MND-B Soldiers' interaction leaves lasting impact on children

Photo By Staff Sgt. James Hunter | Iraqi children walk down a dirt road in Bakariyah, a western Baghdad neighborhood,...... read more read more

Photo By Staff Sgt. James Hunter | Iraqi children walk down a dirt road in Bakariyah, a western Baghdad neighborhood, March 7. Iraqi children remain the future to this storied country. Our impact on these children is and will forever leave a lasting, positive impression for many years to come.  see less | View Image Page

BAGHDAD, IRAQ

03.13.2008

Story by Staff Sgt. James Hunter 

2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (AA) Public Affairs

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By Sgt. James Hunter
2nd Brigade Combat Team Public Affairs Officer, 101st Airborne Division, Multi-National Division - Baghdad

BAGHDAD - As I come upon the halfway point of my second deployment to Iraq, the one thing that clearly sticks out in my mind is the children of Iraq.

As we continue to build the justice system, the government, key infrastructure and the Iraqi security forces throughout this country, there is no guarantee for immediate change. It almost seems unreasonable to expect a country to completely do a 180-degree turnaround from former tyranny and oppression of more than 30 years.

It takes time; time I believe we are spending well as we interact with Iraq's future leaders - the children.

As I patrol on foot throughout Baghdad, quite often I run into children of all ages and sizes. They are full of smiles, laughs and an undeniable affection toward U.S. forces. They love us; they truly do. Some even have said, "Mista, I love you," though they may not truly understand what they are saying.

We bring a different aspect of life to their somewhat mundane lifestyle. Granted, they are kids, and children can make fun of any situation, but, with curfews and the fear of violence within their communities, it puts a sour flavor to their mouths.

They see us, the bluish-gray uniforms approaching, and they come running sometimes as fast as an Olympic sprinter.

Sometimes Soldiers get annoyed with the never ending "Mista, Mista." If they don't want chocolate, then they want pencils. If it's not your pencil, then it's your watch. But it's all in fun. They just want to talk to us.

I can't even imagine how many handshakes I have created with the children on the streets of Baghdad or how many kids I have given a high-five.

Recently, while on patrol in Bakariyah a neighborhood in western Baghdad, I approached nearly 10 children - most of whom were girls and young, infant boys - while the platoon sergeant spoke with the man of the household.

They were a bit standoffish at first. Then, to what some would think was idiotic, I pulled out a pack of gum, fruit-flavored at that. So I passed out a piece to each one of them. Then, for what seemed like the next 10 minutes, I gave them funny looks - to receive a great deal of laughter in turn - played a couple games of thumb war and gave out an uncountable amount of handshakes.

As 10 minutes passed, we were ready to move onto the next home. This time, however, we were mounting our vehicles and moving toward another location. I told them all goodbye.

As we moved on foot toward our vehicles, I turned back to see three of them sprinting my way. All they wanted was to say goodbye back, it seemed. I waved, and in turn, they waved back and headed home.

What I am getting at is these children we see everyday watch us, respect us and expect certain things from us, things like a safe and secure neighborhood. What we as American Forces do for the people of Iraq is amazing. That is why I believe, and have always believed, the impression we leave them with will be a lasting impression. Their attitude toward life and toward the U.S. in general will play a huge role in their future for the day we see these very children taking control of this country.

In January, when I was doing a story on a toy drop to an Iraqi school, I remember a Soldier telling me a story of when he was 18 years old and toured Europe.

He told me he was approached by an elderly Frenchman, who recognized him as an American. The elderly Frenchman had very vivid memories of the kindness that Americans had shown to the children during World War II.

He told me, "My grandfather had fought in Europe during the Second World War, and (the Frenchman) still wanted to express his appreciation and his gratitude for what America had done for his country when he was a child."

Our impact on these children will forever leave a lasting, positive impression for many years to come. They are the future, and we are having a positive impact on them and the country of Iraq.