Jabar, Iraqi Federal Police officer, hands out books to young girls at a local school in Baquba. The Humanitarian Aid mission was oversaw by the Iraqi Federal Police, with support from U.S. forces. Photo by 1st Lt. Meghan E. Keefe, 37th Engineer Battalion.

BAQUBA

The 37th Engineer Battalion- Joint Task Force Eagle, based out of Fort Bragg N.C., joined the 6123 FP Training Team, based out of Fort Riley, Kan., and their FP counterparts to address the needs of school children in the area. The U.S./Iraqi mission was an opportunity for the FP to interact with the local population and contribute to their community.

Man ben Zaid Elementary School was the first stop, followed by a visit to Talabar Elementary. There were approximately 100 children waiting the arrival of the humanitarian mission with an air of anticipation and excitement. Col. Jabar, Iraqi FP officer, spoke to the children and informed them of why they were there.

After meeting the FP and learning what was about to take place, the children ran with smiling faces into their separate classrooms to sit, stand, or peek through windows as the FP proceeded to hand out the school supplies.

When the last backpack was handed out, Capt. Timothy Behnke, the JTF Eagle chaplain, of Wales, Wis., thanked the school administrator for the opportunity to meet the children, teachers and staff. Working with the FP and providing them with the opportunity to introduce themselves to local children is essential in establishing a relationship with the community they serve.

Behnke also conveyed that the education of children "is one of the hardest, but most important jobs."

The teachers and students expressed immense gratitude for the school supplies that they received. The FP were very enthusiastic about the opportunity to distribute supplies to the children.

"It is a good, personal and humbling experience to provide much needed school supplies for Iraqi children," remarked Capt. Ismael Flecha, of Fair Lawn N.J., the physician's assistant for JTF Eagle.

(By 1st Lt. Meghan E. Keefe, 37th Engineer Battalion)