FORWARD OPERATING BASE ALTUN KUPRI, Iraq – As a result of Altun Kupri’s devoted government and solid Iraqi Security Forces, Task Force 2-11 Field Artillery officially departed their Soldier’s compound here Sept. 1.
Multi-National Forces (MNF) have occupied the compound since April 2003 in order ensure security and stability to the more than 12,000 people in Altun Kupri. In February 2004, Soldiers from 2nd Platoon “Outlaws” of Battery C, TF 2-11 FA took over military operations from the compound, which will now be used as a municipal building by the city government.
The first seeds of Democracy within Altun Kupri were planted by the MNF who resided at this compound. These seeds will continue to grow because of the city’s community, 1st Lt. Robert Elzer, a fire direction officer with the Outlaws said during the closure ceremony.
“Since the first day of liberation, the community of Altun Kupri has led the way in the rebuilding of Iraq,” Elzer said standing behind a podium overlooking Iraqi and MNF leaders. “With the help of a dedicated group of local leaders, schools, clinics, government buildings and infrastructure that had been long neglected have slowly been rebuilt.”
Elzer went on to say that Altun Kupri is a community of ethnic diversity, dedicated to the ideals of Democracy who has chosen to put the needs of the community ahead of political and personal goals.
“It is the advancement of those ideals, by an entire community that led to the decision to make Altun Kupri the first city to see the closure of a Forward Operating Base,” Elzer concluded.
Seconds later, Capt. Deron Haught, the former FOB Altun Kupri commander, stepped up to the podium to address the audience.
“For me and my men, this is both a sad and proud day. We’re sad to leave a place we’ve called home but proud that our efforts have enabled us to do so,” Haught said.
“I want to take a moment to thank the men who are standing here today,” Haught said as he looked at a formation of Outlaw Soldiers. “I feel proud not because of what I have done, but because what I have watched them do. You have made me prouder than I have ever been to wear this uniform and to call myself an American.”
Haught also eliminated concern among Altun Kupri citizens attending the closure ceremony.
“I want to ensure the community you will still receive the same level of support that you have always received from us. Our commitment to this community has not changed,” Haught said. “Altun Kapri will always be my second home -- a home that has waited three decades for this day.”
During the Outlaws’ time in Altun Kupri, they have assisted in the relocation of an Iraqi National Guard company to assist in providing additional presence in the city and also helped fund renovations to the Iraqi Police station.
Over the past months, both of the Iraqi Security Forces (ISF) has assumed more and more security operations within the city as part of the transition of authority to the Iraqi people. Now with Altun Kupri’s ISF running all security missions, the Outlaws have left the city’s stability in their hands.
Because of a well-trained ISF and competent government in the city, the Outlaws are confident that Altun Kupri is ready to move forward on their own.
“I feel confident that the town of Altun Kupri is now stable and that their security forces and government can take care of themselves,” said Spc. Lawrence Chandra, a M249 gunner with the Outlaws.
“We have trained their security forces to be one of the best in Iraq with extensive training on weapons and overall on just about everything a Soldier should know. Also, we have trained government officials during council meetings almost on a daily basis,” Chandra said.