Posted on 06/30/2009 6:25:49 PM PDT by SandRat
NAJAF — The Iraqi provincial government recently received three pallets of humanitarian relief supplies from organizations in the United States, which they will distribute to the local populace here.
"Helping people who are less fortunate is always a good thing whether in your home town or across the world," said U.S. Army Lt. Col. Fred Harmon, project coordinator.
"It is important because it is a capacity-building effort," added U.S. Army Lt. Col. Roberto L. Garcia, a civil affairs officer with the 308th Civil Affairs Brigade in Homewood, Ill., and project coordinator back in the States. "It not only helps one person, but helps the whole mission."
The humanitarian relief supplies, which consisted of wheelchairs, crutches, walkers, blankets and clothing, will also enable the Iraqi Air Force and Army to work together.
"This was significant because it was an opportunity to have the Iraqi Air Force and the Iraqi Army working together for the mission that benefits the Iraqi people," said Harmon, who is deployed from the 413th Civil Affairs Battalion, Lubbock, Texas.
Once the items have been categorized and the needs of the local people have been identified, the supplies will be issued to the Iraqis who need them most.
"The Iraqi Army will deliver the items to local communities after assessing the needs against the items that have been donated," said Harmon. "This is something extra above our basic mission here. Everyone feels a sense of accomplishment when you can help others."
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