Deployed airmen help Iraqi school

  • Published
  • By Capt. David P. Lester
  • 380th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
OPERATION IRAQI FREEDOM (AFPN) --  Reaching out across miles of desert, a group of airmen helped Iraqi schoolchildren May 25 when it delivered the results of a “Win the Peace” program drive.

Nine men and women representing the 380th Air Expeditionary Wing traveled Baghdad from their forward-deployed location to deliver more than $7,500 worth of school supplies.

The wing’s “Win the Peace” program started in late April with the goal of collecting $6,000 in three weeks. By the end of three weeks, there was more than $7,500 in donations.

As the convoy arrived at the school, it was swarmed by dozens of children who were looking for candy. The school, which has been neglected for years, is located in a poor neighborhood and is shadowed by a tall burned-out building damaged in the war.

“You could see the light in their eyes and hear the excitement in their laughter,” said Chaplain (Capt.) John Sackett. “In our discussions with the teachers, you could sense their love for the children and their desire to teach.”

After visiting with the children, the airmen unloaded the donated materials.

“Our goal was to make personal contact with the school and determine what they really needed,” said Harrison. “But ultimately, our goal here was to deliver hope because the future of Iraq rests with its children.”

Coalition reconstruction and humanitarian assistance officials recently started an adopt-a-school program.

“The timing of the adopt-a-school program couldn’t have been better,” Sackett said. “(The officials) had schools in need and were looking for a sponsor, while we had the money … were looking for a school.”

The adopt-a-school program is intended to help reestablish adequate schools throughout Iraq. Officials estimate about 16,000 schools need assistance.

“We are extremely excited about being the pilot group for a national program,” said Sackett. “But more importantly, we are excited about helping the children of Iraq!”

Wing airmen said they realize there is not a “quick-fix” solution for the school.

“We know that our presence (at the school) cannot be fleeting,” said Col. Greg Augst, 380th AEW commander. “The goal of this wing is to establish a long-lasting relationship, because we are here, we want to help, and we can make a difference.