Cpl. Eric S. Lewis, a team leader with the 511th Military Police Company, loads a box of Halal meals on an Iraqi Police vehicle at Forward Operating Base Delta March 28. The IPs received a total of 2,400 meals and 1,440 bottles of water from the 214th Fires Brigade. U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Carlos J. Lazo.

Because of the security situation and an imposed curfew, grocery stores and other food outlets were closed, said Sgt. 1st Class Herbert Tulip, senior operations noncommissioned officer for 511th Military Police Company, from Fort Drum, N.Y. The IPs, who were quelling violence in the city, contacted Tulip for aid in the form of water and meals.

“This is the first time they requested this from us,” he said, adding they are self-sufficient and typically request all supplies directly through the Ministry of Interior.

The request for 2,000 meals and 1,000 bottles of water was passed on to Maj. Dewayne K. Bailey, brigade sustainment officer in charge for the 214th Fires Brigade. Upon receiving the word, the Hollandale, Miss., native set to work meeting the need.

Within a few hours, the food and water was ready to be delivered. To assist with transporting the supplies, the 511th MP Co. used one of their vehicles to drive the supplies to a predetermined IP site outside Forward Operating Base Delta.

The IPs received a total of 2,400 meals and 1,440 bottles of water. The meals are known as Halal; ready-to-eat meals that contain food permissible under Islamic law.

“We felt it was the right thing to do,” Bailey said. “We’re here to support the Iraqis.”

If additional support is requested, Bailey said, “we have the ability to continue if need be.”

In addition to the food and water, the MPs provided the IPs with medical supplies, said Tulip. The IPs received 10 combat lifesaver bags and five combat lifesaver packs.