Courtesy Photo | Iraqi Col. Muhammed Mahdi, an Iraqi police chief, hands a gift to a young resident of...... read more read more
By Sgt. Justin Naylor
2nd Advise and Assist Brigade Public Affairs
1st Cavalry Division, U.S. Division-North
CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE WARHORSE, Iraq - Dozens of brightly clad girls and boys dressed in their holiday best stood in line, whispering and giggling back in forth as they waited their turn. One after another they were called forward into a schoolhouse, each walking out the other side with an armful of new toys, school supplies and gifts.
As part of the celebration of Eid al-Fitr, soldiers with 2nd Advise and Assist Brigade, “Black Jack,” 1st Cavalry Division, U.S. Division – North, and their Iraqi security force counterparts, shared goodwill and gifts with children from the village of Yethrib in Salah ad-Din province, Iraq, Aug. 31.
Eid al-Fitr marks the end of the Islamic holy month of Ramadan. Muslims generally celebrate the holiday with a special prayer service. The day is also often commemorated with feasts, social visits and gift-giving.
“We are celebrating Eid al-Fitr with some gift-giving to the local children,” said Lt. Col. Nathan Cook, commander of 3rd Battalion, 82nd Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd AAB, 1st Cav. Div. “These gifts are just a small token of our appreciation to the people of the Yethrib area.”
This is our chance to show the people of this village and the surrounding area that we are here to help them and their children, said Iraqi Lt. Col. Radam Hassan Jawad, executive officer for the 4-17th Iraqi Army Battalion, which works closely with 3rd Bn., 82nd FA., in the area. “This shows them that we are here to serve them and help them.”
These types of events give villagers something truly positive to remember U.S. forces by, and help the ISF build stronger relationships with the population of Yethrib, said Radam.
The event also shows the villagers that Americans have a deep respect for days that are especially important to them, like Eid al-Fitr.
U.S. Air Force and Army units from Joint Base Balad, Iraq, provided a majority of the gifts for the event.
Driving through the village on the way to the event, children stood on the side of the road waving, happy to see U.S. forces and the ISF, said Cook. “Seeing their smiles makes it all worth it.”
| Date Taken: | 08.31.2011 |
| Date Posted: | 09.06.2011 08:03 |
| Story ID: | 76509 |
| Location: | CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE WARHORSE, IQ |
| Web Views: | 44 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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