Courtesy Photo | Iraqi girls peek out the door of their classroom as Soldiers from Alpha Battery, 2nd...... read more read more
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BIZNA, Iraq – "Redlegs" from the 2nd Battalion, 320th Field Artillery Regiment continued to focus on improving the lives of local Iraqis when they visited students from 17 Bizna on their last day of school on May 25, 2008.
During their visit to the local school, the artilleryman from the 1st Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), and the Iraqi security forces from Ad Dujayl, spent over six hours handing out numerous supplies to students in the small and remote village south of Balad.
"This visit was our last opportunity to supply the children in 17 Bizna with supplies before the summer break. Hopefully with what we gave them, the supplies will give the kids an added edge in the classroom next year," said 1st Lt. William R. Hale, a platoon leader with Alpha Battery, 2-320th FAR.
Hale said it was important to do these types of civil military operations in conjunction with the ISF because it shows the local populace that the coalition forces and Iraqi security forces are working together to help build a better Iraq.
"This was just an all around great experience for everyone involved. Doing this type of operation helps the U.S. and Iraqis build lasting friendships with the local population, and that's one of the reasons we do this type of thing," said Hale.
The other reason Hale loves to do these types of operations is because it puts smiles on the faces of many Iraqis that are less-fortunate than him.
"It's just really special to look at the children's faces and see a smile. I know many of these kids aren't living in the best conditions, so anything we can do to help out is reason enough to take the time and visit them," said Hale.
During the visit to the elementary school in 17 Bizna, the 2-320th FAR and the ISF dropped off hundreds of bookbags, pens and pencils, notebook paper, rulers, glue, crayons and markers, and other school supplies that will assist the children in their studies when they are in the classroom.
The "Bastogne" artilleryman will continue to support the children of 17 Bizna over the course of the next couple months while they are on summer break. The 2-320th FAR plan on helping renovate the school in the village and also supplying the facility with new desks and chairs among other things.
"This isn't the last time we will help out 17 Bizna. This is a great village and it has some wonderful people who are very deserving of our help. It was great to spend the day with these kids today," added Hale.
| Date Taken: | 05.27.2008 |
| Date Posted: | 05.27.2008 19:45 |
| Story ID: | 19847 |
| Location: | BIZNA, IQ |
| Web Views: | 344 |
| Downloads: | 256 |
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