Iraqi border guards reach out to school children

Photo By 2nd Lt. Juan Torres Jr. | A local student displays his new soccer ball, imprinted with the Iraqi Department of Border Enforcement's insignia after a recent schoolhouse distribution. More than 250 children from two schools received soccer balls and t-shirts from DBE officers during a joint mission with their advise and assist partner, 2nd Squadron, 13th Cavalry Regiment "Sabers," deployed from Fort Bliss, Texas.  

01.22.2010

Story by 2nd Lt. Juan Torres Jr. 

4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division

CONTINGENCY OPERATING SITE HUNTER, Iraq — The Iraqi Department of Border Enforcement's 2nd Battalion, 11th Brigade, makes a point of visiting local schools to hand out gifts to students as part of their efforts to develop relationships with the remote villages of the southern Maysan province.

"It's important to stay connected with the villages around us," said Lt. Col. Abdul Hasan of the DBE. "The locals can help us report smugglers and make the area safer for everyone."

Securing the border is the main priority of the DBE, and in some of the remote marshland villages the local residents perform a "neighborhood watch" role to assist them.

Though partnered with the U.S. Army's 2nd Squadron, 13th Cavalry Regiment "Sabers," the DBE's 11th Bde., like many other units of the Iraqi security forces, now independently conducts operations that would have once been spearheaded by American troops.

Mornings such as the one the 11th Bde. recently spent in the village of Al Baeda, where more than 250 children received soccer balls and t-shirts, are a prime example.

Two schools were chosen for the trip, during which the border guards worked with the country's most vital resource: the children who are the future of Iraq.

"The smiles of the children make me look forward to future visits and offering gifts," said Hasan.

These visits allow the children to put faces to the men committed to guarding their future. More importantly, they allow even the youngest to see their own countrymen taking the lead.

Hundreds of smiles filled the room as the visit came to a close, school let out, and the children headed home to their families with soccer balls in hand.

"I am very thankful for the soldiers who work to keep us safe," said one child.

An improved military force combined with a reliable infrastructure has benefitted the overall quality of life in many marshland villages.

Though small, the school event highlighted the DBE's commitment to the people of Iraq.

• Date Taken: 01.22.2010
• Date Posted: 01.22.2010 01:15
• Story ID: 44251