Multi-National Security Transition Command Iraq Public Affairs

Story by Keli Chevalier

BAGHDAD -- Seven members from the Multi-National Security Transition Command-Iraq procurements section took time to visit the children of an Iraqi school and local family, Oct. 22, with care packages.

The children from the Minot Air Force Base Youth Center, N.D., put together these care packages, which were full of new school supplies and hygiene products.

"Since my time here in Iraq, I have observed numerous Iraqi families living below poverty levels and I believe there is more we can do to improve their quality of life and guarantee success for the citizens of this country," said U.S. Air Force 1st Lt. Thy Pham-Cieliesz, MNSTC-I J-4 Class II procurement officer. "So, I coordinated efforts with my home duty station youth services center to have donations sent to Baghdad to be distributed to the families in need."

With seven boxes full of supplies, totaling to approximately 100 pounds, the logistics group made their first stop at an Iraqi school.

"What Iraqis perceive about Americans and the military may be negative based upon their personal experiences, media portrayals and propaganda they have encountered the past couple years, but I figure there's no better way to show we [Americans] truly care by taking off our armor and weapons and visiting them in their community and not just give them supplies, but also to spend time with them," said Pham-Cieliesz.

More than 120 students received items, such as notebooks, pens, pencils, colored pencils, backpacks, shampoo, deodorant, soap, brushes and hair bands.

"It was great to see the smiles in their faces when we gave them their gifts," said U.S. Marine Staff Sgt. Stephanie Campbell, MNSTC-I J-4 Procurement non-commissioned officer.

J-4's visit in the International Zone continued with a trip to the home of a local family.

Once their vehicles pulled up to the home, three young Iraqi girls ran barefooted toward the troops and gave each of them a big hug. Immediately, the girls showed their hospitality and invited everyone into their home with open arms.

With their parent at work, the three sisters, ages three to 10, were left at home to take care of themselves and their two-month old brother.

The last care package included clothes, bracelets and snacks for the family.

"Their living conditions may not be the greatest, but their spirits are strong," said Staff Sgt. Matthew Cartier, MNSTC-I Headquarters Commandant Force Protection Senior NCO. "These kids are amazing. All they wanted from us was our companionship."

The Airmen and Marine spent more than an hour with the young kids. From sitting on the ground in their home to sharing cookies and laughs to playing hide-and-seek in their backyard; the children couldn't wipe the smiles off their faces.

"I wanted to leave a small footprint in Iraq and giving to the children was a great opportunity to do this," said U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Reynaldo Blythe, MNSTC-I J-4 Procurement agent.

"These children will remember us for the rest of their life and they will always think about the United States troops who were there for them in their time of need," said Cartier.

This wasn't the first time the J-4 squad has traveled the IZ to pass out care packages. The last time they went out to donate goods was May 2009.

When they are not taking care of the kids, their mission is to support the MNSTC-I commanding general's initiatives and intent to generate Iraqi Security Forces logistic self-sustainability, through the provision of equipments, training and logistic services.

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