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Operation Money Worth improves Baghdad area checkpoints

By Sgt. 1st Class Jerry Malec
April 5, 2006

BAGHDAD (Army News Service, April 5, 2006) – Soldiers of the 4th Infantry Division improved the security and safety of 21 Iraqi-manned traffic control points during Operation Money Worth last week.

Soldiers of 589th Brigade Support Battalion, Fires Brigade, 4th Infantry Division, placed more than 500 concrete barriers at points throughout Baghdad. The barriers will protect Iraqi army and Iraqi police from such threats as vehicle-borne improvised-explosive devices, small-arms fire, rocket-propelled grenades and mortars.

The 62nd Engineer Battalion helped placed the barriers as the 589th BSB used heavy-wheeled vehicles to convoy the barriers.

"These Soldiers are out there working as hard as they possibly can, and they are making a difference," said 2nd Lt. Mark Terwilleger, executive officer, 589th BSB, 4th Inf. Div. “Soldiers put themselves in harms way each day making this mission a reality.”

The operation also gave the 589th Soldiers a chance to foster closer relationships with their Iraqi partners. "We had a lot of interaction with the Iraqi army and the Iraqi police, which was good," remarked 2nd Lt. Elisabeth Gerhardt, water and petroleum platoon leader, 589th BSB.

“You get to see Iraqis as Iraqis, and there's this huge group of people out there who want to be an independent state," said Gerhardt, a Seattle native. "It opened my eyes to the fact that these people are just like us, you know. They want the best for their country and their people.”

Sgt. 1st Class Mike Schmidt spoke of the challenges of hauling the huge barriers through the city, using palletized-loading systems.

“The PLSs are capable of transporting over 30 tons of cargo with ease, but are sometimes difficult to maneuver through narrow city streets,” said Schmidt, distribution platoon sergeant, 589th BSB.

Pfc. Zachary Wadsworth, a fueler with 589th BSB, drove.

"It was difficult to drive around in small quarters in some instances, but we got the job done," said Wadsworth, who noted that varying weather conditions sometimes presented a challenge too.

The Soldiers said they felt like the mission allowed them to see the fruits of their efforts.

"I can see the transfer (of authority) taking place as opposed to just the U.S. forces running the traffic control points," said Schmidt. “The Iraqi people are really doing the job themselves. So, as far as seeing a light at the end of the tunnel – absolutely!"

(Editor’s note: Sgt. 1st Class Jerry Malec writes for the Fires Brigade, 4th Infantry Division Public Affairs Office.)