Servicemembers supply aid to orphanage

3 July 07
By Pfc. Melissa M. Escobar
22nd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment.

BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan — Backpacks jammed full with school supplies, soccer balls, teddy bears, toys, hygiene kits, sandals and shoes were delivered to an Afghan orphanage in Mahmud Raqi district by members of the Bagram Provincial Reconstruction Team June 27.

National Guard Soldiers with the 351st Civil Affairs Command from Mountain View, Calif., along with the 1175th Military Police Company, 205th MP Battalion from Mississippi geared up and armed themselves with humanitarian supplies.

In the three months that the team has been in country, this was the first time they visited the orphanage.

"The governor of the province asked us to visit the orphanage," explained Army Capt. Jordan J. Berry, team leader with 351st CACOM. "The mission was a good-will gesture to strengthen ties with the community."

"It’s a positive thing," said Army Maj. Jim E. Blashford, a native of Grass Valley, Calif., with 351st CACOM. "It shows our ability to make a high impact by giving to those who could really use this stuff and shows that we’re not the bad guys. These kids have none of this stuff and it’s an obvious example of the United States doing good and being put in a good light."

While supplying the children with humanitarian aid supplies was the main event, the team took the opportunity to observe the orphanage’s facilities and asked the director if there was a need for anything else.

The director of the orphanage and the on-staff doctor who runs the small health clinic inside expressed the need for certain medicines and supplies for the children. Another concern that the director had was the quality of water that was coming from the nearby well.

"Finding out about their additional needs such as the medicine shortages and who is funding them is good for us to know," said Berry, a native of Dallas.

During the visit, the team also learned the facilities being used by the orphanage are being rented and only temporary.

"I would like to see a permanent building built for the kids," said Army Sgt. Valentin DeLeon, a civil affairs specialist with the Bargram PRT, who spent the day handing children backpacks and pumping up soccer balls. "I hope we can influence the governor to take more interest in improving the orphanage."

The Bagram PRT routinely meets with the Kapisa governor to discuss changes they feel necessary to improve the quality of life for the people of Afghanistan.

"It was a perfect opportunity to give to those who have an obvious need," said Blashford. "We have plenty to give away. This was really just a way for us to get our foot in the door."

"Everyday we see improvements in Afghanistan," said DeLeon, from San Jose, Calif., who hopes to watch the development of the orphanage. "I like doing my job and it’s awesome to see your projects grow and progress. It’s a good feeling."

Photo - Army Sgt. Valetin DeLeon, a civial affairs specialist with 351st CACOM, opens up a soccer pump to inflate a soccer ball for a child at the Kapisa Orphanage in the Mahmud Raqi district of Afghanistan during a humanitarian aid drop on June 27. Photo by Melissa Escobar.

U.S., Iraqi Troops Rescue Malnourished Boys From Baghdad Orphanage

Jun 21, 2007
BY Multinational Corps Iraq Public Affairs.

BAGHDAD - U.S. and Iraqi army forces found an orphanage housing 24 severely malnourished and abused boys in Baghdad's Fajr neighborhood June 10, military officials reported yesterday.

The 24 boys, ranging in age from 3 to 15, were found naked in a darkened room without any windows. Many of the children were tied to their beds and were too weak to stand, officials said.

In a nearby locked room, the Soldiers discovered food and clothing that could have been used to aid the children. Three women claiming to be the caretakers, and two men - the orphanage director and a guard - were on the site when the Soldiers arrived.

The Iraqi Soldiers notified members of the Fajr Neighborhood Advisory Council and escorted them to the orphanage to assist the boys. Paratroopers from Company B, 1st Battalion, 325th Airborne Infantry Regiment, and a 492nd Civil Affairs Team also arrived at the orphanage with medics to treat the malnourished boys.

"The council members were crying at the sight of the starving boys," said Navy Lt. James Cook, a civil affairs officer. The neighborhood council arranged for three ambulances to take the boys to the Iskan Hospital for care.

