U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Michael McKinney meets with Iraqis to discuss the upcoming provincial elections during a patrol in Budayr, Iraq, Dec. 23, 2008.

McKinney is assigned to the 4th Infantry Division’s 2nd Battalion, 8th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team.

The soldiers patrol local areas to ensure the villagers’ needs are addressed and to provide security.

U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Eric Harris