FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 10, 2004
Contact: David Mac Dougall
Office of Strategic Communications
Email: macdougalld.gbr@orha.centcom.mil
 

IRAQI RAILWAY POLICE RECEIVE 300 SETS OF BODY ARMOR;
EVERY OFFICER NOW BETTER EQUIPPED
TO CARRY OUT HIS WORK

Baghdad Central Train Station, Iraq.  Today, the Iraqi Railway Police (IRP) received 300 sets of body armor from the US military.  At a ceremony in downtown Baghdad, Marine Colonel Dennis Arinello presented the body armor to IRP officers in a ceremony that united Coalition Forces and Iraqis with a common goal – to protect their country, rebuild their economy, and make a safer future for all citizens. The body armor will help the Iraqi Railway Police search for explosive devices on trains and rail tracks with greater security.

Colonel Arinello told IRP officers the 300 sets of body armor had previously protected US Marines who served in Iraq.  To demonstrate how safe Colonel Arinello felt in his body armor, he removed his personal flak jacket and gifted it to Colonel Asad, Head of the Iraqi Railway Police.

Colonel Arinello told IRP officers that “these flak jackets have protected Coalition Forces, now they will protect our Iraqi brothers. We are proud to work alongside you to rebuild a strong railroad infrastructure, safe for train passengers and secure for commerce”.   The Iraqi Railway Police officers cheered as Colonel Arinello and Colonel Asad embraced – a symbol of their friendship and close professional relationship.

For more information about Iraq’s railway network and equipment donation, please email David Mac Dougall at macdougalld.gbr@orha.centcom.mil

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