Baghdad Eagles, Polar Bears distribute fertilizer to farmers

FORWARD OPERATING BASE YUSUFIYAH, Iraq – Coalition forces hope that Yusufiyah, Iraq, area farmers will see an increase in coming yields following the first of many fertilizer distributions April 20 at a nearby patrol base.
The 4th Battalion, 4th Brigade, 6th Iraqi Army Division, with the help of 4th Battalion, 31st Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, currently based here in Yusufiyah, has started to distribute much-needed fertilizer to the first of many tribes.
A contractor brought a dump truck, and five workers from the Abu Amar tribe helped move 300 50-pound bags of fertilizer.
Earlier in March, the battalion brought over 100 tons of fertilizer to FOB Yusufiyah so that it could be distributed to local farmers in time for use for the next harvest.
Capt. Chris Sanchez, civil-military operations coordinator for 4/31, and native of Los Angeles, Calif., was positive about the event.
“This operation will begin the process of the Iraqi army taking the lead in non-lethal operations coordination throughout Yusufiyah,” Sanchez said. “I hope that more tribes will come forward to claim their portion of the fertilizer. The 4/4/6 IA is doing a good job with working with both Sunni and Shia tribes to get this fertilizer distributed to every tribe that wants to come forward.”
It took five workers from the Abu Amar tribe only an hour to get the bags stowed and ready to move, under the watchful eye of an Iraqi soldier who was on hand to ensure that the correct number of bags were distributed accordingly.
The 4/4/6 IA are working with and for the people of Yusufiyah, said Sanchez, and helping the local nationals move forward in their fight against the insurgents.