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USAF, Iraqi firefighters build brotherhood

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Kimberley Harrison
  • U.S. AFCENT Combat Camera
JOINT BASE BALAD, Iraq --  Air Force firefighters responded to an unusual call here May 7 - a call of friendship and hospitality.

Seizing a unique opportunity to go outside the wire - with security and transportation provided by the U.S. Army's 1st Battalion, 28th Infantry Regiment, deployed here from Ft. Riley, Kan. - several firefighters from the 332nd Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron visited their Iraqi counterparts in Bakir village, a gated community, just beyond the base's perimeter.

The invitation was an act of respect on behalf of the Iraqi firefighters to show their gratitude and appreciation for the instruction and hospitality they received during the first-ever training program held here last month.

Tech. Sgt. Michael Kellebrew, 332nd ECES assistant fire chief of training, deployed here from 6th Civil Engineer Squadron, MacDill Air Force Base, Fla., led the training program. He also ensured the lesson plans and Power Point presentations were translated into Arabic.

"The training was successful," said Sergeant Kellebrew, a native of Staunton, Ill. "There were a lot of friendships made during the time we spent together and we were excited to have the opportunity to visit their village."

"The visit went fantastic," said Chief Master Sgt. David Fain, 332nd ECES fire chief. "The Iraqi training was one of our goals coming in; we wanted to do it, and thanks to the dedication of Sergeant Kellebrew and the rest of the team, it went better than expected."

Airmen were able to tour the Iraqi fire station, originally an Iraqi Army officers' club prior to Operation Iraqi Freedom.

"These guys are volunteers," said Senior Airman Derek Sardinta, 332nd ECES firefighter, deployed here from the 4th CES, Seymour-Johnson AFB, N.C. "This is hard for them ... they're very limited in what they have."

The Iraqi "volunteer" fire department consisted of two aging fire trucks, a storage room to house supplies and equipment, a sleeping room with two twin beds, and a small dayroom equipped with a TV, refrigerator and chairs for relaxing. No more, no less.

"We've done our best to preserve the building," said Iraqi Fire Chief Basim Muhammad Saleh, a former Iraqi Army colonel and fighter pilot.

Preservation of the building and continuation of civil services has not been easy or affordable for the village, but what the local firefighters lack in equipment and materials, they make up in dedication and determination.

"This building is also used for Yethrib-district and village-council meetings," said Mohammud Eliwi, chief of council for the village. "When something needs to be repaired or replaced, we go door to door and collect money from each of the families."

The significance of the training and opportunity to work together made a lasting impression on the Airmen who participated.

"This is a great group of men," Airman Sardinta said. "They are doing what it takes to protect their village. It's great to see that in a different country. It reminds me of America where the fathers want their sons to follow in their footsteps. That same desire is here."