Posted on 08/03/2006 5:49:33 PM PDT by SandRat
BAGHDAD, Iraq -- Soldiers from Company A, 425th Civil Affairs Battalion, part of the 4th Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, distributed about 100 blankets, 50 hygiene kits and a box of soccer balls to Iraqi families Saturday during a humanitarian assistance mission in Karkh.
Nearly three months ago, a rocket was fired at a building within the International Zone in central Baghdad . The rocket misfired however and hit the residential area, destroying many homes.
Initially, Coalition Forces went into the area following the attack and distributed clothing, food and water. They did not have enough materials to distribute to the entire area – so the Soldiers returned to continue the mission.
When the Soldiers arrived, Karkh District Council members requested the Soldiers place the items in a certain location. The troops took a step back, pulled security and watched while the council handed the humanitarian aid to their fellow Iraqis.
“The area is very poor, and the people need these supplies to get by in their everyday life,” said Abdul Satar Alrobeaee, chairman, Karkh District Council, as he helped distribute the necessities to his people.
The chairman said he hopes that one day a national government will be united into one family.
“The key is wanting to do everything we can for the Iraqis,” said Capt. Scott Ginsburg, team leader, Company A, 425th Civil Affairs Battalion. “It's not about us. It's about helping the Iraqi people and getting their government involved.”
Ginsburg said the mission is important because it helps legitimize the Karkh District Council.
“People come to them with a need,” he said. “So if we can assist (the council) and supply them, then their people are going to have more respect for their government.”
A civil affairs Soldier's job is to win the hearts and minds of the Iraqi people, said Sgt. 1st Class Matthew Wyatt, team sergeant, Company A, 425th Civil Affairs Battalion.
The council participated in the process of distribution, showing the residents their government cares about what happens within their neighborhoods, explained Wyatt, and the local leaders are being proactive in resolving the issues many Iraqis face.
“As long as you give them the chance, they will play a greater role in the mission,” Ginsburg said.
Helping others to Help Themselves.
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