Local Leaders, U.S. Soldiers Bring Micro-Power to Zafaraniyah Residents

By Sgt. Jeremy Todd

FORWARD OPERATING BASE LOYALTY, Iraq - Local leaders and U.S. Soldiers brought sustained power sources to eastern Baghdad residents in two areas of Zafaraniyah when they officially started two micro-power generators.

Residents of Hayy Sindabad and Hayy Diyala gathered to celebrate installation of the micro-power generators, which will provide power to approximately 300 homes each - supplementing the main power grid.

"People of Diyala have been waiting for this day for a long time," said Capt. Sean O'Brien, non-lethal effects officer for 5th Battalion, 25th Field Artillery, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (Light), Multi-National Division - Baghdad, following the Hayy Diyala grand opening. "We were extremely pleased to see such a large collection of residents arrive for the unveiling of the generator. Both civic leadership and Iraqi Security Forces attended the ceremony too."

Capt. Lawrence Sekajipo, commander of Battery A, 5th Battalion, 25th Field Artillery, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division from Fort Polk, La., greets Ali Abdul Zahra Al Lamy, Zafaraniyah representative to the Karadah District Council, as they meet for the unveiling of two micro-power generators that will provide electricity to 600 families in Zafaraniyah, Nov 1. Other 5th Bn., 25th FA leaders who attended the ceremonies included Lt. Col. Dennis Yates, battalion commander from Chesterfield, N.J.; Maj. Robert Machen, battalion executive officer from College Station, Texas; and Capt. Sean O-Brien, the battalion non-lethal effects officer from Sanborne, Iowa.

Prestigious leaders who attended the ribbon-cutting ceremonies included Ali Abdul Zahra Al Lamy, Zafaraniyah representative to the Karadah District Council; Sabah Hassan Al Rubaiyee, Hayy Diyala leader; Iraqi Lt. Col Awad, battalion commander for 2nd Battalion, 37th Brigade, 9th Iraqi Army Division; and the contractor for the generators.

Other 5th Bn., 25th FA leaders joined O'Brien, a Sanborne, Iowa native, for the ceremonies, including Battalion Commander Lt. Col. Dennis Yates, a Chesterfield, N.J. native, and Maj. Robert Machen, battalion executive officer from College Station, Texas. In addition, 5th Bn., 25th FA leaders coordinated with the contractor and local leaders who prioritized which neighborhoods most needed the generators, and they hosted a celebration feast at Joint Security Station Zafaraniyah following the ceremonies.

A contractor pushes a button to start a micro-power generator that will provide power to 300 families in Zafaraniyah. Local government officials conducted ribbon-cutting ceremonies for two micro-power generators that day, one in Hayy Sindabad and one in Hayy Diyala. Leaders from 5th Battalion, 25th Field Artillery, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, assisted with the project and hosted a celebration feast after the ceremonies.

"I am glad we were able to work with the neighborhood council and local Sheikhs to help bring this essential service to the people of Zafaraniyah," said Capt. Lawrence Sekajipo, commander of Battery A, 5th Bn., 25th FA. "Lack of electricity continues to be the most important issue for residents of Zafaraniyah. This is just one step and doesn't eliminate the problem, but it will help ease frustrations."

Sekajipo explained that the main power grid only provides electricity four hours a day. Therefore, micro-power generator projects that bring more sustainable power for longer periods of time are extremely important, especially for heat during winter months, he said.

Iraqi Lt. Col. Awad (center), battalion commander of 2nd Battalion, 37th Brigade, 9th Iraqi Army Division, cuts a ribbon to officially open a micro-power generator that will provide power to 300 families in Zafaraniyah. Local leaders who assisted Awad with the ribbon cutting included Ali Abdul Zahra Al Lamy, Zafaraniyah representative to the Karadah District Council and Sabah Hassan Al Rubaiyee, Hayy Diyala leader.

As security continues to improve in Baghdad, residents will continue to see services such as sewer treatment and power return to the areas, claimed O'Brien. "With the help of Iraqi Security Forces (and) council leaders, and cooperation of southeastern Baghdad residents, it won't be long before residents here begin to enjoy the fruits of their government's labors," he said.

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