Currently Browsing: Stories
Long Knives, Airman team up to help Iraqis
Wednesday, 31 December 2008
Contingency Operating Base Adder, Iraq - While deployed to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, Soldiers and Airmen often work side by side during combat operations.
That was the case for Sgt. 1st Class Kevin Albrecht, 4th Special Troops Battalion, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division 'Long Knives' and Tech. Sgt. Joseph Slysz, 732nd Provost Marshals Office, when they found themselves side by side helping Iraqi citizens during a humanitarian operation Dec 16.
"Slysz is a great guy to work with," said Albrecht. "It feels really good to be able to do something special with someone from another branch of the military."
The Soldier and Airman visited a group of Iraqis, located near Contingency Operating Base Adder in the southern Iraqi city of Nasiriyah. The people there are known as Bedouins because they frequently roam from place to place along the dusty roads and villages.
Albrecht, a platoon sergeant for the 4th STB, 4th BCT 1st Cav. Div. personal security detachment, handed out food, toys and other supplies during the visit, while Slysz, a noncommissioned officer in charge of the bases criminal intelligence department, was there to collect intelligence and get a feel for the area.
When the opportunity presented itself, Slysz decided he wanted to help.
"I noticed when I went out with them (Albrecht and the PSD), they gave out things like food, blankets and personal hygiene products," said Slysz, a native of Sacramento, Calif. "So I got with my unit and people back home to donate things; the kids back home have really helped a lot."
Albrecht, who hails from Grand Forks, N.D., and his PSD team have conducted security missions at the Bedouin camps about three to four times a week during the six months the Long Knife Brigade has been deployed to southern Iraq.
"It gives my guys an opportunity to see how they live," he said. "When we do security patrols, it shows our presence. When we stop and visit with them, it shows we're interested in the people and we really care."
Slysz on the other hand, only recently started making the rounds, but the two service members are committed to working as a team toward helping the Bedouin Iraqis reach a better quality of life.
The Airman says he really enjoys working with the U.S. Army's Long Knife Brigade. "I like it…everyone's out here. We're from different backgrounds, but we're here for the same fight," said Slysz, as he stands next to Albrecht. "We wear different uniforms, but we're all doing the same thing."
Related Photographs
