Iraqi soldiers distribute meals to more than 1,000 residents Nov. 28 in the Sadr City district of Baghdad.

BAGHDAD (Dec. 2, 2008) – Smiling faces stretched as far as you could see in the Sadr City district of Baghdad as coalition forces, Iraqi army, community project workers and two prominent sheiks helped distribute Halal meals to more than 1,000 people, Nov. 28.

The Soldiers of Task Force 1-6 Infantry, 1st Battalion, 6th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division, which is currently attached to 3rd BCT, 4th Inf. Div., Multi-National Division – Baghdad, worked with the people of this northeastern Baghdad district in an effort to enforce security and try to improve living conditions across the city.

Infantrymen from 2nd Platoon, Company C, 1st Battalion, 35th Armor Regiment, TF 1-6, recently completed a two-month operation which led to the thorough search of every home in their assigned portion of the district – more than 3,000 homes in all.

This operation, however, was about more than confiscating unauthorized weapons and capturing high-value targets, it was focused on repaying the residents with good cheer and a good meal.

“I can’t believe how happy the people look today,” said Spc. Jack Scott, an infantryman from Helena, Mont., who serves with 2nd Platoon, Co. C, 1-35 AR.

The platoon, in its nearly eight months in Iraq, has grown familiar with many of the local leaders in the area, as well as the common man.

“There’s Aldoha, there’s Haidar, everyone showed up today,” said Sgt. Corey Conlin, a Houston native who serves with 2nd Platoon, Co. C, 1-35 AR. “It seems like everyone heard about today’s mission and they all came out to support us.”

Iraqi Capt. Mohamed from 4th Company, 3rd Battalion, 42nd Brigade, 11th Division, serves as the commander of the Iraqi army at the distribution site. Coalition forces also played Iraqi music and children were dancing in the streets while waiting in line for their meal. All in all, it was a great time for both the Iraqi and American people in attendance.