419th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion in a Good Will mission for a local Iraqi girl's school

Courtesy Photo | Capt. Delaney Pughe, a native of Canoga Park, Calif., and intelligence officer for the 419th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, 10th Sustainment Brigade, unpacks distribution items as the children eagerly wait.  

TAJI, IRAQ

03.03.2009

Courtesy Story

10th Mountain Division Sustainment Brigade Public Affairs Office

CAMP TAJI, Iraq - With some foresight, the 1538th Transportation Company of the Indiana National Guard, one of the units in the 419th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, 10th Sustainment Brigade, collected and brought with them, school supplies, toys and clothes in hopes to participate in a humanitarian mission while on tour in Iraq supporting the War on Terror.

On Feb. 10, the Unit Ministry Team was made up of 1st Lt. Carlos Ruiz, a native of Ladera Ranch, Calif., and Spc. Dean Lindstrom III, an Anaheim, Calif., native, along with Capt. Delaney Pughe, an intelligence officer and native of Canonga Park, Calif.

The 419th CSSB's Battalion Commander, Lt. Col. Kristan Hericks, a native of Irvine, Calif., and Command Sgt. Maj. Paul Swanson, a Perris, Calif., native, were on hand to witness the delivery of the donated items from the state of Indiana to a local school in the town of Gumaira, in Baghdad province. The 1538th Trans. Co. Soldiers and the local school master, along with Iraqi interpreters, all coordinated the distribution of the items to the all-girl school once we arrived there.

This type of mission leaves an indelible memory for everyone involved. The joy in the eyes of the children and their teachers, the appreciation from the local Iraqis and the sense of achievement we all got after spending a few hours doing something not combat-related has been a highlight for this chaplain and no doubt all who participated.

Lindstrom and I were a hit with the hundreds of blow pops we gave away during our visit. After maneuvering our way back to our armored vehicles, at least another 100 kids, many of them boys, waited for us outside the school with hopes of a hand out. We headed back to Camp Istiqlaal, and from there back to Camp Taji, mission complete.

Though the intense feelings of traveling as a convoy through the streets of Iraq and keeping a high security awareness wears on you, at the end of the day, the Soldiers of the 1538th Trans. Co. and the 419th CSSB command staff, had to be very thankful for the opportunity to do what Americans do best – give to those who are in need and help those who cannot help themselves.

• Date Taken: 03.03.2009
• Date Posted: 03.03.2009 04:50
• Story ID: 30658
• Location: TAJI, IQ