Students from the Brookstone school in Columbus, Ga., held a video teleconference May 5, 2010, with Iraqi students a hemisphere away in Babil Province.

Students from the Hillah High School for Girls and the Waeli High School for Boys traveled to Contingency Operating Site Kalsu to participate in the event, which was made possible by the 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division.

This was the second teleconference event between the U.S. and Iraqi students, allowing the students a chance to discuss topics with their counterparts half a world away.

The students asked each other about school life, preparing for college, music, sports and what they do in their spare time.

The Iraqi students, who were all fluent in English, were able to communicate effectively with the Brookstone students.

"It's always a great opportunity to allow the younger generation an opportunity to converse and share ideas," said Lt. Col. Jonathon Boston, the 3rd HBCT's information operations officer. "After several years of being here, we are establishing relationships. We hope this will further continue our partnership with Iraq."

According to Sgt. Major Richard Hairston, the operations sergeant major for the 3rd HBCT, the students are still working to bridge gaps, but he likes the progress they are making.

"It's really good to see the kids enjoying themselves," he said. "This is our second one of these. We have already started bridging the gap between our military and their military. We have bridged the gap between the PRTs [Provincial Reconstruction Teams] and the government. This is the next step. Each time is a stepping stone towards a better relationship."