Photo By Sgt. Kathleen Briere | Aya, Zaina, and American service members prepare a cabbage, beef and potato dish at a...... read more read more
VICTORY BASE COMPLEX, Iraq -- "Language isn't an issue. Communication comes through many forms. We understand each other," said Sgt. Kassidy Fitzwater, Pensacola, Fla. "Through body language, facial expressions and basic words, we're able to have conversations."
On a typical Saturday evening, after an already long day, scouting here is hard work, said the multi-channel system operator, 146th Expeditionary Signal Battalion, Multi-National Corp — Iraq. But the benefits make it a rewarding experience, she said.
As a result of dedicated weekly staff meetings held each Tuesday and weekly interactive events, scouts celebrated a one-year anniversary June 13.
Fitzwater, a Florida National Guardsman, has been scouting for 6 months and was recently appointed guide leader for girls, ages 10 and under. As a guide leader she's responsible for crafts and games, and is also partly in charge of organizing storage areas.
She and more than a dozen other service members, translators, and Iraqi troop leaders' team up to play with and mentor the children of French Village, an Iraqi compound that houses locals employed on Victory Base Complex.
Like many, Fitzwater participates for a number of reasons. She comes from a large family and is the oldest of six children. Having sisters, two-years-old and 10-years-old, Fitzwater said she enjoys the games and activities, but the physical contact with the kids is equally rewarding. She said the girls are more "touchy-feely," and give her a sense of companionship similar to relationships she has with her siblings. Every Saturday they greet her at the gate.
"They come to me calling my name in clear English. 'Kassidy, I love you. I miss you,' they say as they climb on me, and hug me," she said.
In a speech to a predominantly Iraqi audience consisting of Iraqi army personnel and fathers, Lt. Col. Robert C. McWilliams, Pine Bluff, Ark., protection deputy, MNC-I said, "Today we celebrate scouting at Area 4, and a year of effort. I'm fortunate to have seen this program evolve since April 2008. I'm impressed with the leadership here and initiative of everyone involved. A special thanks goes to [Iraqi army] Maj. Raheem and his staff."
Maj. Raheem, the Area 4 pack leader, has twin eight-year-old daughters who attend along with two older sons. Raheem says what he enjoys most is the connection between the kids here and the American Soldiers.
Fitzwater will be leaving Iraq soon. She said she looks forward to the re-admission of Iraqi scouting into the World Organization of Scouting Movement and is happy to have been a part of shaping the foundation for the Iraqi nationals to continue building on.
She said her experiences with the children of Baghdad will forever be remembered.
"I hope that I'm able to positively influence these kids, after all, they are the future leaders of this nation."
| Date Taken: | 06.16.2009 |
| Date Posted: | 06.16.2009 10:03 |
| Story ID: | 35142 |
| Location: | BAGHDAD, IQ |
| Web Views: | 310 |
| Downloads: | 244 |
This work, Positively influencing Iraqi children; Future leaders of Nation, by SGT Kathleen Briere, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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