NEWS RELEASE
HEADQUARTERS UNITED STATES CENTRAL COMMAND
7115 South Boundary Boulevard
MacDill AFB, Fla. 33621-5101
Phone: (813) 827-5894; FAX: (813) 827-2211; DSN 651-5894
August 7, 2003
Release Number: 03-08-15
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
TASK FORCE IRONHORSE ENGINEERS HELP IRAQI TOWN
TIKRIT, Iraq - The lives of Iraqi living in Al Asriya have improved thanks to the efforts of the 5th Engineers of Task Force Ironhorse.
The engineers adopted the poor rural village located approximately 15 kilometers northwest of Baghdad in early July and have completed a variety of projects to enhance living conditions.
After meeting with local leaders and elders, the soldiers brought in heavy equipment to tackle the massive amounts of trash and waste strewn throughout the village. All the debris was moved into impromptu landfills and a burn pit making the Al Asriya a cleaner place and also preventing serious health risks.
After touring three rundown schools, the engineers drew up a contract to begin repairs to the water and electrical systems. Projects are also underway to modernize utilities, since raw sewage currently flows out of homes into shallow trenches lining the roads and courtyards posing a severe health risk to villagers.
The improvements will also provide employment for residents due to the hiring of local contractors to assist with projects. The town of Al Asriya, meaning "model town," during Saddam's regime was called Al Faris, translated as "of the family of Saddam." Village leaders restored the original name and Task Force Ironhorse soldiers helped erect new city signs along the highway into the village.
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