Marines donate farming supplies to Iraqi village

[Hoss68]

Press Release
Public Affairs Office
1st MARINE DIVISION
1stLt Eric M. Knapp

Contact: KnappEM@1mardivdm.usmc.mil

Release # 0510-04-0926

Marines donate farming supplies to Iraqi village

May 07, 2004

AR RAMADI, IRAQ --
THE WAY AHEAD:

The 1st Marine Division is currently focused on destroying Anti-Iraqi Forces in the Al Anbar province. Simultaneously, the Marines are establishing patient, persistent presence in the key areas throughout the province while supporting the development of competent, trustworthy, Iraqi Security Forces and conducting civil military operations.

CIVIL MILITARY OPERATIONS:

AL BUDEKIL – Marines donated farming supplies to Iraqi villagers near Fallujah.

Marines visited Al Budekil to repair damage done to a farm after a Marine tank was bogged down in a farming field. Marines paid for damages and delivered supplies to assist the villagers for the planting season.

Marines donated 50 tons of fertilizer and farm tools. Marines also handed out school pens and pencils, soccer balls, nets and Frisbees donated by Spirit of America, a nonprofit organization based in Los Angeles.

FALLUJAH – Marines in Fallujah also initiated improvements to the Civil-Military Operations Center. A shaded area is being constructed and access to water will be provided for visitors. Other improvements such as the addition of bulletin boards, information on projects, bids and employment notices will also be posted to the public as well as information on the government in transition and agencies that provide services to Iraqi citizens.

RAMADI – Marines also visited the Al Anbar Province University in Ramadi. Marines met with the university president to discuss future projects and how to improve educational opportunities for Iraqi students. Marines paid out $7,000 for a laminating machine to produce identification cards at the university.