"We're very grateful that this story unfolded the way that it did - that none of these 24 boys lost their lives. This is a story of partnership, courageous action and compassion overcoming deplorable negligence," said Army Brig. Gen. Vincent Brooks, Multinational Division Baghdad's deputy commanding general.

"The role of the Iraqi soldiers and the community council was a key to this action being taken to save these young boys," Brooks said. "We're very fortunate to have the kind of Soldiers we have who are willing to take action, even at personal risk, to save the lives of others. These Soldiers, in a literal and figurative sense, are the best chance for Iraq, just as they were for these boys."

Photo - Staff Sgt. Kyle Richey cares for one of 24 starving boys in the back of an Iraqi army ambulance. Civic leaders escorted the abused and malnourished boys, found by U.S. and Iraqi soldiers in a Baghdad orphanage, to the Iskan Hospital for medical treatment. Photo by Lt. James Cook.

School Receives Supplies, Toys and Medical Attention

May 22, 2007
By Maj. Sean Ryan
Multi-National Division, Baghdad.

FORWARD OPERATING BASE LOYALTY, Iraq - A hero's welcome was given by the students of Al Toma Elementary School in eastern Baghdad to the soldiers of the 3rd Tank Battalion, 1st Brigade, 9th Iraqi Army Division and their Military Training Team. These soldiers, combined with troops from 2nd Battalion, 16th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, partnered up to give back to the community.

The partnership units provided school supplies, water, toys and medical support to the faculty and students May 14, 2007.

The goal of Operation Toma was to provide much-needed support to build better rapport with the students and the neighborhood, according to the tank battalion commander. This was the first time Al Toma Elementary has received support, but the third in the partnership between 3-1-9th Iraqi Army and Coalition Forces.

The commander, the proponent for the support drive and an Iraqi soldier for 21 years, said he feels residents in the neighborhood support the Iraqi Army, but he said he must continue building enduring relationships. Also, he said, by supporting the school and providing supplies, it helps the neighborhood.

The staff and students were very excited to see the soldiers.

The students lined up to receive the supplies off the truck and take them into the school. After the supplies were delivered, each classroom was visited. Photos with the Iraqi commander and students were taken while 'Beanie Babies' were handed out.

Approximately 500 stuffed animals were handed out to appreciative students according to Sgt. 1st Class Dana Lescoe of Fort Riley, Kan. Lescoe gets contacted by agencies wanting to support the mission, and for this operation, a Boy Scout Troop from Buda, Ill., provided the toys.

Lescoe said the units have previously donated soccer balls and candy. He said the next task is to donate clothes received from agencies and churches.

"This is a work in progress," Lescoe said, "but we believe this is the way to win, helping the people".

The faculty and staff were also given medical attention by Iraqi and Coalition medics. Around 25 people were seen.

"We saw everything from aches and pains to stomach ailments," said Staff Sgt. Michael Baxter, a reserve medic from Tumwater, Wash. A few people were referred to local hospitals, but everyone received an assessment. Baxter said both he and the Iraqi medic would make a diagnosis, and then discuss it, establishing a rapport.

Although the items and medical support was graciously accepted, the headmaster of the school said they are in need of everything. The school does not have a generator, which means there is no power. She added that without electricity the ceiling fans in the classrooms can't be used, even as temperatures climb into triple digits.

In addition, the headmaster said, necessities like paper, pencils and pens that are scarce. She said the lack of a copier hampers progress because instead of photocopying tests, the instructors have to either write the questions on the board or write out a test for each student. This is another reason why a steady electricity source, like a generator she said, is so critical to success.

The only thing the school is not short on is enthusiasm, as the students welcomed their pictures being taken and enjoyed the instant gratification of seeing the results on the digital screen.

Overall, progress in the eastern Baghdad neighborhoods is making a difference, but this takes coordination and time according to MiTT member, Capt. Thad Thome.

