Courtesy Photo | Iraqi boys hold soccer balls they were given by Pfc. Dominick Skompski, an armor...... read more read more
Story by: Sgt. Mary S. Katzenberger
BAGHDAD — When Joe D’Alessandro created the Winning Hearts and Minds Project in 2008, president of the Cohansey Soccer Club, based in Upper Deerfield Township, N.J., he had no idea his son would eventually help him spread the spirit of American goodwill overseas.
Since the WHAM Project’s creation, about 5,000 pounds of donated soccer equipment has been shipped to Iraq and Afghanistan to be distributed by civil affairs officers. This September D’Alessandro’s son, Pfc. Dominick Skompski, with Company D, 3rd Battalion, 69th Armor Regiment, 1st Advise and Assist Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division, United States Division – Center, helped bring the project’s mission to Iraqi children living in a rural area of Baghdad.
With the help of fellow Soldiers with Company D, Skompski distributed more than 30 donated soccer balls to children living at various farms in the area.
Skompski, who’s played soccer since he was a child, said it felt good to hand out soccer balls to the youths.
“[The children] don’t really have a lot out here,” Skompski said. “You might as well give them [at least] a soccer ball. It’s not much, but it’s something for them.”
After receiving their soccer balls, the Iraqi children practiced their dribbling, kicking and heading skills. One boy celebrated receiving the gift by doing a 5-minute-long handstand to the applause and cheers of all assembled.
Skompski said his father’s mission with the WHAM Project—to build trust and mutual respect with the Iraqi children—has been accomplished.
“He [has always been] one to help others when they’re going through a rough time,” Skompski said of his father. “I’m glad he’s helping me.”
| Date Taken: | 09.29.2010 |
| Date Posted: | 09.29.2010 06:28 |
| Story ID: | 57163 |
| Location: | BAGHDAD, IQ |
| Web Views: | 51 |
| Downloads: | 14 |
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