ISF, MND-B Soldiers distribute supplies to Karada schools

BAGHDAD - Feb. 25 in the al Karradah district of eastern Baghdad, more than 400 children gathered outside the Qairwan Elementary School's courtyard to receive their supplies. NP officers and MND-Baghdad Soldiers assigned to the NPTT, handed students backpacks, notebooks, pencil sets and crayons. Most of the supplies were donated by several orgs from the U.S., as well as family members of deployed troops.

---

"With the ISF in the lead, Iraqi citizens are now able to address their problems with NP officers, because they realize the NP play a role in their community," said Capt. Marcus Long, assigned to the NPTT. "Events like this allow the people to see and talk to them." Long said the visit allowed NP officers to get a first-hand look at the needs of the school. Long credited the leaders of the NP Div., for planning and executing the school supply distribution in the 2 Karada-area schools. "This lets NP see the classrooms, the lack of playground equipment, the cafeteria and the bathrooms. This allows them to see all the school's concerns." The senior NP officer said this event was fulfilling because of the joy shown by the children. "We love to see the happiness in the children's eyes," said Iraqi Col. Taria, the ops chief for the 1st NP Div. "This is one of the most important things we do. They want to see us and talk to us. It's a big thing. The schools have asked us for more swings, slides and toys," he said. "We are going to try to help them in the near future." The headmaster at the Shana and Shorwq Kindergarten school expressed her gratitude to both the U.S. troops and Iraqi NP officers for the supplies. She credits the recent security gains in the area as a major factor in allowing this type of op. "We're very happy because the GoI, NP and the American Army now have the time to take care of the children," she said. "This is a very poor area, and they need an aid op such as this one."

---