Photo By Staff Sgt. Edward Siguenza | To help the people of Haiti, Sgt. Jefferson Austrie of the 49th Military Police...... read more read more
CAMP LIBERTY, Iraq — At first Sgt. Jefferson Austrie opened his wallet to see what he can give to a Haitian friend.
But then he opened his heart.
Austrie, an automation specialist with the 49th Military Police Brigade deployed here for Operation Iraqi Freedom, devised a better plan. He united brigade Soldiers and organized a fundraising effort to draw more attention to the current devastation in Haiti. With Austrie taking lead, a Haiti Relief 10-kilometer Fun Run will be held, April 24, along Camp Liberty's lakes and rivers.
"I just want to show that I care," said the Tracy, Calif. resident. "A friend contacted me and said that he needed help. I've been watching the news and I know how bad it is over there. So I just wanted to do something to help."
Sgt. Rico Boliva, says Austrie, is an Army noncommissioned officer stationed in Germany but born in Haiti. The pair met when Austrie deployed with the 49th for OIF in 2005. Boliva contacted his friend shortly after the earthquake.
A 7.0 magnitude quake rocked Haiti, Jan. 12, devastating the capital city Port au-Prince and killing more than 150,000. Hundreds of thousands are homeless even today.
Race proceeds will go directly to the American Red Cross, says Austrie. Red Cross volunteers will be at the event accepting entry fees and donations.
Various military units, American civilian agencies and local contractors occupy Camp Liberty. The base's Morale, Recreation and Welfare office often sponsors races and hundreds attend. Turnout could topple previous races since this is for a much-worthy cause.
Austrie continues searching for sponsors in Iraq and home in California. Runners will receive T-shirts for their participation. And the base's Army and Air Force Exchange Service agreed to provide prizes for a raffle.
"We're going to continue getting this event ready. Again, every cent we raise will go directly to Haiti," he said. "It's important. There are people over there who need our help. There are families that need a home. There are children who need proper care. We just got to do something to help them."
Austrie was born and raised in Dominica, an island southeast of Haiti. He's been a California National Guardsmen for 10 years. On his desk in Iraq is a jar reserved for funds for Haiti. Come, April 24, he may need more of them.
| Date Taken: | 02.08.2010 |
| Date Posted: | 02.08.2010 12:41 |
| Story ID: | 45095 |
| Location: | BAGHDAD, IQ |
| Web Views: | 295 |
| Downloads: | 251 |
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