172nd SBCT Soldiers deliver 75 generators for use in 60 Karkh neighborhood schools

Photo By Staff Sgt. Kevin Lovel | BAGHDAD – A Soldier from Troop A, 4th Squadron, 14th Cavalry Regiment, 172nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, Multi-National Division – Baghdad, provides security after a sniper fires rounds in the vicinity of his unit during a humanitarian aid mission in Baghdad's Karkh district Oct. 13. Despite terrorist small-arms fire, Soldiers delivered 75 generators to be distributed to the area's schools, as well as backpacks and soccer balls to be given to the students.  

BAGHDAD, IRAQ

10.20.2006

Story by Staff Sgt. Kevin Lovel 

363rd Public Affairs Detachment

by Staff Sgt. Kevin Lovel
363rd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

BAGHDAD –Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers conducted a humanitarian aid mission Oct. 13 in Baghdad's Karkh district.
The Soldiers from Troop A, 4th Squadron, 14th Cavalry Regiment, 172nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, delivered 75 generators to the district's educational headquarters for use in 60 neighborhood schools.

"We're dropping off generators, backpacks and soccer balls," said Capt. Benjamin Tiernan, fire support officer, Troop A.

Prior to this mission, civil affairs Soldiers talked with district council representatives to get an idea of what the most pressing needs in the district were, said Tiernan.

The Soldiers from Troop A are no strangers to helping Iraqi residents.

"We've done (humanitarian missions for) them in Mosul and Rawah but not this large of a drop with this many generators," added Tiernan.

The unit has also provided assistance in the past for school children.

"We've given out a lot of these backpacks before in Mosul," said Pfc. Michael Hoyt, mortarman, Troop A.

Iraqi Security Forces have played a part in the distribution of aid, said Tiernan.

"The Iraqi police help distribute the gifts for the children in a timely manner," said Tiernan.

Humanitarian missions are rewarding for Soldiers, he added
"It's easy to feel good about these kinds of things (humanitarian aid). It helps the children. What's gratifying is that the (city) council members chipped in to help make it happen," said Tiernan.

Troop A's normal missions include regular patrols in Baghdad neighborhoods, where Soldiers talk with area residents and key officials to identify terrorist suspects and also find out how they can be of assistance to the residents of the area, said Tiernan.

"People don't know what to expect from Soldiers, so that's why you have to get out – meet with residents and leaders to let them know you're trying to help," he said.

"A lot of neighborhoods are very supportive," said Tiernan. "Kids come up to us and shake our hands."

Residents of the city council said they were impressed with the way Soldiers pitched into help meet basic needs.

"This is not the first time Coalition Forces have given us gifts," said a grateful Abdul Satar al Robeai, chairman, Karkh city council. "This is part of a graduated giving of help to the schools and the neighborhoods since 2003.

"This (generators) will help the pupils and teachers have electricity for their schools," added al Robeai.

Coalition Forces have also assisted with the construction of new schools and have repaired damage caused to existing school buildings by terrorists, which has strengthened the relationship between Soldiers and the people of the area, said al Robeai.

• Date Taken: 10.20.2006
• Date Posted: 10.20.2006 13:02
• Story ID: 8100
• Location: BAGHDAD, IQ