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Diyala irrigation canal project is good news in Iraq
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30th Brigade Combat Team FOB COBRA, Iraq (8/20/2004) — “It’s very rewarding to know that you can make a difference” said Capt. Hazel Williams, B Battery, 1st Battalion, 113th Field Artillery. Williams was part of a medical assessment team that came to the remote village of Docker, which is primarily a Shiite village near Qara Tapa. Williams is a National Guard officer from North Carolina assigned to the Task Force Thunderbolt FOB (Forward Operating Base) Cobra. Williams handles several responsibilities at Cobra, one of those being the point man for coordinating contract work and purchases within the local community. During the community outreach project at Docker, Williams was searching for potential laborers needed for the upcoming Multi National Forces irrigation canal contract in the eastern area of the Diyala Province. “I needed about 100 men for the project and I got a few more than I needed to sign up” said Williams. “My intent is to try to hire all of these men and find a way to pay them. This irrigation project will last about 75 days” continued Williams. Funding for the project, like many others, comes from Multi National Forces funds that are spent on improving the Iraqi infrastructure and whenever possible using local labor and contractors. Diyala is an agriculture region in Iraq and the network of irrigation canals are critical for the farmers. However, years of neglect has left the canals in need of repair and overgrown with weeds. “The weeds and grass are creating a lack of water flow for the farmer’s fields” added Williams. The rate and effects of unemployment in this remote area are evident. Young men between the ages of 18-25, that are not working are prime recruits for militant extremist in Iraq. “When we can hire them and give them a job, we are giving them another choice” added Williams. Williams is also the Fire Support Officer for Task Force Thunderbolt, which puts the responsibility of accurately placing artillery and mortars rounds on hostile target acquisitions. However, being a National Guard Soldier, Williams also has a great deal of professional finance experience with the Wachovia Bank in Charlotte, NC. Practically on a daily basis Williams finds himself using his bank skills as the Coalition and Iraqi people rebuild their new country. “A lot of news shows violence in Iraq, however there are lots of good projects that don’t make the news. Projects like renovation of schools for example” stated Williams. “We are also starting a trade school to help offer masonry training and that will provide local contractors with skilled labor” replied Williams. Growth and prosperity are choices Iraqi citizens are free to make now. Multi National Force projects like these managed by Williams are destine for success as Iraqi community leaders add their support. Last 10 Stories
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2004 National Guard Bureau |
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