An Iraqi engineer takes a drink of purified water from a Coalition-funded, solar-powered water filter in Lutifiyah, Feb. 28. Photo by Jamie Vernon, 1st Armored Division Public Affairs.

The $5,300 project was funded by the Commander’s Emergency Relief Program.

The water purifier was delivered and set up adjacent to a water canal on a farm, as some villagers gathered to view a demonstration on how the purifier works.

“This is an important contribution that means a lot to the Iraqi people. We have worked with the Coalition [forces] in the past, and I’m glad our relationship is continuing,” said Shaykh Hamid Turkey, a local tribal leader.

Local leaders chose this location because the water purifier will provide 150 to 200 people with clean potable water, and the location is protected by Sons of Iraq checkpoints.

“I think it’s really great for the Soldiers of the scout platoon/sniper section to be able to give this water filter to a group of local nationals who do not enjoy the same privileges we have had growing up [in the United States]. I had not seen anything like this filter before. The system is really cool,” said Spc. Kevin Stroud, a scout platoon Soldier from Dallas.

1st Combined Arms Battalion, 63rd Armor Regiment has installed six solar powered water purifiers in the past several months, and plans to place more in the near future.

“It is important to help the Iraqi people have sources of clean water,” said 1st Lt. Henry Brewster, scout platoon leader from Youngstown, Ohio. “It is also beneficial for the relationship we’re trying to build, because it is a sign of trust to them.”

(By Jamie Vernon, 1st Armored Division Public Affairs)