Balad servicemembers strengthen bonds with community, Iraqi children

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Allison M. Boehm
  • 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
JOINT BASE BALAD, Iraq (AFNS) --  e first Iraqi Kids Day of the year here served as part of the ongoing base effort to positively engage the local populace April 24.

Although past events of this kind had an underlying theme to teach the children about health and safety, this event was held for one purpose, to have fun. Thirty-four children from a local orphanage were bussed on base to play games, share culture and enjoy friendships.

"These kids are so, animated it's funny," said Tech. Sgt. Amy Shanty, a volunteer at the event from the 332nd Expeditionary Logistic Readiness Squadron. "They don't seem to have a care in the world, they just want to have fun, and that's the best part of being here."

After a lunch of hamburgers, potato chips and ice cream, the mentors and children spent hours playing games like darts, billiards, board games, ping pong and foosball. The groups also found fun on the volleyball and basketball courts.

"This event is proving to be extremely successful," said Capt. Alisha Thompson, an Iraqi Kid's Day volunteer and 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing sexual assault response coordinator. "Sitting back and watching, I can tell everyone is having a great time together. The kids are loving this and having a blast."

The servicemembers and the Iraqi children overcame the language barrier during their day together and managed to fulfill the event's broader purpose, strengthening bonds and learning from each other.

Event organizers with the wing hope this "good neighbor" program will serve as a building block to show the servicemembers in a different light.

"We want them to see us as people," said Capt. Michael Stone, the Iraqi Kids Day project officer and a 332nd Expeditionary Force Support Squadron member.