LOGAR PROVINCE - Mullahs, or Muslim religious leaders throughout Baraki Barak in Logar Prov., gathered to receive Mosque improvement packages, distributed by Soldiers from TF Iron Titan, Sept. 16-17. The Mosque kits included several large rugs, a smaller prayer rug for the Mullah, paint, a new speaker system, and light bulbs. Possibly, the most important part of the kits was solar panels to provide electricity for the Mosque.
Local families also received humanitarian aid packages including blankets, sweaters, rice, peas and other goods. Several humanitarian aid packages were also given to each Mullah to distribute to the neediest families within their local outreach.
With the help of an interpreter, Staff Sgt. Dwaine Hood, who helps plan many of the troop's humanitarian efforts, went down the list and identified each Mullah. Interpreters made last-minute calls to the few who were running late.
"The reason these packages are so important is because it upgrades the local Mosque, which in turn, shows we care about their religion and lifestyle, and are here to help in any way we can," Hood said. "We gave away the Mosque packages to gain the support and trust of the people and to improve their lives," said Army Cpl. Jonathan Irwin, infantryman, who also serves as COP Baraki Barak's COP Mayor.
"We still have a lot of projects in the works," Hood said. "We'll be giving out more food, clothing and other goods in the near future."
