Local Iraqi council members cut a ribbon during a ceremony celebrating the donation of two water trucks in Aqur Quf, Nov. 5. Photo by Staff Sgt. Mark Burrell, MND - Baghdad.

Leaders from Aqur Quf accepted the two trucks; each capable of delivering 2,500 gallons of water to area residents.

American forces funded the $152,000 project, according to 1st Lt. James Hester, a civil affairs officer assigned to the 422nd Civil Affairs Battalion, attached to the 4th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division.

"The goal of the vehicles is to give you a tool to empower yourselves to give fresh water to your people," said Hester, addressing different shaykhs, Iraqi Security Forces, local government members and farmers. "My job is to just give you a gift to help you help your people."

The trucks replaced a 90 day reoccurring $5,200 contract that U.S. forces previously had to distribute potable water to locals, added Hester, a native of Tybee Island, Ga. Not only will the trucks employ local Iraqis, but they will save money in the long run.

"The Aqur Quf region has had an issue with potable water since 2003," explained a grateful Hadir Ali Kadeem, a chairman for the local council. "It's a very nice gift and we will be able to deliver water for five villages, which is about 15 percent of the people in Aqur Quf."

Capt. Keith Roberts, an infantry company commander who operates in the area, agreed that getting potable water here has been a problem.

"Many of the people get their water straight from canals and wind up getting sick," said Roberts, from Dupont, Wash., assigned to Company A, 4th Battalion, 9th Infantry Regiment, 4th SBCT, 2nd Inf. Div.

"The local people have been given an opportunity here and if they want it, they'll take it," said Roberts. "They need to maintain the trucks, get drivers and go to the distribution point themselves."

The stark white trucks will soon be painted with "The City of Aqur Quf" on the side; a symbol of progress and pride for the members of the community as well as a representation of U.S. commitment in the area.