State-side shoe drive benefits Afghans

Courtesy Photo | Housekeepers from the Paktya Regional Medical Center received dozens of pairs of shoes March 13, after U.S. military members organized a state-side shoe drive called "Stewart’s Soles." (Photo by U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Christopher Hummel, 17th Public Affairs Detachment)  

PAKTYA PROVINCE, AFGHANISTAN

03.14.2011

Courtesy Story

Combined Joint Task Force 101

PAKTYA PROVINCE, Afghanistan – Service members of Forward Operating Base Thunder recently delivered shoes to a group of Afghans at the Paktya regional medical center.

The drive was the brain child of U.S. Army Public Affairs Officer Capt. Kenneth Stewart, 17th Public Affairs Detachment and resident of Yakima, Wash., who witnessed children walking around barefoot.

“I contacted the local Mosque back home and organized a donation list, hoping to put shoes on the feet of these children” he said. “I am blown away at the response by our American Muslims and their friends.”

Since February, "Stewart’s Soles" received nine boxes of shoes. Stewart expects six more boxes to arrive within the month.

U.S. Air Force Maj. Suzette Barber of Mountain Home, Idaho, helped Stewart find suitable recipients for the shoes ... housekeepers of the Paktya Regional Medical Center where she worked.

“These people are very much in need. They make 70 dollars a month,” said Afghan army Col. Sultan Gul Totakhil, director of the medical center. “To these folks, money has to be spent on food and rent and healthcare.”

Capt. Stewart shares Totakhil’s sentiments; giving the shoes to the housekeepers was the obvious choice.

“These guys see things like shoes as a luxury item and not a necessity. Most American’s can’t imagine being that poor,” Stewart said. “It’s such a blessing to be able to give to these hard workers and their children.

The center’s housekeepers weren’t the only recipients. Participants paid a special visit to nine-year-old patient Hanzadeen Kiyamadeen, who was recently admitted due to complications of an infection in his throat.

After receiving shoes, toys and other gifts, Hanzandeen managed a drowsy whisper, “Tashakur," which is Dari for thank you.

• Date Taken: 03.14.2011
• Date Posted: 03.13.2011 17:08
• Story ID: 66991
• Location: PAKTYA PROVINCE, AF