2009.07.14: July 14, 2009: Headlines: Iraq: Figures: COS - Cameroon: Diplomacy: Military: The 34th Red Bull Infantry Division: Ambassador Hill meets with Task Force Pathfinder
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Peace Corps Online : Directory : Cameroon : RPCV Christopher R. Hill (Cameroon) : RPCV Christopher R. Hill: Newest Stories : 2009.07.14: July 14, 2009: Headlines: Iraq: Figures: COS - Cameroon: Diplomacy: Military: The 34th Red Bull Infantry Division: Ambassador Hill meets with Task Force Pathfinder| By Admin1 (admin) (98.188.147.225) on Monday, August 10, 2009 - 5:39 pm : Edit Post |
Ambassador Hill meets with Task Force Pathfinder
Hill added building Iraq's economic power and helping the population become self-sustaining will
win out in the end over traditional military actions. New infrastructure, with an educated and
entrepreneurial population are foundations to sustain, creating an environment that is peaceful and
free of terrorism. "There's a cycle. We've been at this for almost seven years and
people are ready to see an end (to violence)," said Hill. "I appreciate what
you're doing. You're a real credit to those who want to see a secure, economically stable
Iraq." Cameroon RPCV Christopher R. Hill is presently US Ambassador to Iraq and formerly served
as assistant secretary of state for East Asian and Pacific Affairs and U.S. ambassador to South
Korea.
Ambassador Hill meets with Task Force Pathfinder
Ambassador meets with Task Force Pathfinder
By: Sgt. Mark Miranda
on: Tue July 14, 2009 04:00 pm CDT (151 Reads)
Caption: U.S. Ambassador to Iraq, Christopher R. Hill discusses the role of Task Force
Pathfinder's support to provincial reconstruction teams with Lt. Col. Michael Eastman, task
force commander and deputy commander for civil capacity, 4th Brigade, 1st Armored Division July 12
at Contingency Operating Base Adder near Nasiriyah, Iraq. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Mark
Miranda)
CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE ADDER, Iraq - The U.S. Ambassador to Iraq met with the Task Force
Pathfinder leadership at Contingency Operating Base Adder July 12 to discuss the ways military
support is provided to provincial reconstruction teams in Iraq.
Ambassador Christopher R. Hill met with Lt. Col. Michael Eastman, TF Pathfinder commander. The
battalion provides support to the PRTs in Iraq's Dhi Qar, Maysan and Muthanna provinces.
"We try to meet the central needs of each area, and every day we're making progress,"
said Eastman, dual-hatted as 4th Brigade, 1st Armored Division deputy commander for civil capacity
and TF Pathfinder, 2nd Battalion, 29th Field Artillery Regiment.
Hill also met with Soldiers of TF Pathfinder and discussed the battalion's activities in each
area.
"What we're seeing is a crucial year and it's good to see the military working with the
PRTs," said Hill.
For the Pathfinder Soldiers, leading the way in efforts to advise and assist comes with challenges.
"Not only are you working with the State Department, there are about ten other civilian agencies
working out there," said Hill. "Coming together can be tough; it's a bit like herding
cats."
"We have to communicate constantly to make sure we're not in each others' way," said
Sgt. 1st Class Robert J. Smith, Jr., cavalry scout working with a Military Movement Team supporting
the Muthanna PRT. Smith helps manage micro-grants and assists with projects to help businesses get
started.
Enlarge
U.S. Ambassador to Iraq, Christopher R. Hill discusses the role of Task Force Pathfinder's
support to provincial reconstruction teams with Lt. Col. Michael Eastman, task force commander and
deputy commander for civil capacity, 4th Brigade, 1st Armored Division during a luncheon July 12 at
Contingency Operating Base Adder near Nasiriyah, Iraq. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Mark
Miranda)
In response to Hill's questions about Iraqi's perceptions of the military's efforts,
Smith said many Iraqis have mixed feelings about their country's future and the U.S. presence.
"They like what we can bring, but don't always understand our intentions. Iraqis wanted us
out of their cities . . . but not to go too far away," said Smith.
Sgt. 1st. Class Samuel Encinias, serving as an assistant liaison to the Italian Provincial
Reconstruction Team for Dhi Qar province, embraces his role in TF Pathfinder. He coordinates civil
projects, site visits and meets daily with diplomats.
"Soldiers are stronger and smarter than any time in the Army's 233 year history,"
reflected Hill after hearing about a variety of new roles the Pathfinder Soldiers accomplish.
"Intelligence and adaptability are exactly what's required on today's battlefield."
The specific program with the most effective results is the Commander's Emergency Response
Program funds. These funds are applied to water, agriculture, electricity, rule of law, governance
and other essential service projects requested by the Government of Iraq.
"I expect to see a CERP surge," said Hill.
Hill added building Iraq's economic power and helping the population become self-sustaining will
win out in the end over traditional military actions.
New infrastructure, with an educated and entrepreneurial population are foundations to sustain,
creating an environment that is peaceful and free of terrorism.
"There's a cycle. We've been at this for almost seven years and people are ready to see
an end (to violence)," said Hill. "I appreciate what you're doing. You're a
real credit to those who want to see a secure, economically stable Iraq."
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Headlines: July, 2009 ; RPCV Christopher Hill (Cameroon) ; Iraq ; Figures ; Peace Corps Cameroon ; Directory of Cameroon RPCVs ; Messages and Announcements for Cameroon RPCVs ; Diplomacy ; Military ; Rhode Island
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Story Source: The 34th Red Bull Infantry Division
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