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Iraqi, U.S. Airmen join for inaugural Iraq AF labor day

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Sanjay Allen
  • U.S. Air Force's Central Command Public Affairs
HAWK BASE, Iraq --  Iraqi and U.S. Air Force Airmen recently joined for the inaugural Iraqi air force labor day to help beautify the base and strengthen their partnership.

On June 22, the Airmen converged to clean the base because it hadn't happened since the Iraqi air force moved in, in September 2009.

"Hawk Base cleanup happened because we wanted to help and partner with the Iraqi air force to beautify their base," said Senior Master Sgt. Elizabeth Gilbert, Iraqi Training and Advisory Mission-Air Force, Public Affairs superintendent. "Our goal was to help our brothers-in-arms and show them that we care about their base as if it were our own."

Building partnerships was the theme of the day as the cleanup moved along.

"We're building a partnership with our Iraqi brethren," said Maj. John Creighton, ITAM-AF, logistics. "We work with them day in and day out advising them on roles and responsibilities ... and one of the partnership building opportunities we thought about doing was coming out here and helping them with their facilities and do a cleanup of the area. It's a true partnership."

"We were cleaning ... our camp," said Lt. Col. Laith Mushatat, Iraqi air force logistics. "We feel very good (to have) the opportunity to work together just like one team, with our friends, of course, our partners from ITAM."

Joining together for the same cause built pride in the relationship from Airmen in both nations' air forces.

"It is super hot out here today but it is definitely worth the time getting together and cleaning up their base and instilling some pride in our relationship," said Capt. Maureen Trujillo, ITAM-AF, operations.

Colonel Mushatat said it made him feel very youthful and put him in good spirits. He said he was thankful for the relationship with ITAM-AF and proud to work with them.

The creation of the day took off from an idea Col. Joseph Dill, ITAM-AF deputy director, had and Sergeant Gilbert took off with it, proposing it to the Iraqi air force public affairs director and Gen. Anwer Hamad Ameen, Iraqi air force commander. The idea was a hit and the cleanup took place two days later.

Hawk Base leadership has decided to make this a yearly event to promote the beautification of the base and to build camaraderie with the U.S. Air Force. It has become their annual labor day.