Tikrit, Iraq - In a trailer no larger than a backyard shed sits a radio station that coalition forces are using to open the lines of communication with their Iraqi neighbors.

Lt. Col. Louis Lartigue, commander of the 2nd Squadron, 9th Cavalry Regiment, and Lt. Col. Richard Root, commander of the 3rd Battalion, 320th Field Artillery Regiment, recently listened to citizens concerns and sought their support.

The two 101st Airborne Division officers told the audience that security is deteriorating, and detrimentally effecting coalition forces’ ability to work with the local government and population towards establishing a free Iraq.

Lartigue told listeners that if improvised explosive devices continue to be planted along the main road in Ad Dawr and Tikrit, coalition forces would shut down the road.

He then cited a recent example involving an IED hitting his convoy on the way back from a project. Soldier received no injuries, but shrapnel hit a local pregnant woman standing nearby. The convoy’s Army medic provided life-saving first-aid to the woman.

“This must stop. Stand up and tell us who is responsible for denying you – the people of Iraq – your right to freedom,” Lartigue urged listeners

Calls from listeners ranged from minor issues to the extreme. One caller voiced his concern about property damage after coalition forces visited his home. Lartigue responded by telling the man to file a report with the Civil Military Operations Center and bring along photos to speed up the process.

“We will pay for the damage,” he added.

Some listeners wanted to know about projects being worked on in the Ad Dawr area. Laritique said the Ad Dawr City Council is managing such reconstruction projects as schools, electricity, roads and water projects.

Before wrapping up the show, Lartigue shared with the audience a recent visit to a rural school where he had the opportunity to visit with the students.

“Children of this region give me a lot of hope and serve as a good reminder of why we do the work we are doing here. Let us work together and bring peace and stability to this province. These children deserve nothing less,” said Lartigue.