Good Stuff Our Soldiers Do

[FC]

Operation Helping Hands brings gifts to Iraqi children

By Sgt. Rachel Brune

July 19, 2006

 

 

DAHUK, Iraq (Army News Service, July 19, 2006) – Soldiers brought toys and smiles to children in one of Iraq’s northernmost provinces recently with Operation Helping Hands.

 

The humanitarian assistance mission was conducted by Soldiers of the 142nd Corps Support Battalion, 101st Airborne Division.

 

“The 142nd enjoys this just as much as the kids enjoy it,” said Lt. Col. Ronald Green, battalion commander. “This will stay in the minds and hearts of my Soldiers.”

 

Soldiers handed out Beanie Babies, sports uniforms, soccer balls, teddy bears and candy, all donated by a variety of American organizations, said Capt. John Smith, battalion chaplain.

 

Lake Zurich High School, in Lake Zurich, Ill., sent the school uniforms, as well as “boxes and boxes” of teddy bears, Smith said.

 

Green’s mother coordinated with a Dayton, Ohio, radio station in a charity drive which netted more than 4,000 Beanie Babies for the children.

 

In the town, the Soldiers dismounted from their vehicles holding plastic bags full of toys. As the children caught sight of the items, they quickly gathered in the school courtyard.

 

Two lines of neatly-dressed girls sang a song with clapping motions for the Soldiers, and the town mayor presented Green with a Kurdish flag.

 

After the preliminary ceremonies were over, the Soldiers lined up to hand out the toys. The children came on in a rush, hoping for one of the soccer balls, or perhaps a certain Beanie Baby or teddy bear.

 

Each child was to receive one toy. After receiving his or her Beanie Baby or other item, the Soldiers marked the child’s left hand with a smiley face.

 

“I believe we’ve made an impression on this village,” Green said “I think we were able to do a great thing.”

 

(Editor’s note: Sgt. Rachel Brune writes for the 101st Airborne Division Public Affairs Office.)