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From the Task Force Duke Public Affairs Office
3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division
BAGRAM AIR FIELD, Afghanistan – Every Friday the Nuristan Provincial Reconstruction Team holds a "shoe-drive" at Forward Operating Base Kala Gush, supplying 60 - 70 Afghan children with socks and shoes each week.
The project began when 1st Sgt. Terry Pittman, Nuristan PRT, saw two Afghan children leaving the FOB after receiving medical care. He noticed the older child carrying the younger child barefooted. He learned the children had come from miles away, over harsh terrain, so the younger child could be treated for cold symptoms.
"It touched me because I imagined my 12-year-old son walking that distance, with no shoes on and carrying his little sister," said Pittman.
After bringing the children back into the FOB and rounding up sandals for them to have, Pittman decided he had to do something.
While looking into support from humanitarian aid resources, Pittman decided that they didn't have time for that and had to do something for these children now.
"I want to help the children of Afghanistan by making sure every child that walks on [to] this FOB, leaves with shoes and socks," said Pittman.
Pittman called everyone he knew and asked them to send shoes. When members of the PRT heard the plan they instantly supported it. Since then, shoes, socks, coats and toys have been coming in from across the United States.
"Without these people and their contributions then this wouldn't happen," said Pittman. "I want to thank them all because they have really gone beyond the call of duty to help the people here."
For some of the children, the shoes are replacements to battered sandals with holes worn through the sole; to other children they are the first pair of shoes they've ever worn.
"If these children don't remember anything else about us being here, they might remember that an American Soldier gave [them their] first pair of shoes or socks," Pittman said.
| Date Taken: | 01.13.2009 |
| Date Posted: | 01.13.2009 23:59 |
| Story ID: | 28804 |
| Location: | BAGRAM AIR FIELD, AF |
| Web Views: | 461 |
| Downloads: | 432 |
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