There really are some good things happening over there!

Iraqi orphans enjoy fun in the sun with soldiers

By Spc. Joshua M. Risner, 40th PAD

MOSUL, Iraq (Sept. 1, 2003) -- Soldiers with the 101st Airborne Division (Air
Assault) and the 431st Civil Affairs Battalion gave a group of Iraqi orphans a
day filled with fun and games at the Civil Military Operations Center, September
1.

The event took ten days to put together according to Capt. Terri Robbins of
Granite City, Ill., 501st Signal Bn. “The purpose was simply for the kids to be
able to have fun in a safe environment and spend quality time with the
soldiers,” she said.

Soldiers volunteered their time and services to help with the set-up and run
different events of the day. Some soldiers also acted as lifeguards at the pool.

“I want to thank all the soldiers who pitched in with decorating and offered
their services today,” said Sgt. Nikki Wade, 431st CA Bn. She added that
assistant division commander, operations, Brig. Gen. Frank Helmick came up with
the idea for the day at the pool, but was unable to attend due to an obligation
elsewhere.

Children from three separate orphanages arrived to participate in the events of
the day.

Each group was greeted when they arrived and given a towel with the Screaming
Eagle insignia on it as a gift. The children then went on to swim in the pool,
participate in relay races and play games such as pin the tail on the donkey,
also for prizes.

Winners of the games got candy and snacks.

Each child was also given a lunch of two hamburgers, french fries, a soda and
ice cream. The meals were provided by the restaurant on the CMOC grounds.

The restaurant also provided many of the decorations on the grounds.

Another event of the day was face painting. A local caricature artist painted
designs on the children’s faces and colored the skin of a few soldiers as well.

Soldiers interacted with the children, swimming with them, playing soccer and
simply being a friend.

“The children having fun with the soldiers is a good medium for peace,” said
Chap. (Capt.) John Stutz, CMOC chaplain. “Besides, everyone needs to get away
from the routine for a little while.”

The children each received a gift bag when it was time for them to leave. The
bag contained items such as a t-shirt with the 101st insignia, a beanie baby, a
soccer ball and personal hygiene items, according to Wade.

“It’s like an ultimate high, hard to explain,” Wade said. “Seeing the smiles on
the children’s faces made every bit of work worth it.”

Amen, and thank you!!
John
On the 'Poco Loco' out of Deale, MD