Well done: Gen David Petraeus with Pte Martin Molony, one of 10 OBG (W) 3 troops he presented with soldiers’ medallions. Photo by LS Phillip Cullinan
THE Commanding General, Multi-National Forces-Iraq, Gen David Petraeus, has told Australian soldiers they are making an excellent contribution to Iraq’s security.
Gen Petraeus recently visited Overwatch Battle Group (West) 3 soldiers at Camp Terendak. He told troops at a parade that they were doing an excellent job helping the Iraqi Security Forces, as well as helping villages and towns with important community development projects.
“You Aussies should be very proud of the fine job you are doing here in southern Iraq,” he said.
He said he was aware that OBG(W) 3 soldiers had played an important role helping the Iraqi Army to combat militias.
CO OBG (W) 3 Lt-Col Jake Ellwood said Gen Petraeus was interested in the role the Australians had played in helping to stabilise security in southern Iraq, where three of the four provinces are under Provincial Iraqi Control.
Gen Petraeus received a warm welcome from the Australian soldiers, particularly the Battle Group’s mascot, Terry the Tiger – one of the soldiers dressed in a Tiger costume.
Terry the Tiger gave the US general a hug and helped him put a kangaroo patch on his sleeve to identify him as a member of the Battle Group.
Gen Petraeus took the opportunity to award coalition medallions to 10 soldiers in recognition of their hard work and commitment to duty during the deployment.
The recipients were: Gnr Timothy Stevens, Pte Benjamin Wadley, Cfn Matthew Webb, Tpr Jarrad Virgin, LCpl Edward Keating, Tpr Mathew Archer, LCpl Richardo Carmona-Diaz, Pte Craig Raaven, Cfn Ben John and Pte Martin Molony.
