Troops visit Iraqi orphanages

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Kara Philp
  • 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
TALLIL AIR BASE, Iraq (AFPN) --  The rumble of American convoy’s engines slowed to a dull idle, while the melodic sounds of a Muslim prayer filled the hot, dusty air of An Nasiriyah, Iraq.

The scene quickly changed as airmen and soldiers here arrived at local orphanages with boxes of surprises.

One after another, the troops unloaded boxes of clothes, toys and toiletries -- a combination of items gathered from packages they have received.

A quick glance of each facility revealed the tough life for the orphans who call it home. The children at the orphanage were without an extended family with whom to spend the summer months.

World War II-style beds, some with mattresses and some without, were the only furniture besides an old dining table off to the side of the kitchen -- a kitchen so small, some people might confuse it for a walk-in closet.

“I’ve seen different levels of society, but nothing could have prepared me for this,” said Army Sgt. Jessica Yniguez, from the 806th Adjutant General (Postal) Company. “I want to take in as much as I can from this experience.”

In one orphanage, paintings of Mickey Mouse and Daisy Duck decorate the crib-lined walls.

Some of the children, whose ages range from 1 month to 5 years old, slept soundly and were unaware of the visitors, while others raced toward the doorway with their hands raised above their heads, beckoning to be picked up and held by the American troops.

Many of the troops said the children at the orphanages reminded them of family members or other loved ones at home.

“Everyone sees someone or something that always brings it close to home,” said Master Sgt. Sylvia Goodwin, 332nd Expeditionary Communications Squadron Post Office postmaster. “A child who reminds you of your own makes it a reality. It becomes up close and personal.”

At the girls’ orphanage, the language barrier does not seem like a barrier at all.

“This mission makes me feel needed,” said Airman 1st Class Carlos Williams, 332nd Expeditionary Communications Squadron Post Office postal clerk. “Seeing the children go through the items we collected makes all our hard work worthwhile.”

The children at the orphanages were not always so welcoming, according to Command Sgt. Maj. Terry Davis of the 402nd Civil Affairs Battalion.

“On our first trip to the orphanages, the children were afraid of us -- very standoffish and unsure,” Davis said. “Now they come running to us, and you can see it in their eyes -- they are happier. We’ve made a difference.”

Yniguez said the children helped her momentarily forget about the war.

“The second I saw the children I wanted to cry, I think it was out of joy,” she said. “I enjoy the innocence of the children. They have no understanding of what’s going on outside the building.”

The children gathered around the boxes as the items were pulled out one by one -- colored pencils, scissors, toothpaste and combs.

“Their eyes just light up,” Yniguez said. “It makes you wonder if they have ever seen a box of crayons before. The colors are such a contrast from those of their surroundings. It makes you appreciate every single thing you have.”

Some children filled their arms with all they could carry and ran off down the hall, while others waited anxiously to see what was inside the next box.

“It feels good to see this type of reaction,” Williams said.

According to Davis, the buildings have seen great improvements since the battalion’s soldiers made their first visit in April.

“When we first visited the orphanage, there was no running water, no electricity, no sewage and no refrigeration,” Davis said. “The buildings had been looted -- and what the thieves didn’t want, they set on fire.”

Quality of life around Tallil has improved. Contributions by relatives, schools, churches and other organizations have made it possible for troops to continue delivering boxes and getting an invaluable experience in return.

Yniguez ensured more than half of the 55 boxes contained school supplies for Iraqi students.

“I wrote home and asked for school supplies for these boxes,” she said. “I received packages from the school I teach at, a post office I used to work at, and at the school I did my student teaching at.”

Yniguez said it meant a lot to be able to personally deliver the supplies she had collected.

“To actually meet and spend time with the children we are helping is the most rewarding part,” Goodwin said. “They are very grateful for the things we provide and look forward to our visits.”

“It’s a blessing to be able to make a difference in this area,” Goodwin said. “Six months ago this wouldn’t have been possible.”

The difference is what matters. Davis quoted a saying from home:

“It’s not how much money you have in the bank, what kind of car you drive or how big your house is -- it’s whether or not you’ve made a difference in a child’s life,” he said.

As the convoy trekked back to Tallil, children chased after the trucks waving and shouting “maa al salama, maa al salama.” While the words translated to goodbye, the voices were filled with hope the troops return soon.