Soldiers reach out to Iraqis

Members of Bellefonte Guard unit hand out food, greet residents

Sgt. Philip Schratwieser

Editor's note: This story and photographs were provided by the Digital Video and Imagery Distribution System, a service provided by the U.S. Army on behalf of all branches of the U.S. military.

Staff Sgt. Andrew Fox, of Reedsville, shows residents of a makeshift orphanage the food and supplies that the soldiers were handing out while on patrol.

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BAGHDAD — Soldiers from a Pennsylvania National Guard unit based in Bellefonte and Tyrone conducted a patrol through Abu Ghraib on June 25 that was aimed at disrupting insurgent activity and improving their relationship with their Iraqi counterparts.

The soldiers were members of Company C of the 2nd Battalion, 112th Infantry Regiment, “Paxton Rangers,” 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, Multi-National Division-Baghdad. Company C is under the command of Capt. Paolo Sica, of State College.

The unit was patrolling an area called the “1st of June,” as Iraqis often name areas after significant dates in their history.

Leading the patrol was a platoon from the 24th Brigade, 6th Iraqi Army Division. As a result of the agreement between coalition forces and Iraq, all combat operations are now conducted jointly.

One of the goals of these joint operations is training, and another is to show the Iraqi people that there is a transition happening as coalition forces begin pulling back.

Under the guidance of Company C of the 2-112 “Paxton Rangers,” dozens of bags of beans, rice, canned meat, bottled

water and other supplies were given to the Iraqi army soldiers. As they began their patrol, they stopped at a number of houses, handing out these bags and talking briefly with the residents.

They quickly came to an unofficial orphanage and were surrounded by kids. Medical issues were discussed and the location was marked in order to bring back supplies and a medic.

“Finding an orphanage right away was really good,” said Staff Sgt. Andrew Fox, of Reedsville. “We were really able to help some needy people.”

As is often the case, word got around that items were being given away, and a crowd started to develop as the soldiers came upon a medical clinic — little more than a small drug store next to a shop selling automotive fluids.

The unit’s Stryker vehicles and Iraqi army trucks were stationed around the area to provide security, and soldiers were sent in all directions in order to keep an eye out for possible attack.

Dozens of bags of food were unloaded as the crowds grew, with people coming from all directions. The Iraqi army soldiers kept order and quickly formed the people into a line. The residents thanked the soldiers as they left.

Within just a few minutes the food was gone.

“Well, it’s important to help get the community back on its feet. We work with the Iraqi army in joint patrols,” said Sgt. Sean Rawlings, of Clearfield. “We’re kind of like role models. Seeing the kids is the best part. They’re a lot of fun.”