Orphanage in Tikrit receives gifts during holiday season

Photo By Spc. Jazz Burney | Lt. Col. Glenn Waters, battalion commander, 3rd Battalion 4th Field Artillery hands a stuffed animal to one of the children who resides in the Tikrit Orphanage during 3rd Battalion, 7th Field Artillery Regiment's visit to the facility in honor of the Islamic tradition of Eid ad Adha, Dec. 4.  

TIKRIT, IRAQ

12.10.2008

Story by Spc. Jazz Burney 

3rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division

By Spc. Jazz Burney
3rd Brigade Combat Team Public Affairs, 25th Infantry Division

TIKRIT, Iraq - Smiles and hand waves welcomed the Iraqi police and Soldiers from the 3rd Battalion, 7th Field Artillery Regiment, 3rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division as they paid a visit to the only orphanage in Tikrit, passing out gifts and bringing good cheer to honor the Eid al Adha tradition of giving back to those less fortunate Dec. 4.

"With our joint operations with the Iraqi police forces, we felt it would be a great opportunity for honoring the traditions of our counterparts, to sponsor the orphanage and to help out the community," said Lt. Col. Glenn Waters, battalion commander, 3rd Bn., 7th Field Artillery Regt.

The Eid al Adha, or Festival of Sacrifice, is a holiday commemorating Abraham's willingness to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God. Muslims traditionally slaughter an animal, sharing its meat with family and with the poor. Gift-giving among family and friends is also part of the Eid al Adha tradition. This tradition inspired the Soldiers to visit the orphanage.

"If we can make an impact in this orphanage it will send a positive message to the community," said Command Sgt. Maj. Mark Kiefer, command sergeant major, 3rd Bn, 7th Field Artillery Regt. "We found out that many of the children have special needs due to physical handicaps; through outreach missions like this we can bring the needed resources to these children in the future," he said.

On this occasion the Soldiers of 3rd Bn, 7th Field Artillery Regt. passed out school supplies, 30 soccer balls, 120 t-shirts, blankets and numerous toys to the orphans. The privately owned orphanage is home to more than 50 children, ranging in ages from infants to school-aged children.

"The orphans here are very young ... our aim is to influence them in a positive way by showing that the coalition forces are here to help with their needs through our efforts," said Staff Sgt. Gafatasi Fuimaono, platoon sergeant, Headquarters and Headquarters Btry., 3rd Bn., 7th Field Artillery Regt.

• Date Taken: 12.10.2008
• Date Posted: 12.10.2008 03:59
• Story ID: 27432
• Location: TIKRIT, IQ