanitary, inconvenient, and absolutely miserable for the residents there during the rainy season. Furthermore, there was no building to support its own new municipal government and only one badly damaged, paved road through the area to support the neighborhood’s growing population. On a cold night in February 2004, the Civil Affairs Team made the first visit to Basateen to sense the population’s attitudes towards the Neighborhood Council and the Coalition itself. One shopkeeper would not even shake the Civil Affairs Team’s hands and claimed the Neighborhood Council was corrupt and only concerned for itself. The resident went on to say that he felt that the Coalition Forces were not living up to their promises, pointing in disgust at the broken pavement and standing water. Not disillusioned or discouraged at all, the Civil Affairs Team set out to work on the problems of Basateen, immediately assessing these problems to find suitable corrections to help make Basateen the model neighborhood for the rest of Baghdad to follow.

The Civil Affairs team met with the Neighborhood Council to coordinate on what projects were needed to improve the lives of the people. A common theme that emerged was the need to control the severe flooding with a drainage system. The Neighborhood Council provided many tapes and pictures of the area recorded and taken during the months of November through February. These videos and pictures gave the Civil Affairs Team the exact type of project justification data needed to fund such large infrastructure projects. All were in agreement that a drainage system must be constructed to keep the village from flooding, as it has been prone to flooding for over 20 years. After resolving the flooding problem, the council agreed that the next step was to emplace a sewage system. The council agreed the final step should be to pave the roads. The Civil Affairs Team worked with local contractors and the Amanat, which is Baghdad’s City Hall or City Manager’s Office to draft blueprints and scopes of work to form a solid plan and execution process to complete the work thoroughly and efficiently.

The Civil Affairs Team began working hard holding meetings and receiving bids from local contractors to gain optimum insight on who could complete the work properly. The team then began a rigorous and thorough process to prepare and submit the project for funding approval. This, which was funded by the Coalition Provisional Authority, would be the first of many project proposals to ensure Basateen received what the local population and the Civil Affairs Team knew it needed. At the same time, the Civil Affairs Team began to assess local schools and sites for a Neighborhood Council building to improve the educational system and the local governance. The same process was followed to ensure that these projects would be completed and the neighborhood could be made even better.

The drainage system began on May 12 with a groundbreaking ceremony, in which all residents of the neighborhood were invited to demonstrate that the Neighborhood Council and Coalition Forces were helping to improve their lives. At this groundbreaking, the team asked the contractor, Mazin KH Assi, if the drainage system really would stop Basateen from flooding. Mazin responded quickly and without hesitation as he spoke in perfect English, “I guarantee it.” Others in nearby neighborhoods heard about the project and were inspired to come and watch as Basateen received its first of many quality of life projects. Such widespread appreciation is significant in a world of competing resources where the suffering communities almost vie for the limited project funds. This drainage system would not, however, only affect Basateen, but would reduce the water levels in the surrounding areas, to include the Iraqi National Guard Headquarters Bunker, located just 1Km South of the project, whose compound was also highly prone to flooding.

At the same time, the Civil Affairs Team began construction on the Neighborhood Council Building. This would be the main place for the neighborhood council to meet and ensure the stable future of the small and growing community. Providing a meeting hall and information collection point is a way to ensure that the citizens of Basateen will have a forum in which to raise their concerns for the future to the Neighborhood Council. The Neighborhood Council would in turn have a meeting place in which to work on resolving those issues to better serve their residents and provide them with what they needed

Upon completion of the drainage system, the team began the sewage system and road paving projects. With the new drainage system in place it was necessary to complete the other two projects or the citizens of the neighborhood would illegally tie the sewer into the drainage system creating environmental issues. These projects will ensure that the neighborhood would have proper transportation and sanitation for years to come.

This process did not only repair the neighborhood, but began to teach the neighborhood councils how representative democracy worked and how to serve their neighborhood in ways that were beneficial. Civil Affairs projects are accomplished by giving credit to the Neighborhood Council and not the Civil Affairs and Coalition Forces in the area. The people, as well, slowly began to see that through their Neighborhood Council, their voices could be heard.

Currently, the Civil Affairs Team is trying to refurbish the schools and build a clinic in Basateen. These items combined with the completion of paving and trash removal projects in Basateen will make it what the Civil Affairs Team always wanted it to become, a model neighborhood for Baghdad and a glimmer of hope for the future of Iraq. Before the team returns home to the USA, it wishes to speak again to the shopkeeper to ask what is his opinion of the Neighborhood Council and the Coalition now.


A Softer Side of Baghdad
By SSG Larry E. Sellers Jr.

