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TF Lancer rebuilding Sadr City

By Capt. Michael Martinez
December 8, 2004

BAGHDAD, Iraq (Army News Service, Dec. 8, 2004) - Every day since the Madhi Militia turned in their weapons in October, there have been dramatic decreases of hostile activity in Sadr City, allowing the Soldiers of Task Force Lancer to help re-build the neighborhood.

Day in and day out, Task Force Lancer has been conducting missions such as: giving out sheep, frozen chickens and humanitarian-aid bags; protecting kerosene and propane stations and escorting sewage trucks to remove pools of sewage from the streets.

Since electricity is still a countrywide issue that is in the process of being remedied, the people of Sadr City rely heavily on kerosene and propane as their main source for heating and cooking.

"The station we were providing security for has only two hoses to refill kerosene tanks, and each person on average brings three to five tanks to be filled," said Sgt. 1st Class Reginald Butler, Company A, 2nd Battalion, 5th Cavalry Regiment. "Everyday approximately 500-700 people wait in line and some wait all day and night just to refill their tanks. But overall they are happy to see us, because they know that by us being here they will get a fair price instead of paying the outrageous prices the vendors set."

While the government rate for kerosene is five Dinars per liter, some vendors were selling kerosene for as much as 300 Dinars per liter.

Another issue for Sadr City is the ever-present sewage that covers the streets. The smell of the sewage is a constant discomfort, but in some areas it is so strong that it is unbearable.

There is a plan to rebuild the main sewage line that runs through the city. However, in the meantime Task Force Lancer is providing temporary relief with sewage trunks.

"The neighborhood we are in is one of my model communities, so when I receive sewage assets I like to employ them here," said Capt. Douglas Chapman, Company B, 1st Battalion, 12th Cavalry Regiment. "It shows them that we understand their problems and are trying to apply a short-term solution to a long-term problem."

Yet the mission that has made the most immediate impact has been the sheep, chicken and humanitarian-aid bags that were given to the Iraqi civilians. They make an immediate impact, because they are tangible items that can be readily used and bring immediately relief said Staff Sgt. Chad Sandoe, 443rd Civil Affairs Battalion.

"They are very well received," Sandoe said. "We have no problems with giving them out, because we get large crowds when we arrive. Soldiers also get into it by passing out candy, toys and school supplies they receive from donations back home to the kids. The big thing about it is that since hostilities have subsided, we are trying to give something that makes an immediate impact on the people. The major projects we are undertaking are not as visible and take time."

It is a slow process, but Task Force Lancer Soldiers said they will rebuild Sadr City one day at a time.

(Editor's note: Capt. Michael Martinez serves with Task Force Lancer Public Affairs Officer.)