Photo By Staff Sgt. Nathaniel Smith | Capt. Tim Wright, the commander of Company D, 1st Battalion, 28th Infantry Regiment,...... read more read more
By Pfc. Nathaniel Smith
4th IBCT, 1st Inf. Div. Public Affairs
BAGHDAD – Iraqi security forces and Multi-National Division-Baghdad troops delivered school supplies to the Al Ansar Elementary School in the Rashid district here April 3.
The 2nd Battalion, 1st Brigade, 2nd Iraqi National Police and Company D, 1st Battalion, 28th Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division dropped off supplies such as backpacks, paper, soccer balls and Iraqi flags.
Giving supplies to schools is part of the way MND-B and ISF are working to gain the trust of the local populace.
"We want to build relationships between the kids and the coalition forces and (Iraqi Army)," the headmaster of the school, Samir Al-Abas, said, "so they won't be afraid of them, any more."
Al-Abas said the children feel safer as this bond continues to be built.
Sgt. Robert Savant, a squad leader with Co. D from Ville Platte, La., said missions like these have a far-reaching impact.
"If we can help give a little bit back to them, help them get back on their feet, we're helping the children in the long run," Savant said. "They can get a better education and provide better for their families in the future."
It has been difficult to provide this education to the students because funding for education has had to be funneled away to deal with terrorists.
Savant said, as a father, this mission had a special meaning to him.
"(My children) have the opportunity to get an education in the United States," he said. "If we can give the same thing back to these kids, hopefully they'll have the same opportunities that my kids have in life."
Ultimately, for the Iraqi children to have these opportunities, it will be up to the Iraqi security forces to provide a safe learning environment for them. Savant said they have taken a step in the right direction since his first deployment.
"Compared to the last time I was here in '05 and '06, they've made great strides," the Black Lion said. "They seem to have more awareness for the situation around them.
"It seems like their training has come a long way."
| Date Taken: | 04.09.2007 |
| Date Posted: | 04.10.2007 10:38 |
| Story ID: | 9840 |
| Location: | BAGHDAD, IQ |
| Web Views: | 688 |
| Downloads: | 671 |
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