The Rapid City, S.D., native said to advise Iraqi forces properly, he has to meet with them almost daily, but they are making great strides.

Thome said by procuring items like generators for the residents and missions like this one - donating items to schools - helps create lasting relationships.

Photo - The students at Al Tora Elementary School in eastern Baghdad stand in line to bring water into the school. Iraqi troops and their Military Transition Team paid a visit to the school to donate school supplies, water, toys and medical support May 14. U.S. Army photo by Maj. Sean Ryan.

Service Organization Offers support

21 May 2007
Story by Angela Scherbenske
CJTF-HOA.

MPEKETONI, Kenya - The 489th Civil Affairs team is distributing nearly 50 cases of supplies it recently received from the Spirit of America Organization to the the Mpeketoni Lake Kenyatta Primary School in Mpeketoni, Kenya.

The CA team recently conducted a village assessment and met with the local leaders in Mpeketoni. During their assessment, the CA team found the Lake Kenyatta Primary School building well taken care of and in good condition. However, the head teacher of the school said his students were in need of supplies.

Spirit of America donated items such as school supplies, soccer balls, toothbrushes and toothpaste, backpacks, and soccer ball pumps to the 489th CA team, which is assigned to the Combined Joint Task Force Horn of Africa, Camp Lemonier, Djibouti.

“We are very thankful for the supplies Spirit of America has sent us. They are helping us (CJTF-HOA) develop relationships that will further the partnerships of the Kenyan and United States governments,” said U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Nathan Hicks.

Besides building partnerships, Hicks said gifts from non-military organizations does wonders to increase a favorable attitude from the people of Kenya.

“Many of the children are grateful to receive the school supplies,” said Hicks. “These supplies will help the children learn more efficiently and hopefully some of them will use their education to make Kenya a better place.”

The CA team handed out packs of papers and other school supplies to the children there. Hicks said the head teacher was very thankful for the gifts from the CJTF-HOA members.

“It is the support of organizations, such as Spirit of America, which allows CJTF-HOA to assist a greater number of individuals in the host nation,” said U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Kris Hesselbrock. “Often financial restrictions or requirements do not allows us to have extra funding for expendables like school supplies. So, with the additional help from American service organizations, we are able to meet the extra needs of the children in the Horn of Africa.”

The mission of CJTF-HOA is to prevent conflict, promote regional stability and protect coalition interests in order to prevail against extremism. The CJTF-HOA organization began operations at Camp Lemonier, Djibouti May 13, 2003. It works with partner nations on humanitarian assistance, disaster relief, consequence management, civic action programs to include medical and veterinary care, school and medical clinic construction and water development projects.

CJTF-HOA members donate time, supplies and compassion to orphanage

14 May 2007
Story by U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Chris Grinage
CJTF-HOA.

DJIBOUTI CITY, Djibouti – Nestled in a remote and unassuming part of the city, a local Djibouti City orphanage awaits the arrival of members from Camp Lemonier. The children who live at the orphanage are in need of supplies, donations, and most important of all…love and affection.

Prior to the group’s departure from the base chapel, the seven volunteers made up of U.S. Army, U.S. Air Force, and U.S. Marines, made last-minute preparations for their trip to the orphanage by loading up supplies. The supplies were donated by both camp members and from a Marine master sergeant’s hometown friends who organized a donation drive to provide the children with gifts of goodwill and compassion.

U.S. Marine Corps Master Sgt. Barry “Bart” Bartasavich is one of many Camp Lemonier inhabitants who ask family and friends at home to help generate donations for the local orphanages.

“My friend Anne Hanner from back home in Dubois, Pennsylvania helped me organize the donations for toys, bottles, baby items and cash. The orphanage cannot accept cash, so I had to visit a local store and purchase supplies with the money they gave me,” said Bartasavich.

As the bus departed Camp Lemonier, the seven volunteers carried on different conversations amongst themselves. In time, the multiple conversations became about answering the obvious one of “what can I expect?” for those who had never visited the orphanage.

