Zakho Beanie Baby Drop

Photo By Sgt. Dennis Gravelle | Spc. Eric Guntermann, 142nd Corps Support Battalion, shows off his bubble blowing skills to a child in Zakho, Iraq. The unit was at the school handing out beanie babies and school supplies to the children. Photo by Army Sgt. Dennis Gravelle, 138th MPAD  

ZAKHO, IRAQ

03.20.2006

Courtesy Story

345th Public Affairs Detachment

by Sgt. Dennis Gravelle
138th MPAD

ZAKHO, Iraq (Mar. 15, 2006) -- Soldiers of the 142nd Corps Support Battalion were given a rare opportunity to put smiles on kids faces here on Mar.15.

The CSB, stationed at Logistical Staging Area Diamondback conducted a civil military mission in Zakho by handing out Beanie Babies to about 1,000 school children.

"This is the first time we have conducted a humanitarian mission, usually we work nights, escorting convoys with supplies to Forward Operating Bases in the region," said Lt. Col. Ronald Green, CSB commander and native of Fairfield, OH.

According to Green, the Beanie Babies came from all across the United States. Churches, individuals, and local groups sent them. No nation pours out more in humanitarian aide than the U.S., and this is just a small example of it.

"This makes me feel real good, not only did we give to kids here and see the joy in their eyes, but to have so many families and individuals take time out of their busy schedules to send us these supplies, so we can give to these children makes you feel good," said Capt. John Smith, chaplain, 142nd CSB and native of Springfield, Mo.

At each school, Soldiers received several Beanie Babies to hand out to the children in each classroom. Soldiers were able to spend a little time with each child playing games and singing with them before heading out to another school.

"This day is fantastic, I couldn't ask for a better day," Green said. "This is quite rewarding and great to see kids enjoying themselves."

"I feel good for the kids. Handing out Beanie Babies and seeing the children smile is a rewarding experience," said Air Force Airman 1st Class Davaines Brown, a native of Detroit, Mi.

According to Capt. John Smith, this is one of the most important missions that the CSB has done here, one they will probably remember about the time they spent in Iraq.

"It's a lot to fight in this war and part of that is going out and making kids happy," Smith said.

"This is one of those things the American public needs to see, to see these Soldiers giving to the children, showing what we are doing to build these schools and touching Iraqi's hearts," said Smith

"Sometimes, people back home only see the negative things that are happening here," Smith said. 'this is a side of Soldiers that people don't see."

"Every little thing counts. We are all representatives of the U.S. This small time we spend with these children will be embedded in their minds, and they will mostly likely believe this is what America is. Americans are generous, Americans are kind and strong," said Green.

"This was an opportunity for my Soldiers to see that they are not here just delivering Beanie Babies," said Green. "They are delivering freedom."

• Date Taken: 03.20.2006
• Date Posted: 03.20.2006 12:15
• Story ID: 5779
• Location: ZAKHO, IQ