Airmen reach out to help Iraqis

Airman, June, 2004 by Sean E. Cobb

BAGHDAD, Iraq -- The bright yellow ball bounced out of the box as Iraqi children eagerly clamored to snatch it from a 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 a Humvee.

Members from the chaplaincy, Air Force office of special investigations, medical squadron and security forces squadron of the 447th Air Expeditionary Group here conducted a humanitarian relief mission in March 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."

The team targeted family members as they handed out children's clothing, shoes, food, medication and toys. Many of the villagers' babies don't get clothing until they're older, so baby clothing was a hot item, the colonel said.

"I saw joy in the women's faces when they were given clothes for their babies," he said.

Toward the end of the mission, the crowd of Iraqis surged forward, almost overwhelming the chaplain in their desire for the goods.

The team said their efforts seemed to make a difference.

"Thank you, thank you," said Ouaud Mohamed, a villager, as the team departed.

Master Sgt. Sean E. Cobb

447th Air Expeditionary Group

Public Affairs