JOINT BASE BALAD, Iraq - First Lt. Susan Sponable, Master Sgt. Erika Lozano, and Spc. Juan Siller, with the 36th Engineer Brigade took part in “Iraqi Kids Day” at Joint Base Balad sponsored by the 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing. The purpose of the event was put on as a way to create an avenue for local outreach and to improve community relations that allowed the children of the local community the opportunity to interact with U.S. forces in a safe and entertaining environment. The day’s activities included an outdoor kiddie Pool, a Cards Art Station, Video Games, a Magician, a Traveling Juggler, a girls dress up corner, sidewalk art activities, soccer, a football throw, movies, and a bean bag toss followed by lunch.
Lozano, the re-enlistment NCO for the Brigade acted as mentors for two local Iraqi girls, she said, “The main reason I volunteered for the Iraqi Kids Day was because I missed my kids and it gave me a chance to interact with kids as if I were at home interacting with my kids."
Sponable, the Brigade Budget Analyst said that “I believe that I made a lasting impression on the children and hope that through my actions I assisted in creating a positive view of the U.S. soldiers”. Additionally, Spc. Juan Siller, assisted with the football throws.
All three had a unique opportunity to make a positive impact on some local Iraqi Kids while having some fun themselves. The time seemed to fly by at the event, and both the volunteers and the local Iraqi children left the days events with lasting memories and smiles.
| Date Taken: | 11.06.2010 |
| Date Posted: | 11.09.2010 05:48 |
| Story ID: | 59712 |
| Location: | JOINT BASE BALAD, IQ |
| Web Views: | 58 |
| Downloads: | 23 |
This work, Engineer’s participated in Iraqi Kids Day, by 1LT Edwin Melendez, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
