Soldiers Say Goodbye to Iraqi Orphans with Party, Gifts
July 6, 2009

American Forces Press Service
By Army Sgt. 1st Class Joe Thompson

Nisreen Raoof plays with an orphan at the Deep Strike farewell party to the children of the Kut orphanage at the Rehanah al-Haydaryah Family Park, June 26, 2009.

FOB DELTA – The 20th FAR, 41st Fires Bde, 2nd Bn, couldn’t leave without a special goodbye to some local children they likely will never forget.

The bn is winding down its time here in Wasit province, and as one of its last services to the community, the soldiers treated the children from the Kut orphanage to an evening of games, gifts and entertainment.

“It was an idea to have an event before the American forces left, that they could say goodbye to the Iraqi children, and it should be in an open area like the park,” said Nisreen Raoof, the orphanage director.

Lt. Col. Timothy Bush, 2nd Bn cmdr, and the Deep Strike soldiers have been working with the communities and ISF throughout Wasit province. The orphans enjoyed an evening of performances by the 34th ID band, and games including musical chairs, water balloon toss, 3-legged race and soccer. Deep Strike Soldiers also supplied snacks, drinks and gifts for the event.

“Before we met with Lt Col Bush, we had a bad picture of American forces because of the media,” Raoof said. “Before, they used to say the Americans were invaders and occupation forces. But after we met with them and talked with them, we found out that they have big hearts and are very human, especially Lt Col Bush. He has a big heart and he's helped us a lot. He gave us backpacks and soccer balls for the school.”

The evening’s events were wonderful for the children and soldiers, Raoof said, but the biggest gift the soldiers gave was the gift of democracy. “I'd like to send my regards to all American citizens and the American army, because they sacrificed a lot of soldiers in Iraq to bring Iraq its democracy,” she said. “We have free speech. We can say whatever we want. We have political freedoms and can say our opinion. “Right now, we have stability and we have good security in this province with the help of the IA and the IP. Right now, thanks to God, we are living free, and living in a democracy. We'll always remember the Americans for helping us to set up the country like this.”

Multi-National Division - North PAO