PHOTOS: Patrolling Through Taji

2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team Public Affairs

Ohio native

Huber Heights, Ohio native, Command Sgt. Maj. Carl K. Morgan, command sergeant major of the 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, “Warrior,” 25th Infantry Division, discusses firing points and training at Joint Security Station Mushahda Jan. 14. Morgan stopped at JSS Mushahda to see how his Solders were doing. This was the first stop of three to visit with Soldiers and local citizens in the brigade’s area of operation.

Concerned Local

Concerned Local Citizens wait in line to receive their pay Jan. 14 at the Mushahda Concerned Local Citizens Building. The Concerned Local Citizens were justifiably proud when they received their pay for the hard work they put into helping the government of Iraq, local leaders and the security forces secure and continue to bring stability to their area.

San Antonio,

San Antonio, Texas native, Staff Sgt. Adrian Gonzalez, combat medic, with the 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, “Warrior,” 25th Infantry Division Personal Security Detachment (right), and Houston, Texas native, Staff Sgt. Wesley Drake, radio operator, with the 2nd SBCT, 25th Inf. PSD, interact with local Iraqi children Jan. 14, during a patrol through the Taji Market. Gonzalez said he loves interacting with the kids when he goes out on missions. It was apparent the children loved it when he visited, because the kids were cheering “Gonzo, Gonzo, Gonzo,” a nickname he told the kids to call him, as he walked the street.

New Orleans

New Orleans, La. native, Sgt. Tyrel Tierney, patrol leader, with the 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, “Warrior,” 25th Infantry Division Personal Security Detachment, takes a moment to look for a couple gifts for his two girls back home during a patrol through the Taji Market Jan. 14. Tierney said he misses his daughters and tries to find them gifts whenever he gets a chance.

New Orleans1

New Orleans, La. native, Sgt. Tyrel Tierney, patrol leader, with the 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, “Warrior,” 25th Infantry Division Personal Security Detachment, finds a familiar state name on a tag in a shop at the Taji Market. He immediately pointed it out to the shop owners and explained Mississippi is a state in the U.S.

A father and son

A father and son duo take time to enjoy a bottle of water while waiting to receive his pay at the Mushahda Concerned Local Citizens Building Jan. 14. The concerned local citizens justifiably proud when they received their pay for the hard and dangerous work they put into helping the government of Iraq, local leaders and the security forces continue to bring stability to their area.

Tracy, Calif

Tracy, Calif. native Jonathan Cuha, infantryman, with Company C, 1st Battalion, 14th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, “Warrior,” 25th Infantry Division, scans the retina of a Concerned Local Citizen Jan. 14. The concerned local citizens work to help the government of Iraq, local leaders and the security forces secure and continue to bring stability to their area.

By Spc. Aaron L. Rosencrans

Military Friends of NewsBlaze originated these stories, sending them directly to us from Iraq, some from Afghanistan and some in the USA.