Some in the group were “veterans” and explained to the “rookies” what to expect. Bartasavich, being the senior veteran of the group, explained to the others the order of operations.

“We only have 90 minutes, so the priority is to give the babies their bottles first and then move on to feed the toddlers,” he said.

Once the group arrived at the orphanage their tenor changed from curiosity to excitement. As the bus rolled through the gates, the group was greeted by the older children who were all engaged in football (soccer), the national pastime. There wasn’t a face without a smile or a quizzical look, as if to say, “are you coming here to help the little ones?”

Finally, after positioning the bus and coming to a stop, all the donated gifts were immediately presented to the head nurse. For the volunteers, they were all ready and anxious to pick up and feed the now wide-awake babies and newborns.

In a matter of minutes the babies were being cared for and fed with prearranged bottles of formula. Some of the babies couldn’t get the bottles fast enough and barely left time for the periodic burping that helps babies avoid discomfort from taking in a bottle too fast.

Some volunteers were privileged enough to feed a child who kept down the food recently consumed, while others experienced the opposite reaction. All was taken in stride and the babies were fed in record time. As Bartasavich was feeding a baby, his favorite girl Zam Zam saw him and wasted no time scurrying over to him for a kiss and to say “nabad,” meaning hello.

“Zam Zam is my girl,” Bartasavich proudly proclaimed. “She is one of the many reasons I come here as often as possible each week. Any time I put her down and don’t pay any attention to her she lets me know she is not happy in her own special way.”

Witnessing the bond between Bartasavich and Zam Zam would turn the coldest heart into a warm one.

Some of the volunteers managed to feed two babies each before moving on to the toddlers. Many of the toddlers darted about on the floor via their four-wheeled “go-carts” with a speed and ease that would make most race car drivers envious.

The toddlers were extremely adept at using these “go-carts” as an effective attention getter by ramming them into the volunteers’ legs, as if saying “tag, you are mine.” The tactic worked well as the volunteers got the subtle hint and wisely opted to feed their respective ‘Mario Andretti.’

Feeding the toddlers was a study in abstract art. Some children were kept very clean and managed to get most of the food in them, others seemed to enjoy the fact that the food was on them and made them like a portable grocery store from which to choose the food of their fancy at a later time.

While being fed, the toddlers seemed to know the routine better than the veterans and rookies and spared no feelings, or eardrums, by letting the volunteers know when they had enough of the main course and wanted to waste no more time in delaying dessert.

Dessert smelled wonderful to the children. It was a mixture of bananas and milk that they couldn’t get in them fast enough. Each volunteer enjoyed their time and was able to experience the unbridled joy in keeping up with the “supply and demand curves” of a child who knows what they want and how to get it.

As with all good things, time marched on and it was time for the volunteers to depart for the camp, but not before cleaning up the toddlers and placing them back into their go-carts.

With bellies and hearts full of food and attention, the babies drifted off to sleep and toddlers chased balls and each other, happier for the brief time they spent with the volunteers.

As the group departed the orphanage, the older children were still engaged in a never-ending game of football. However, all paused from their game to wave and take chase after the bus with smiles only a child can truly communicate a “thank you.” The bus ride back to the camp was relaxed, with a calmness that comes from having experienced one of nature’s purest gifts…the unquestioning love that only a child can give.

The mission of CJTF-HOA is to prevent conflict, promote regional stability and protect coalition interests in order to prevail against extremism. The CJTF-HOA organization began operations at Camp Lemonier, Djibouti May 13, 2003. It works with partner nations on humanitarian assistance, disaster relief, consequence management, civic action programs to include medical and veterinary care, school and medical clinic construction and water development projects.

Photo: U.S. Marine Corps Master Sgt. Barry Bartasavich spends a moment with Zam Zam, one of children at a Djibouti City orphanage. (Photo by U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Randi Marble).