Iraqi air force, army deliver supplies to local communities

Photo By Senior Airman Jacqueline Romero | An Iraqi soldier motions for a pallet to be loaded onto a truck at Najaf, Iraq, June 21, 2009. Three pallets of humanitarian aid supplies were donated by various organizations to help displaced families at Camp Al-Manathera. The supplies were flown in by the Iraqi air force on a C-130 aircraft.  

NAJAF, IRAQ

06.30.2009

Story by Staff Sgt. Tim Beckham 

U.S. Air Forces Central, Baghdad Media Outreach Team

NAJAF, Iraq — With the help of many organizations back in the United States, the Iraqi provincial government received three pallets of humanitarian relief supplies, which they will distribute to the local populace here.

"Helping people who are less fortunate is always a good thing whether in your home town or across the world," said U.S. Army Lt. Col. Fred Harmon PRT Najaf deputy team leader and project coordinator. "Overall these shipments send a message that bridges the cultural divide. In the more immediate impact, they simple help those who need it."

"It is important because it is a capacity-building effort," added U.S. Army Lt. Col. Roberto L. Garcia, a civil affairs officer with the 308th Civil Affairs Brigade in Homewood, Ill., and project coordinator back in the states. "It not only helps one person, but helps the whole mission war effort. Hopefully this can change the Iraqi citizens perception on coalition forces."

The humanitarian relief supplies, which consisted of wheelchairs, crutches, walkers, blankets and clothing, will also enable the Iraqi air force and Iraqi army to work together.

"This was significant because it was an opportunity to have the Iraqi air force and the Iraqi army working together for the mission that benefits the Iraqi people," said Harmon, who is deployed from the 413th Civil Affairs Battalion in Lubbock, Texas.

Once the items have been categorized and the needs of the local people have been identified the supplies will be issued to the local Iraqis who need them most.

"The Iraqi army will deliver the items to local communities after assessing the needs against the items that have been donated," said the colonel, who is a native of Amarillo, Texas. "This is something extra above our basic mission here. Everyone feels a sense of accomplishment when you can help others."

• Date Taken: 06.30.2009
• Date Posted: 06.30.2009 06:57
• Story ID: 35785
• Location: NAJAF, IQ