Task Force Tiger Soldiers Aid Afghan School

Defend America News ^ | Sgt. 1st Class Kenneth L. McCooey

[SandRat]

U.S. Army Sgt. Eli Coman hands out candy to a group of students at the Sheragha Shahed Secondary School in the town of Ja Farkhel, Afghanistan. Coman is assigned to the 492nd Civil Affairs Battalion. U.S. Army photo by Sgt. 1st Class Kenneth McCooey

Task Force Tiger Soldiers Aid Afghan School

The civil affairs soldiers brought the secondary school children 200 book bags
jammed with school supplies, teaching aids, pens, volleyballs and candy.

By Army Sgt. 1st Class Kenneth L. McCooey
19th Public Affairs Detachment

BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan, April 14, 2006 — Children with happy, gleaming eyes and eager hands crowded the gates of Sheragha Shahed Secondary School as the U.S. soldiers assigned to Task Force Tiger recently rolled into the nearby town of Ja Farkhel carrying much needed school supplies.

"Your help is very important to the children of Afghanistan. All of the community appreciate the support. We will work together with the coalition and the Americans as a team to help rebuild our country."

Fazil Rahim, school principal

The Task Force Tiger soldiers brought the children 200 book bags jammed with school supplies, teaching aids, a large quantity of pens, some volleyballs and candy.

The civil affairs soldiers try to go to local schools at least three times a month, said U.S. Army 1st Lt. Darrell Pearman, civil affairs direct support team leader for Task Force Tiger. But, the frequency of visits depends on the other missions that he and his soldiers have to handle.

"(Missions like this) build upon our relationship with the people of Afghanistan," Pearman said. "It also sends a good message to the families of these children. I know, as a father, when someone helps my son, I appreciate it."

The appreciation was also visible in the eyes and hands of the students. Some were able to control their emotions and patiently wait in their seats for the soldiers to distribute the supplies, while others milled about, trying to make sure they received a coveted book bag, pen or even a piece of candy.

Children at the Sheragha Shahed Secondary School in Ja Farkhel, Afghanistan, enjoy treats distributed by U.S. soldiers during a visit to the school. The soldiers also brought 200 book bags jammed with school supplies, teaching aids, pens and volleyballs. U.S. Army photo by Sgt. 1st Class Kenneth McCooey

U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Jason Arnold hands out pens to a group of students at the Sheragha Shahed Secondary School in the town of Ja Farkhel, Afghanistan. Arnold is assigned to the 492nd Civil Affairs Battalion. U.S. Army photo by Sgt. 1st Class Kenneth McCooey

It is this type of enthusiasm seen in the children that lets him know this mission was a success if only in the short term, Pearman said. He also said he knows that missions like this will help ensure the future of Afghanistan.

"We measure success immediately by how the children respond when we arrive," Pearman said. "It's great when the kids and men recognize me and say hello. It definitely makes missions like this worthwhile.

"In the long term, we measure success by increased student attendance at schools and when they further their educations at universities," he said.

The supplies were appreciated by the schoolchildren and the staff. The school's principal, Fazil Rahim, said the donations were needed to help build a strong partnership for the future of Afghanistan.

"Your help is very important to the children of Afghanistan," Rahim said. "All of the community appreciate the support. We will work together with the coalition and the Americans as a team to help rebuild our country."

To ensure the success of Afghanistan's future, Pearman said he believes they have to start with a strong base and work up from there. By doing this he said he believes the coalition can build a strong foundation for continued success.

"Kids in every nation are the future," Pearman said. "They are not only the starting point but the 'building blocks' you need to start with. If you can gain trust on this level, you can gain trust with the villages, and then with the schools. Once you build that rapport, you're on the way to a brighter future."

[SandRat]

PING

[eddie2]

Hope we win this war and the drive by media lose their's. If this type of war is unwinable the next phase is going to be hell.

[1rudeboy]

Cool-looking rifle in the middle photo. What is it? What about those stocks?

[SandRat]

Looks like an upgraded verion of the M-16. Could be some "local color" added by an inventive GI.

[SJSAMPLE]

Looks like a standard M4-type set of stocks, except they're molded in coyote brown. CAVARMS makes a set in just about every color, including DeWalt Yellow and Barbie Pink. The pistolgrip is completely aftermarket, though. Looks like a First SAMCO grip.

[Calpernia]

U.S. Army Sgt. Eli Coman hands out candy to a group of students at the Sheragha Shahed Secondary School in the town of Ja Farkhel, Afghanistan. Coman is assigned to the 492nd Civil Affairs Battalion.

[onyx]

Love that pic.
Thanks for the ping.

[Calpernia]

I love that pic too!

[onyx]

I'm going to try to remember to post it on the DOSE tomorrow.

[Calpernia]

I just voted myself president the unofficial Sgt. Coman fan club.

[onyx]

I'll be your VP!

[E.G.C.]

BTTT