US Soldiers build bonds with future of Iraq

BAGHDAD — In an old, debris covered rail yard destroyed by violence long ago, U.S. Soldiers formed bonds with Iraqi children during a humanitarian aid drop, Dec.16. Soldiers with the 4th Stryker BCT, 2nd ID, attended the drop to support the IA's humanitarian efforts; a result due to high numbers of internally displaced persons and homeless people in the area.

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Along with watching over the aid drop of winter necessities such as blankets, food and water, the American Soldiers connected with children of the area by talking with them, giving them candy and teaching them dance moves. "Hopefully, when those children grow up, they remember the positives that the U.S. Army brought to their country," said 1st Lt. Matthew Weisner. "It's very important for U.S. Soldiers to be very aware of that and work with the Iraqi youth." Sgt. 1st Class Robert Hord agreed and added that the children he and his Soldiers communicate with while on missions are the ones who are going to be running the country in the future, so the good things done for children will have positive effects. "If they've a good perception of America and American Soldiers then we can instill the same values, principles and beliefs that we have," said Hord. "When they grow up and their place is to make changes in the GoI, they can and they will know what right looks like." For these Soldiers, helping the Iraqis help themselves is the key to success here. Showing the Iraqis kindness and helping them get on their feet may inspire them to repay that same kindness to another Iraqi down the road, therefore spreading goodwill throughout the country, said Hord. Through this and future aid missions with the IA, the 4th SBCT will continue to spread goodwill and strengthen the future of Iraq: its children.

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