Humanitarian aid brightens nomad's day

BAGRAM AIR FIELD, AFGHANISTAN

03.30.2009

Story by Spc. Matthew Thompson 

5th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment   

BAGRAM AIR FIELD, Afghanistan – Christmas came early this year, Soldier style, for one Kuchi nomad family outside Forward Operating Base Altimur, in Logar province, Afghanistan, March 25.

Playing the role of Santa and his elves were Army Staff Sgt. David Fisher and Soldiers with 3rd Squadron, 71st Cavalry Regiment. The presents they delivered were humanitarian aid supplies.

"They don't get to see U.S. forces very often," said Fisher, a sniper with Headquarters and Headquarters Troop, 3rd Sqd., 71st Cav. Regt. "They are very thankful for the supplies we bring when we do these types of missions."

The Soldiers met the nomads along the foothills of the mountains while on a patrol the day before. After talking with them, they found the nomads had a few basic needs, which the Soldiers learned they could supply.

"It's really all about bettering their life out here," said Army Staff Sgt. Dwayne Hood, a forward observer attached to 3rd Sqd., 71st Cav. Regt., 3rd Brigade, 10th Mountain Division.

Blankets, clothes and food were pulled from the trunk of the vehicle as the family looked on with smiles painted across their faces.

The Soldiers also brought gifts for the children in the form of two soccer balls.

Hood said the children's faces lit up at the sight of the soccer balls.

"It's a good feeling to know that I made their day."

As the supplies were off-loaded, the family repeatedly offered their thanks to the Soldiers who had delivered the materials.

"The humanitarian aid missions help build a positive view of Americans and an understanding that we are here to help make the Afghans' lives better," Hood said. "Hopefully we get to continue doing missions like this and helping more families."

• Date Taken: 03.30.2009
• Date Posted: 03.30.2009 05:43
• Story ID: 31764
• Location: BAGRAM AIR FIELD, AF