Photo By Pfc. Christopher McKenna | Spc. Robert Kurtz, a native of Fairfield, Pa., scout with Troop A, 1-33rd Cavalry...... read more read more
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By Pvt. Christopher McKenna
3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Public Afffairs Office
CAMP STRIKER, Iraq – Rakkasan Soldiers distributed school supplies to the Saad and al-Zuwaiti Schools, about 11 kilometers southwest of Baghdad, May 21.
The Soldiers, with Troop A, 1st Squadron, 33rd Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), distributed a total of nine boxes filled with pens, pencils, erasers, paper, folders and other supplies.
"Basically, anything you would send your child to school with back home was included," said Staff Sgt. Michael Wade, native of Auburn, Mass., section sergeant for Troop A.
Schoolchildren and generous people of Fairfield, Pa., donated everything distributed on that day.
"Tammy Kurtz, mother of one of our Soldiers, a teacher's aide in Fairfield, contacted us and wanted to do something with the students as a civic's lesson," Wade said.
Various stores and shops in the Fairfield area took interest and also contributed to the donation of items.
"My mother asked me what she could do to help out here, so I gave her details on the schools," said Spc. Robert Kurtz, a native of Fairfield, Pa., scout for Troop A, 1-33rd Cav. Regt. "Naturally a caring person, she wanted to send maybe a box of school supplies. When people realized what she was doing, help started to come from all over, growing into a big fundraiser where I'm from."
Kurtz's mother asked for a list of items that the Iraqi children could use, which was relayed back to other people wanting to help.
"It shows a level of understanding by both the children and adults back home," Wade said. "One of the five pillars of Islam is giving to the poor. Most of the people out here look at America as rich, and it's nice to know that 8- and 9-year-olds back in the States are helping 8- and 9-year-olds in Iraq.
"Maybe on the children the message is lost, but I think, for the adults –
especially the teachers – they realize that this is actually a big moment," he said.
This is the first time the Rakkasans of 1-33rd Cav. Regt. have handed out school supplies in the area.
"Usually when items are distributed it tends to be things like water, food and medical supplies," Kurtz said. "It's good to know that people who have are willing to give to those who need."
Wade said he thinks the effects of this goodwill gesture will be felt for a long time.
When the Rakkasans arrived in Iraq, Kurtz said he didn't see many children commuting to and from school during missions.
"Now every time we go out on a mission I see children walking the streets, moving around without fear," he said.
| Date Taken: | 05.22.2008 |
| Date Posted: | 05.22.2008 16:23 |
| Story ID: | 19709 |
| Location: | BAGHDAD, IQ |
| Web Views: | 259 |
| Downloads: | 183 |
This work, Rakkasans distribute supplies to Iraqi schools, by PFC Christopher McKenna, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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