Iraqi Security Force members awarded for finding IED

by Pfc. April Campbell

Iraqi Security Forces are taking steps toward providing security in this region north of Baghdad.

Lt. Col. Michael Pappal, commander of 1st Combined Arms Battalion, 68th Armor Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, awarded members of the Iraqi Police and Iraqi Army with certificates at Joint Security Station Istaqlal Jan. 14.

He said the recognition was a direct result of "outstanding support to the citizens of Iraq by locating an improvised explosive device and eliminating a potential loss of life in Istaqlal."

Indiana, Penn., native Lt. Col. Michael Pappal, commander of 1st Combined Arms Battalion, 68th Armor Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, rewards an Iraqi policeman at Joint Security Station Istaqlal Jan. 14 for his contribution in finding and reporting an improvised explosive device. (U.S. Army photo by Pfc. April Campbell, 27th Public Affairs Detachment)

Their "selfless service and sacrifice will contribute immensely to the success of Iraq," said the Indiana, Penn., native.

This is just an example of the good work the Iraqi Security Forces are doing in the area. Everybody should continue to focus on keeping the district safe, he added.

An Iraqi Army sergeant major accepts an award for his Soldier from Indiana, Penn., native Lt. Col. Michael Pappal, commander of 1st Combined Arms Battalion, 68th Armor Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division. Pappal was rewarding the Iraqi Army Soldier at Joint Security Station Istaqlal Jan. 14 for his contribution in finding and reporting an improvised explosive device. (U.S. Army photo by Pfc. April Campbell, 27th Public Affairs Detachment)

Col. John H. Hort, commander of 3rd BCT, 4th Inf. Div., approved the awards for the Iraqis.

"If you know where (the IEDs) are being hidden at or stored, please let us know, and we will come and investigate," said Hort, a Fayetteville, N.C., native.

Hort added that he is proud of what the Coalition Forces and ISF have been able to accomplish despite working together for a relatively short amount of time. The 3rd BCT arrived in Iraq in mid-December.

judythpiazza@newsblaze.com

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