Iraqi Children and Orphans

Courtesy Photo | Capt. Amy McIlvenna and 1st Sgt. Gavin McIlvenna of Hood River, pose with Noha Al-Agha, both members of 1st Squadron 82 Cavalry Regiment of the Oregon Army National Guard's 41st Infantry Brigade Combat Team, after delivering school supplies and toys to an Orphanage in Baghdad, Iraq, Jan. 29. (Photo By Sgt. 1st Class Douglas Vanaken)  

CAMP ADDER, IRAQ

03.02.2010

Courtesy Story

41st Infantry Brigade Combat Team

By 1st Sgt. Gavin McIlvenna

CAMP ADDER, Iraq — Some Soldiers from the 41st Infantry Brigade Combat Team of the Oregon National Guard asked, how they can help Iraqi children affected by violence in Baghdad?

It started with a conversation and then quickly turned into action. From private citizens, church organizations and deployed Soldiers, the desire to help was directed to the Noha Al-Agha, the Head of Nintu Organization for Humanitarian and Cultural Assistance in Baghdad.

Members of the Klamath Falls, Ore., based C/1-82 Cavalry Squadron, and Bend, Ore., based HHT/1-82 Cavalry Squadron, assigned to Task Force Stetson of 41 IBCT coordinated with Noha to deliver much needed school supplies.

The troops had been collecting boxes sent from various private citizens and organizations in the U.S. to include St. Paul's Episcopal Church in The Dalles, Ore., and the Joseph Finegan Elementary School in Atlantic Beach, Florida.

HHT/1-82 Cavalry member, Capt. Amy McIlvenna, of Hood River, Ore., helped coordinate the efforts through her church members at St. Paul's Church in The Dalles, Ore., who focused on sending much needed school supplies.

C/1-82 Cavalry member, Spc. Patrick Taylor, of Fort Worth, Texas, coordinated with two young students from the Joseph Finegan Elementary School, who sent five large boxes of toys.

Fifth grader Robert White, and his sister Taylor Mae White, who is in first grade, drew up the flyers and went on the school TV to promote the Toy Drive.

Taking into consideration the current security environment, the Troop decided to deliver the supplies to Noha outside the United States Embassy rather than risk the orphanage turning into a target for insurgents.

"We truly appreciate your hard efforts of helping the Iraqi Children and Orphans" said Noah upon seeing the Cavalry Troopers transferring the supplies.

Warm smiles were the order of the day as the Troopers posed for pictures with Noah and her co-worker, Shihaaab Jameel.

• Date Taken: 03.02.2010
• Date Posted: 03.02.2010 06:29
• Story ID: 46029
• Location: CAMP ADDER, IQ