Airmen reach out to help Iraqis

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Sean E. Cobb
  • 447th Air Expeditionary Group Public Affairs
BAGHDAD, Iraq (AFPN) --  The bright yellow ball bounced boldly out of the box as Iraqi children eagerly clamored to snatch the sphere from an Air Force chaplain’s hands.

One young Iraqi boy emerged victorious, waving the soccer ball wildly over his head before tossing it back and forth to a friend in the crowd gathered around an Air Force Humvee.

Members from the chaplaincy, Air Force Office of Special Investigations, medical squadron and security forces squadron of the 447th Air Expeditionary Group here recently conducted a humanitarian relief mission to Vedgha, Iraq.

“We want to try and make their lives better,” said Chaplain (Lt. Col.) Rich Hall, the group’s head chaplain. “I think it’s important Iraqis see [the U.S. military has] a caring side to us, just as they have a caring side. There are many ways for us to reach out to their society. These visits are an excellent way for us to do that and show we care about their families.”

The team targeted family members as they handed out children’s clothing, shoes, food, medication and toys, Colonel Hall said.

Many of the villager’s babies do not get clothing until they are older, so baby clothing is a hot item, Colonel Hall said.

“I saw joy in the women’s faces when they were given clothes for their baby,” he said.

For some Airman, the missions are the highlight of their time in Iraq.

“This was the most rewarding thing I have done since I have been here,” said Maj. Phillip Smith, a 447th Expeditionary Medical Squadron physician’s assistant.

“I empathize with the pain they are in, and I want to help them,” Major Smith said. “There is real joy in being able to help somebody who truly needs it.”

The physician’s assistant had mild pain relievers on hand to give Iraqis with medical problems.

Toward the end of the mission, the crowd of Iraqis surged forward, almost overwhelming the chaplain in their desire for the materials. The chaplain’s assistant, Tech. Sgt. Charles Goodrich, and two Arabic translators assigned to the AFOSI stepped forward to restore order.

“There is so much to be done here,” Sergeant Goodrich said, “but this is a small part we can do to help them with a new beginning.”

The team said their efforts seemed to make a difference.

“Thank you, thank you,” said Ouaud Mohamed, a villager, using broken English as the team departed.