TAL AFAR — When the 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment moved into Tal Afar in 2005, the city had been reduced to a terrorist base of operations. Streets were deserted, businesses were closed and destitute citizens lived in fear of sectarian violence.

That changed when 3rd ACR arrived to work beside Iraqi security forces. Rations, not yet delivered by the local government, began to filter through to hungry citizens. Crime rates dropped when Soldiers moved into patrol bases around the city, and soon children were playing by the streets.

When 3rd ACR Soldiers completed their duty in Tal Afar, Mayor Nayjim Abdollah Al-Jeburi wrote a letter to President George W. Bush. He said 3rd ACR troops saved his people and rather than bring in a new unit, he wanted 3rd ACR to stay.

Al-Jeburi later found he could also work with the replacement unit, but not before he traveled to Fort Carson, Colo., in 2006 to visit 3rd ACR troops. He gave a speech at their welcome home ceremony and thanked them for saving his people.

“The insurgents put death in every road, street and house of Tal Afar,” the mayor said. “Third ACR saved the people from insurgents, and citizens now walk on the streets. The Soldiers were like angels that God sent to Tal Afar.”

For this, Al-Jeburi said he will never forget the unit, which is now part of Tal Afar’s history. He said without the troops, peace would not be possible.

“I want to bring security like in other western countries because the people of Tal Afar have suffered,” he said. “I want to bring peace to the families and the children.”

Army Maj. Gen. James Simmons, deputy commanding general, Multi-National Corps-Iraq, said Al-Jeburi has worked hard for several years to improve life for Iraqis. Simmons first met Al-Jeburi during the short visit to Colorado in 2006. The leaders became friends, and Simmons promised to meet again in Iraq.

The long-awaited meeting recently took place at Forward Operating Base Sykes in Tal Afar. Al-Jeburi said the reunion was one he had dreamed of.

“When I saw Maj. Gen. Simmons a year and a half ago, it was my dream to see him again,” he said. “Seeing him reminds me of the past and the beauty of Colorado. He reminds me of the Soldiers of 3rd ACR, and the mayor of Colorado Springs, and the nice people who welcomed me warmly in Colorado.”

During the reunion, the two friends ate lunch and discussed a common goal: peace and security in Iraq.

“Mayor Nayjim has been a real example of the potential of Iraq, whenever you fight against sectarianism and focus on taking care of the citizens of your city and getting rid of al-Qaida,” Simmons said. “He works with the leadership of the 25th Infantry Division and 3rd Squadron of the 4th Cavalry, to create better conditions in the city.”

Simmons followed up the reunion with his friend by meeting with 25th Inf. Div. leaders to discuss how MNCI can support the division’s efforts in the area. Al-Jeburi said he is thankful for the help of these units in protecting his citizens.

“I appreciate and thank all the Soldiers that help bring security into Tal Afar city,” he said. “They gained the respect and love from Tal Afar people.