Situated on the northeast corner of the city on the banks of the Tigris River and a small lake, lies a facility those outside of Iraq probably never even knew existed- a theme park. Baghdad Island Tourist Park was built for the Municipality of Baghdad by YIY–Vesipekka, Finland. Developed as a recreational area with various activities and attractions for the people of Baghdad, construction began on the facility in 1979 and was completed in 1983. Since that time, Baghdad Island has become a part of the Iraqi culture. The Island was much more than a simple amusement park. Imagine the gleam in an American child’s eye, or an adult’s for that matter, when you speak of Disney World. You can see the excitement in their faces and hear it in their voices. Just the name brings forth cherished memories, good times, and most importantly...A Smile!

Baghdad Island invokes much the same response. Only now, after years of war and strife, speaking of Baghdad Island brings a different look into an Iraqi’s eyes. They look back into the past, almost sadly, when they remember the Island’s former glory. They remember holidays, vacations, and weddings. More than once tears have welled up in someone’s eyes upon speaking about the good times. The memory is contrasted with the harsher realities of Baghdad today, a city struggling with obsolete and dilapidated infrastructure. Baghdad Island is in many ways a symbol of Iraq’s struggle and its potential, reflecting the past and present, and maybe even the future. Bearing that in mind, the United States Army Civil Affairs Team 1 from B. Company 489th Civil Affairs Battalion, from Knoxville, TN, is in the process of renovating Baghdad Island.

When the Coalition Forces moved into Baghdad, one of the areas they occupied was Baghdad Island, a large area that had the capacity for sustaining a large number of people and was securable due to its near-island geographical state. The Island was chosen by the 1st Armored Division, 1-37 AR and the 16th Engineer Battalion as a base from which to conduct operations to secure one of Baghdad’s major districts-Adhamiyah. In late February of 2004, Civil Affairs Team 1 arrived at Baghdad Island, at that time called Forward Operating Base Bandit Island in support of the 1-37 AR “Bandits”. The motto of the “Bandits” is “Bandits do not fail those with whom they serve.” In keeping with this motto the Civil Affairs team saw it as its duty to return the Island to the citizens of Baghdad.

The major focus of the “Bandits” while operating from the Island was the rebuilding of schools, roads, and infrastructure. In keeping with that focus the Civil Affairs team decided to return the Island to its former status as a public recreation area. The new commander of the area, LTC Kirk E. Van Pelt along with the commander of all CA forces in Baghdad LTC Rosario both wholeheartedly embraced the rebuilding efforts spending countless in attempts to secure rebuilding funds.

The Island had a wealth of activities that had once graced it grounds. A swimming pool, bowling alley, sports complex, children’s theater, a large amphitheater, elaborate gardens, over 22 fountains, a riverboat lake tour, restaurants, a 18 story observation tower, and various amusement rides.

On the 28th of June the New Iraqi Government gained its sovereignty, making the Civil Affairs Team even more determined to see these projects through. The Civil Affairs Team worked diligently to rehabilitate the island and bring back the icon of a more peaceful time. Some of the projects that the team has already implemented are the restoration Children’s Theater and the Sports Complex.

Standing at the top of the 18-story observation tower overlooking the Island you can get a feeling of peacefulness. Although the geometrical layout of the gardens has faded, the withered plants and shrubs still hold a glimpse of their former beauty as they struggle to survive from neglect. You can see the Luna Park rides; the roller coaster, bumper cars, and a Ferris wheel -attractions that so often adorn our own favorite amusement parks in the United States. You get the feeling of days gone by, of an area with such sentimental value that it quickly finds a place in your own heart. You see before you a dying ember of happiness in Baghdad. Watching the graveled areas that were once gardens, seeing park rides that are falling apart, you are looking at the ghost town of a once thriving area. A sense of longing persuades you to see this Island restored and to once again see the smiles, the bright future shining in a young bride’s eyes, and hear the laughter of children again. Baghdad Island inspires a sense of wonder in all who experience it. Making it an enriching part of the life of anyone who visits it.

Complicating the speed in which funding is secured for Baghdad Island projects, is the fact that the funding priorities are understandably on sewer, water, and other basic services. However, Mr. Jaboori, Head of the Ministry of Culture Tourism Committee which has oversight of the Island facility stated that, “those types of problems will always be problems in Iraq, but Baghdad Island is critical to healing the psychology of the Iraqi people who have suffered so long, as is gives them a place to relax.” He went on to add that, “the continuing effort the renovate the Island is helping to keep the flag of peace and happiness flying.”

Perhaps it can best be summed up in the words of Ghazi Salman, Iraq's director of parks who said, “Twenty years ago, Baghdad was renowned for its gardens and parks.” Baghdad Island was particularly beloved by Iraqis. "On feast days and similar occasions before the fall of the old regime, the facility would welcome an average of 50,000 visitors a day," said Jassem Mohammed, director of admissions on the island.

