Task Force 38

Story by Spc. Elizabeth Gorenc

JOINT BASE BALAD, Iraq – While deployed here in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, service members used their free time to teach and assist communities in Iraq.

Airmen and Soldiers here held monthly programs that brought children on base to learn from and interact with military mentors. During these days, service members worked through translators to teach Iraqi children about personal hygiene, fire safety awareness and medical issues. After learning safety lessons, children were able to play with their volunteer military mentor. Activities such as soccer, volleyball, basketball, arts and crafts, and board games were available for entertainment.

Air Force Tech. Sgt. Joey Burgess, 332nd Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron construction inspector, said the children's days were not only useful for teaching children safety, but were also good for establishing positive relationships with local communities.

"If we can help out people and displace negative or harsh feelings they have toward us, then it's a win-win situation," said Burgess.

"I'm very passionate about helping others, including kids," added Burgess. "That's why I volunteer."

Along with volunteering his time during the children's events, Burgess also worked as the coordinator for the Kids of Iraq program here. He worked together with other Airmen and Soldiers to receive, organize and distribute donated goods.

"We collect all kinds of donations ranging from toys, hygiene products, clothes and school supplies," said Burgess.

He also said Task Force 38 was one of his biggest clients to give supplies for distribution.

Headed by Indiana Army National Guard Sgt. Andrew Schnieders, the task force command assistant, Task Force 38 Soldiers picked up supplies from Burgess and other Airmen on a monthly basis, prepared supplies and packages for transportation and flew the supplies in a Task Force 38 UH-60 Black Hawk to a forward operating base for further distribution.

"It's a motivator to go out and help provide people with the material [they need] to set themselves up for success," said Schnieders, a Mooresville, Ind., resident.

He said the task force was carrying on the mission previously conducted by the 449th Theater Aviation Brigade, and it was something he looked forward to each month with fellow Soldiers.

"It's not an extra duty. It's something people choose to do," he said. "It's a chance to contribute to a greater good on a personal level."

Schnieders said Soldiers who volunteered for the task force humanitarian aid missions showed a real care and concern for people in need of the supplies. One of those Soldiers was Indiana Army National Guard Staff Sgt. David Shutt, Task Force 38 air mission request cell noncommissioned officer in charge.

"It's all about showing Iraqis that we care, and we are here to help them get back on their feet," said Shutt, a Fairmount, Ind., resident.

He added helping Iraqis also gave him a personal satisfaction.

"I feel like I'm making a difference," said Shutt. "It's nice to do something that's not so combat related."

Along with delivering donated goods received from the Air Force, Task Force 38 pulled their own resources to donate and deliver first aid and medical supplies. Task Force, Indiana Army National Guard Sgt. Michael Seegel administration noncommissioned officer, helped gather and transfer medical supplies, while ensuring his fellow task force Soldiers also had proper medical supplies by handing out earplugs for the flight.

"I was just happy to be there," Seegel, from Indianapolis, said. "I love helping people, no matter how small of a way."

Throughout the remainder of their OIF deployment, Task Force 38 Soldiers said they would continue to help transport donated items to communities in Iraq and volunteer to teach and play with Iraqi children during the monthly events here.

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