Photo By Capt. Meghan E. Keefe | First Lt. Maryorie Johnson of Fort Myers, Fla., poses for a picture with a school...... read more read more
DIYALA PROVINCE, Iraq — While deployed to Iraq a Fort Myers, Fla., native, went on a humanitarian assistance mission to hand out much needed school supplies to Iraqi children for the new school year, Oct 12.
First Lt. Maryorie Johnson is the communications officer for the 37th Engineer Battalion- Joint Task Force Eagle, based out of Fort Bragg N.C., and joined the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the 1-23 Infantry Battalion, based out of Fort Lewis Wash., on a humanitarian aid mission as an opportunity to give scholastic gifts to the young minds and the future leaders of Iraq.
"This was my first humanitarian aid mission and I enjoyed seeing their facial expressions, knowing that we were making a positive impact in their lives," said Johnson.
A graduate from Fort Myers High School and University of North Carolina Pembroke, Maryorie knew she wanted to serve her country and provide a good life for her family, husband Brian and son, Michael, 1 yr. Having an opportunity to visit the all boy school, located in the Diyala province, greeted by anxious children with enormous smiles gave Johnson a sense of what Iraq is like.
"When we arrived to the school some kids looked really excited, others nervous and unsure. That's how any 5 year old would be. You could tell they were excited to receive their backpacks and that they really needed them," said Johnson.
Johnson and other Soldiers were able to help each child put on their back pack full of school supplies. In addition to the school supplies, the school head master was given three bags of soccer balls for extracurricular activities.
Johnson says the humanitarian aid mission is an experience she hopes to have again. "Visiting the school, making the kids smile and meeting the teachers gave me a chance to see a different side of Iraq and give back in a tangible way. It was a great feeling to be able to provide support to the Iraqi children and school."
| Date Taken: | 10.12.2009 |
| Date Posted: | 10.21.2009 07:41 |
| Story ID: | 40443 |
| Location: | DIYALA PROVINCE, IQ |
| Web Views: | 330 |
| Downloads: | 313 |
This work, Fort Myers, Fla., Native Provides Support to Balad School, by CPT Meghan E. Keefe, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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