More than 90 Sons of Iraq from the Tikrit region registered to stay in the program, March 1, as it transitions to the Iraqi government, May 1. Photo by Jazz Burney, 25th Infantry Division Public Affairs.

“This has been my wish to join the Sons of Iraq program because it has opened the door for me to join the military and provide the needed security that will continue to protect my family and our great country,” said Quesae Abd-Al Satar, who recently joined the SoI program.

“It doesn’t matter where I go in the military – whether Iraqi Army or Iraqi Police, as long as I am a part of this program to contribute my effort I am thankful,” he continued.

After they registered and had their personal information verified and approved by the Iraqi Army, they moved to the final step--payment.

Following the successful transitions in other provinces, the SoI program in Salah ad-Din province will change its source of funding from U.S. forces to the Iraqi government, May 1.