'Big Red One' finds ordnance and appreciation in Kirkuk
USAREUR Public Affairs
Release Date: 04 May 2003
by Pfc. Brandon Aird, 173rd Public Affairs
Sgt. Jeffry L. Reed, Bravo Company, 2nd Battalion, 2nd Infantry. "Every time we thought we lost him, he would show up again," he added, laughing.
One teenager ran up to the patrol to give soldiers mortar rounds he had found.
"The kid gave us seven mortar rounds," said Reed. "It's nice to be getting these off the streets, but there's much more out there. A few days ago we found seven trucks full of rocket-propelled grenades, hand grenades and other ammunition."
Looking for weapons and ordnance is a major focus of the patrols, along with identifying flags above military compounds in the area.
"By identifying flags, we can tell who we're dealing with," said 2nd Lt. Jeffrey M. Bartel, a platoon leader with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2nd Battalion, 63rd Armor. "So far, we've noticed our area of operations has a high number of Turkish and Kurdish residents. It's important for us to identify ethnic backgrounds so we can try to prevent ethnic harassment."
After the sun went down, some of the soldiers dismounted from their vehicles and walked alongside them, talking with the locals. Soldiers talked to residents about a variety of things.
"I was asking residents how they felt about us being here," said Bartel. "Most of the people were delighted that we're here. Only one person told me he didn't want us here, but he still invited me back to his house for food."
"Most of the questions I was asking was just normal stuff," said Reed. "'How old are you?' 'What's your name?' 'Do you like us being here?'"
The patrol ended with soldiers getting back in their vehicles and driving off with whistles and applause from residents showing their appreciation.
"It's an awesome feeling," said Reed. "To be making a difference and actually seeing it in peoples faces."
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