Multinational Forces Iraq Commander visits Camp Echo

Multinational Forces Iraq Commander Gen. David Petraeus visited Multinational Division Central South in Camp Echo, Ad Diwaniyah.

"We are very proud and appreciate that at the beginning of your command, you have found a little bit of your precious time to visit us," said Gen. Pawel Lamla, commander of MND CS, to General Petraeus, who was familiarized with current situation in MND CS area of responsibility.

He met with senior national representatives and foreign countries' contingent commanders as well.

General Petraeus was hosted by Soldiers of the maneuver group where the group's commander, Lt. Col. Szymon Koziatek, discussed the structure and main tasks of his unit.

While meeting with Soldiers of air cavalry squadron, General Petraeus talked with squadron commander, Maj. Zbigniew Chlebosz.

"Thank you for what you have done for Iraq. I know that you are very good at your job," General Petraeus said to the soldiers.

He met with American military police as well.

Gen. Petraeus also visited the 8th Iraqi Army Division where he talked with Soldiers and their commander, Maj. Gen. Ali Othman Ferhud.

Gen. Petraeus joined a combined patrol of Iraqi, U.S., and Polish Soldiers through the town of Diwaniyah. He noted the town was bustling with normal activity, people on the streets, in the markets and going about their daily business.

At the end of the patrol, General Petraeus praised General Othoman's leadership and the Soldiers of the 8th Iraqi Army, stating that they are, "shining examples of the new professional Iraqi Army whose combat readiness and disciple are to be noted as another example of an ever-growing professional Army and example for the future."

During this meetings, General Petraeus distributed memorial coins for Soldiers.

Source: Multi-National Force-Iraq

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