HASWAH, Iraq – Soldiers of Company C, 2nd Battalion, 28th Infantry Regiment were on stand-by if needed to assist their Iraqi counterparts during the Iraqi pilgrimage for the holiday of Shabaniyah.
Shabaniyah is the religious celebration of the birthday of Shiite Imam Mohammed al-Mahdi. During this holiday Iraqis make a pilgrimage from all over Iraq to the holy city of Karbala.
Three million Muslims traveled through Iraq the past three days for the celebration. In past years, these pilgrimages have been targets for criminal activity, such as bombings and shootings.
This year, 1st Co., 2nd Bn., 31st Iraqi Army Brigade took the lead with the support of Co. C to maintain the safety of the pilgrims on their way to Karbala. "We provided the Iraqi Army with support during the week of Shabaniyah just in case something happened and they needed our help," said 1st Lt. Ernest Y. Lee, platoon leader, Co. C, 2nd Bn., 28th Inf. Regt., and native of Sacramento, Calif.
"The Iraqi Army really didn't need us this week, things were pretty quiet," said Spc. Johnathan D. Cogden, infantryman, Co. C, 2nd Bn., 28th Inf. Regt., and a Stevensville, Mich. native. "They took the lead on the patrols by deciding what to do, where to patrol and what check points to inspect."
Since June, American forces have been entirely in a supportive role for Iraqi forces.
"We've built the best partnership with the Iraqi Army," said 1st Sgt. Richard A. Mitchell, Co. C, 2nd Bn., 28th Inf. Regt., native of Jasper, Ind. "We will go anywhere and provide security wherever we are needed."
