Hussaen Haney Lateef pauses from playing with a soccer ball to pose with his ice cream during the October kids' day hosted by the U.S. Air Force on Joint Base Balad. Photo by Spc. Beth Gorenc, Task Force 38.

Airmen and Soldiers here hold monthly programs that bring children on base to learn from and interact with military mentors. During these days, service members work through translators to teach Iraqi children about personal hygiene, fire safety awareness and medical issues.

After learning safety lessons, children are able to play with their volunteer military mentor. Activities such as soccer, volleyball, basketball, arts and crafts, and board games are available for entertainment.

Air Force Tech. Sgt. Joey Burgess, 332nd Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron construction inspector, said the children's days are not only useful for teaching children safety, but are also good for establishing positive relationships with local communities.

"If we can help out people and displace negative or harsh feelings they have toward us, then it's a win-win situation," said Burgess. "I'm very passionate about helping others, including kids. That's why I volunteer."

Along with volunteering his time during the children's events, Burgess also works as the coordinator for the “Kids of Iraq” program here. He works with other Airmen and Soldiers to receive, organize and distribute donated goods.

"We collect all kinds of donations ranging from toys, hygiene products, clothes and school supplies," he said.

He also said Task Force 38 was one of the largest donators of supplies for distribution.

Headed by Indiana Army National Guard Sgt. Andrew Schnieders, the Task Force command assistant, Task Force 38 Soldiers pick up supplies from Burgess and other Airmen on a monthly basis, prepare supplies and packages for transportation and fly the supplies in a Task Force 38 UH-60 Black Hawk to a Forward Operating Base for further distribution.

"It's a motivator to go out and help provide people with the material [they need] to set themselves up for success," said Schnieders, a Mooresville, Ind., resident.

He said the Task Force is carrying on the mission previously conducted by the 449th Theater Aviation Brigade, and it is something he looks forward to each month.

"It's not an extra duty. It's something people choose to do," he said. "It's a chance to contribute to a greater good on a personal level."

Schnieders said Soldiers who volunteer for the Task Force’s humanitarian aid missions show a real care and concern for people in need of the supplies. One of those Soldiers is Indiana Army National Guard Staff Sgt. David Shutt, Task Force 38 Air Mission Request Cell noncommissioned officer in charge.

"It's all about showing Iraqis that we care, and we are here to help them get back on their feet," said Shutt, a Fairmount, Ind., resident.

He added that helping Iraqis also gives him a personal satisfaction.

"I feel like I'm making a difference," said Shutt. "It's nice to do something that's not so combat related."