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BAGRAM AIR FIELD, Afghanistan— Ask school children in America what they want and they would probably reply, "I want a video game or toy."
However, pose that question to school children in Afghanistan and one most certainly won't hear any mention of toys or games. It is much more likely they will request pens, or paper. To most, seemingly insignificant items but to the children of Afghanistan, such items are not so insignificant.
School supplies such as the ones recently delivered to the village of Abbaskheyl, Shirobi District in the Paktika province, Afghanistan, May 21, by Afghanistan border policemen and the paratroopers from Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 3rd Battalion, 509th Infantry Airborne, 4th Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division, play a key role in enabling the local government officials from these districts to educate its future leaders.
The humanitarian aid, which was composed of pens, pencils, paper, and various other school supplies, was a surprise gift to the school children to complement their recently constructed school.
"They were ecstatic," said 1st Lt. Troy Yoho, Scout Platoon leader, HHC, 3-509th. "They were excited because they didn't expect it."
Yoho, a Houston native, said the school supplies really show the community that their government is hard at work on improving the future of Abbaskheyl.
Sgt. 1st Class Jason Weaver, platoon sergeant for the Scout Platoon, HHC, 3-509th believes that missions like this one have a lasting impact on the community.
"[The school supplies] were something they needed," said Weaver, a Miamisburg, Ohio native. "Anytime you can encourage kids to go to school, it is a good thing."
Humanitarian aid missions not only impact the people receiving the aid, but also those who are distributing it.
"It makes me feel great," said Yoho. "The aid allows the people to see that the local government is there to help them by supporting ... the community."
The humanitarian aid drop off also illustrates how joint efforts between Afghans and Americans are making life better for the people of Afghanistan.
"[When] we work hand in hand and we accomplish our goals--together," said Weaver. "It shows the locals that their government is making their best efforts in making Abashedly a better place to live."
| Date Taken: | 05.21.2009 |
| Date Posted: | 05.29.2009 10:13 |
| Story ID: | 34282 |
| Location: | BAGRAM AIR FIELD, AF |
| Web Views: | 185 |
| Downloads: | 162 |
This work, Afghan, coalition forces deliver school supplies, lift morale of children, by SGT Derek Kuhn, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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