TS Company supports construction of future Iraqi forces station
AL ASAD, Iraq (April 12, 2007) -- As legend goes, the Roman Empire began with a simple claim of its existence and a basic outline of its boundaries. The only difference between the fabled founding of Rome and Controlled Observation Post Timberwolf, is that Romulus and Remus, the twins who founded Rome, didn’t plan to surrender control of their territory.
http://www.usmc.mil/marinelink/mcn2000.nsf/main5/79BAD222B21B6FA2852572BE0051EB6A?opendocument
April 12, 2007
By Cpl. Andrew M. Kalwitz, 2nd Marine Logistics Group
“This COP is eventually going to become an Iraqi Police Facility,” said 2nd Lt. Michael P. Lincoln, a convoy/platoon commander with Transportation Support Company, Combat Logistics Battalion 2, 2nd Marine Logistics Group (Forward).
In time, the United States military’s control of many other stations in Iraq will also be transferred to Iraqi forces in order to progress toward a self-sufficient country.
“We’re kind of showing them how we would run things and letting them fall in on it,” said Lincoln, a Fairfield, Conn., native. “It’s one step at a time.”
The purpose for the company’s visit was to deliver food, water, plywood and other building materials to those constructing the COP, ensuring Iraqi forces inherit a fully-operational station.
“We’re giving them something to work with,” said Lance Cpl. Justin Ice, a heavy equipment mechanic temporarily serving with TS Company. “We can’t make them serve their country, but we can give them the things they need to do it.”
Elevated above the surrounding area, COP Timberwolf is faced with a very low sniper threat. But to even further improve upon the COP, which is near the Euphrates River, one platoon sergeant with TS Company said there may be plans to add one more convenient thing.
“I think the ultimate goal is to build a bridge to go across the river,” said Gunnery Sgt. Marla D. Edwards, a Pine Bluff, Ark., native. “I think it will bring an opportunity to travel and enable them to be a little more prosperous.”
Since the most accessible bridge across the river is far north of the company’s operating base at Al Asad, they spent hours driving through dessert and villages to get to their destination. In a straight line, this would be a 10-20 minute drive.
However, due to the extended route, Pfc. Ryan J. Henry, a motor transportation operator with the company, said he had the opportunity to experience firsthand something most people don’t get to see.
“Driving through the villages like that and seeing all the people waving makes me think these people really do want to make things happen over here,” said the Houston, Texas, native.
As TS Company continues to transport supplies to COP Timberwolf, it grows closer to its completion and adoption by Iraqi Forces. But much like other COPs around Iraq, and the country itself, progress comes with persistence. Rome wasn’t built in a day either.