Courtesy Photo | Young Iraqi children enjoy toys and school supplies given to them. All the supplies...... read more read more
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By Sgt. Matthew Acosta
22nd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment
FORWARD OPERATING BASE DANGER, Tikrit, Iraq- "Were learning how to build a nation one small child at a time," said Capt. Christopher Ortega, civil affairs officer, 2nd Battalion, 7th Infantry, Task Force Liberty. "These children are starting to see us as allies, as friends."
The civil affairs Soldiers of the 1st Brigade Combat Team are working with the Tikrit Disability Children's Organization, which gives disadvantaged children a better chance at life.
Ortega said the organization takes in handicapped children with abnormalities or deformities who may not have the same chances in a local school.
The facility wasn't much of a place at first, said Ortega. "Sometimes there was teaching done there but nothing regular."
He added that his predecessor from the 411th Civil Affairs Battalion discovered the organization and started giving them money and supplies; helping them to "get on their feet."
The Soldiers visit the facility several times a week, checking on the children often bringing with them toys and much needed supplies and medical attention.
"Now our civil affairs team has adopted them," Ortega said. "This is something where we would like to give as much help as possible, and that we're very proud of."
The Iraqi children are not the only ones benefiting from these civil affairs missions the Soldiers find benefits in helping the children as well.
"It's a nice change from being in the infantry," said Spc. Daniel Sterett, infantryman, 1st Battalion, 12th Infantry, Pennsylvania National Guard, Task Force Liberty. It feels good to give the kids toys and to see the joy and happiness on their faces.
Ortega said it is more rewarding to learn how to help the Iraqis at this level than to worry about the fighting that is going on around them.
"It's very comforting knowing that they are accepting us," he added. "They wave hands, ask us questions and are very friendly."
The unit understands the importance of support for such an organization that helps children who cannot help themselves.
"We give them school supplies and money," Ortega said. "We're trying to help build this organization into a strong one, making a better foundation for the future of Iraq."
"It's very rewarding," he added.
| Date Taken: | 08.19.2005 |
| Date Posted: | 08.19.2005 16:13 |
| Story ID: | 2798 |
| Location: | TIKRIT, IQ |
| Web Views: | 117 |
| Downloads: | 17 |
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