Posted on 12/12/2007 7:05:05 AM PST by ConorMacNessa
FALLUJAH, Iraq (Dec. 12, 2007) -- Across the street, from where the Marines watched, an all-girl school buzzed with life as the bell rang, signaling the end to another school day. The children swarmed out into the street making their way home with an all-too-familiar expression of satisfaction with being done with classes for the day.
Children roamed the streets of the Andaloos district of Fallujah as 28-year-old Sgt. Ysac M. Perez, a squad leader with Company K, 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 6, led his Marines out on patrol.
The children pleaded for the candy or soccer balls the Marines hand out from time to time.
“The kids can be a little annoying at times,” said 19-year-old, Phoenix native Pfc. David K. Tietje. “But when they ask for ‘choco-latte’ or candy it’s kind of a good thing. They’re the next generation of Iraqis. If we make a good impression on them, when they grow up, it’s going to change this country overall or at least this city.”
Other than the pleas for the usual handouts, the Marines started hearing a more modest request from the children. Some were simply asking for pens, pencils or even a single sheet of paper.
(Excerpt) Read more at usmc.mil ...
Ping
Great pictures!! We’re a nation blessed with “a lot of good men”!! (and women)
FR WAR NEWS!
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