1st Battalion 22nd Infantry Iraq 2006 Community Connect

1st Battalion 22nd Infantry

IA, MND-B SOLDIERS CONNECT WITH LOCAL COMMUNITY

Spc. Rodney Foliente
4th Inf. Div. PAO

May 2006

BAGHDAD — Iraqi Army and Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers conducted a cordon and search mission
May 3 with a primary goal of establishing connections within the community
for collecting intelligence from the residents of Hawr Rajab, which is located south of Baghdad.

Soldiers from 3rd Battalion, 1st Brigade, 6th Iraqi Army Division, conducted security searches in the area
while MND-B Soldiers from Company D, 1st Battalion, 22nd Infantry Regiment, conducted an outer security cordon.

“We’re hoping to establish future contacts to help us identify terrorist cells or threats in the area,”
said Capt. Jared Rudacille, Commander, Co. D, 1-22 Inf. Regt.

He noted the importance of community relations, reassuring the people with a continued security presence,
and reminding the locals of their own role in establishing stability.

“We’re only as strong as you allow us to be,” said Rudacille, to a man who offered refreshments to the Soldiers.
“The people of Iraq have to fight together to bring peace and stability to this country.”

The Iraqi man agreed and added that it is good to see a military presence,
like patrols and the new Iraqi army checkpoint, so people can feel safer.

After the Soldiers thanked him for his hospitality, he and many other residents of the village
took Rudacille’s contact information and stated they would call to report any terrorist or suspicious activity.

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