To date, the Civil Affairs Team has renovated the Children’s Theater, and began work on the sewage system and sports complex. Another military unit has committed funding to other projects such as the Swimming Pool in order to assist in the Islands’ rehabilitation. These projects are designed to allow the Island to open to the public and to generate revenue, thus enabling the Island management to begin much needed maintenance on other Island facilities. The Civil Affairs team also submitted for restoration of the gardens, the irrigation system, the observation tower, the security fencing & gate repair, and the Lighting.

Theater before
Theater After

Of the nearly 10 million dollars worth of reconstruction and infrastructure projects that the Civil Affairs Team has initiated in its area of operations, Baghdad Island has been the most ambitious project- and most rewarding. This is because, the team feels, the benefits of this project extend well beyond the its own area of operations, to all of Baghdad and to Iraq itself.

Mr. Nasser, Director of Baghdad Island, continuously thanks the Civil Affairs Team members. When reminded not to thank us yet, because the whole project was not completed, Mr. Nasser stated, “No matter how much gets completed, or if it ever gets completed, Thank you because you cared enough to start it.”


Healing Adhamiyah
By SGT Eric R. Brown

The most rewarding reconstruction projects done by Civil Affairs Team 1 based at FOB Ft Apache have been those that benefit the greatest number of people in the area. The Al Numan Emergency Room renovation is one such project. Over the summer the staff worked from a temporary emergency room while the state of art emergency room facility was constructed. The Al-Numan Hospital, established in 1954, is under the direction of Dr. Abdullah Younis, Hospital Admistrator and the Assistant Administrator is Abd Al Basit. Also closely involved in day-to-day operations is assistant manager, Dr. Sadik Agel Ali. Al Numan serves the district as the only fully operational hospital in the Adhamiyah District West of the Army Canal Highway. Furthermore, it serves as a logistics and administrative resource for the numerous small, primary care clinics scattered throughout the region by providing pharmaceuticals, referrals, consultations, and even by assisting the clinics with disposal of medical waste. The hospital currently has 100 doctors, 150 nurses, and 250 beds. The services of the hospital include general medicine, surgery, lab work, x-ray, and the only 24-hour emergency care services available in the area. The emergency room treats more than 100 patients a day. The Italian government renovated the administrative offices and some of the wards in 2002. However, they were unable to complete the renovation and the emergency room and outpatient ward were left completely untouched.

 

The CA project to renovate the emergency care facility and the outpatient wing at Al-Numan hospital will benefit nearly 1,000,000 people from Al-Adhamiyah District and the surrounding areas. Al-Numan Hospital was in a very poor state as far as health standards are concerned for both the patients and staff; the walls had holes in the exam rooms, the floor was buckled making it impossible to properly clean or sanitize it. It was also difficult to wheel wheelchairs, carts or gurneys over the cracked and broken tiles. Electrical circuitry and wiring was also inadequate and posed a danger; bare and exposed wiring was hanging throughout the building including the exam rooms making it dangerous for patients and staff. The window in the electric circuit control panel was missing and the wiring in the control panel was overloaded with bare wires hanging out of the back and sides. The roof had missing and broken tiles allowing rainwater to leak through the ceiling and down the walls into the exam and operating rooms throughout the building.

The project called for the total rebuilding of a new emergency room for the hospital and included the complete demolition of the poor existing structure and reconstruction of a new emergency department from the ground up. This project included rebuilding of the entire structure: walls, floors, roof, ceiling, plumbing, electrical work, air conditioning, doors and windows, and the addition of an elevator. Al-Numan’s new emergency care wing will facilitate immediate trauma care to patients and proper patient flow through out the hospital. Due to the increased number of examination and operating rooms for the emergency care department, the number of patients that can be cared for on a daily basis will increase.

The scope of work for the project was developed by engineers from the University of Baghdad in consultation with hospital staff and Civil Affairs personnel. The team based their design off the current building to ensure economy and full integration with the rest of the building and grounds. However, they added a number of features, including an elevator and a hallway. Both the additions and renovations utilized a modular concept to allow for future improvements and expansions to meet the needs of the burgeoning Al-Adhamiyah populace. The re-building and renovation project employed approximately 70 locally procured workers for most of the four months of demolition and reconstruction adding an economic benefit dimension to the project.

Overall, the new emergency department at Al-Numan hospital will benefit nearly all of the people of the Al-Adhamiyah and surrounding areas with greatly enhanced 24-hour emergency care facility. The facility was opened on 10 September 2004 and represents the largest project completed to date in the 3-153IN AOR. The team, which is close to redeploying is proud to see the dream of a new emergency room become a reality. This project indeed proved to the people of Adhamiyah that the Coalition was committed to improving their quality of life.