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Iraqi Children take the 24th MEU Back to School Submitted by: 24th MEU Story Identification #: 2004101855951 Story by Lance Cpl. Sarah A. Beavers FORWARD OPERATING BASE KALSU, Iraq (Oct. 16, 2004) -- Laughter and smiles filled a local school playground as Marines and sailors of the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit presented children with various educational provisions during a visit to an elementary school in south-central Iraq. The visit was the latest in the MEU's ongoing Back to School Campaign. The event provided the children with water, stickers, balloons, sports equipment, and backpacks filled with school supplies, such as notebooks and crayons. The 24th MEU is working with some 40 schools in Northern Babil Province. The MEU's Marines and sailors are making basic repairs and providing thousands of students with equipment and supplies that will facilitate a prosperous new year of learning. While major reconstruction efforts in Iraq are planned, the MEU is looking to make a more immediate impact within the community and the lives of the Iraqi children. -30-
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Iraqi children display the school bags they received Oct. 18 during a visit by Marines and sailors of the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit. The visit was the latest in the MEU's ongoing Back to School Campaign, a key feature of which provides local Iraqi schoolchildren with water, stickers, balloons, sports equipment, and backpacks full of educational supplies. The 24th MEU is currently conducting security and stability operations in the Northern Babil province. Photo by: Lance Cpl. Sarah A. Beavers |
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1st Lt. Vanessa Engel of the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit plays pat-a-cake with an Iraqi schoolgirl during an Oct. 16th visit to an elementary school in south-central Iraq. The visit was the latest in the MEU’s ongoing Back to School campaign, a key feature of which provides local Iraqi schoolchildren with water, stickers, balloons, sports equipment, and backpacks full of educational supplies. Engel, 27, is a Mount Prospect, Ill., native and adjutant with the headquarters detachment of MEU Service Support Group 24. The 24th MEU is currently conducting security and stability operations in the Northern Babil province. Photo by: Lance Cpl. Sarah A. Beavers |
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Sgt. Cassondra Wells of the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit hands a flower balloon to an Iraqi schoolgirl during an Oct. 16th visit to an elementary school in south-central Iraq. The visit was the latest in the MEU’s ongoing Back to School campaign, a key feature of which provides local Iraqi schoolchildren with water, stickers, balloons, sports equipment, and backpacks full of educational supplies. Wells, 21, is a Rochester, Pa., native and data chief with the Headquarters Detachment of MEU Service Support Group 24. The 24th MEU is currently conducting security and stability operations in the Northern Babil province. Photo by: Lance Cpl. Sarah A. Beavers |
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1st Lt. Erin Kelly of the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit plays a picture-drawing game with an Iraqi schoolgirl on her classroom chalkboard during an Oct. 16th visit to an elementary school in south-central Iraq. The visit was the latest in the MEU’s ongoing Back to School campaign, a key feature of which provides local Iraqi schoolchildren with water, stickers, balloons, sports equipment, and backpacks full of educational supplies. Kelly, 25, is a Seagirt, N.J., native and assistant logistics officer with the headquarters detachment of MEU Service Support Group 24. The 24th MEU is currently conducting security and stability operations in the Northern Babil province. Photo by: Lance Cpl. Sarah A. Beavers |
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Sgt. Cassondra Wells of the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit hands a bottle of water to an Iraqi schoolgirl during an Oct. 16th visit to an elementary school in south-central Iraq. The visit was the latest in the MEU’s ongoing Back to School campaign, a key feature of which provides local Iraqi schoolchildren with water, stickers, balloons, sports equipment, and backpacks full of educational supplies. Wells, 21, is a Rochester, Pa., native and data chief with the communications platoon of MEU Service Support Group 24. The 24th MEU is currently conducting security and stability operations in the Northern Babil province. Photo by: Lance Cpl. Sarah A. Beavers |
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Iraqi schoolchildren wave to Marines of the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit during an Oct. 16th visit to an elementary school in south-central Iraq. The visit was the latest in the MEU’s ongoing Back to School campaign, a key feature of which provides local Iraqi schoolchildren with water, stickers, balloons, sports equipment, and backpacks full of educational supplies. The 24th MEU is currently conducting security and stability operations in the Northern Babil province. Photo by: Lance Cpl. Sarah A. Beavers |
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Cpl. Shawn Mears of the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit presents Iraqi schoolchildren with backpacks during an Oct. 16th visit to an elementary school in south-central Iraq. The visit was the latest in the MEU’s ongoing Back to School campaign, a key feature of which provides local Iraqi schoolchildren with water, stickers, balloons, sports equipment, and backpacks full of educational supplies. Mears, 27, is a Baton Rouge, La., native and fiscal chief with the headquarters detachment of MEU Service Support Group 24. The 24th MEU is currently conducting security and stability operations in the Northern Babil province. This photo is Photo by: Lance Cpl. Sarah A. Beavers |
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