USACE People: Delivering smiles, gifts, friendship to Iraqi students

By A. Al Bahrani (U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Gulf Region)October 24, 2009

St. Ephrem kindergarten class
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St. Ephrem kindergarten
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St. Ephrem kindergarten
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St. Ephrem kindergarten
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BASRA, Iraq - Goodwill ambassadors from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Gulf Region South District (GRS) brought more than gifts during an October visit to the children at St. Ephrem kindergarten in Basra. They brought smiles and friendship.

"We are very happy today to see you here in our church and kindergarten. Today is very special for us and for these kids," said Father Imad Aziz Al Banna, of the Chaldean Archdiocese of Basra. "We really thank you for your help and support."

Navy Lt. David Daigle, project engineer and Provincial Reconstruction Team liaison with GRS's Basra Area Office, said he hopes the Corps of Engineers' presence has a positive impact on the lives of the Iraqi children.

"I want to leave Iraq knowing that I made a difference. Sometimes it is hard to see a direct impact, but when my time is dedicated to helping a child, the impact is in the smile that I get in return," he said. "I often think of the hardships Iraq has had over the last couple of decades. We want the freedom and democracy that we are here to protect to let these children grow up safe, secure, and healthy. I hope our sacrifice here has made the future of Iraq free from another war."

Art Davey, a construction representative with GRS's Basra Area Office, enjoyed the opportunity, too.

"I was honored to be one of the goodwill ambassadors, given the opportunity to share a little time and express our deep adoration for these young people who hold the hope and the future of Iraq in their destiny," he said. "To see the many smiling faces and sense the appreciation of the bishop, the teachers, and the young boys and girls was truly a rewarding experience that will mark a highlight of my tour in Iraq."

Daigle agreed. "Seeing the children smile was awesome! I wish I could tell them a funny story or fairy tale to make them all laugh. I guess I would just tell them that we are happy to be here."

Davey said going right into the school with the children, bringing useful things to them, and possibly making a difference was a touching experience for him.

"My slogan is 'Quality Continues,' and I hope the memory of this visit from Corps of Engineers military and civilian members will shine on a light on the way forward for these future leaders," he said. "These kids will grow up to continue the work to develop Iraq and improve the quality of life for their people."

Father Al Banna shared their enthusiasm.

"Although this is not the first time the Army Engineers have sent toys, soccer balls and school supplies, it's the first time they visited us themselves," he said. "We're very excited to meet those great people who support us."

Related Links:

USACE News on Army.mil

HQ U.S. Army Corps of Engineers