Operation Friendship
By Chaplain (Maj.) Terry Hayes, HHC, STB, 1st Sust. Bde.
Jul 18, 2008 - 1:13:54 PM
Blackanthem Military News
 |
| HHC, STB, 1st Sust. Bde. Soldiers packing bags for the Iraqi Army Soldiers (U.S. Army courtesy photo) |
CAMP TAJI, Iraq - Most people like to help, especially when it comes to helping others a little less fortunate. A number of individuals and organizations in the United States had that opportunity, recently, when 300 packets of donated hygiene items like soap, shampoo, toothbrushes, and combs were passed out to Iraqi Soldiers training here at the National Training Center. A group of volunteers from the 1st Sustainment Brigade assembled at the Argonne Chapel and for two hours packaged together packets of supplies for distribution.
The bags were then loaded to be delivered by the volunteers, lead by Chaplain (Maj.) Terry Hayes, a Grants Pass, Ore., native, and Sgt. Michael Theubet, a Redding, Ca., native, and the chaplain assistant.
First stop on the "Operation Friendship" mission was the Iraqi Non-Commissioned Officer academy, where a group of 100 Iraqi and Kurdish soldiers awaited their goodies. The second leg of the journey was the Level Three Wheeled Maintenance shop, commanded by Col. Abdul Wahab Mohammed. "These gifts show the U.S. Army (does) cares about our Soldiers and it encourages them to do their very best," Mohammed said.
The half-a-day outreach concluded in the office of Brig. Gen. Abdul Mahady Sharaque Sabah, Iraqi Security Force Commander (Taji location), where the volunteers were treated to delicious Chai tea after presenting nearly 60 Iraqi Soldiers with gift bags.
ADDITIONAL PHOTOS:
 |
| Chaplain (MAJ) Hayes presents bags to the Iraqi Army Soldiers (U.S. Army courtesy photo) |
|
 |
| Group photo at the end of the day. (U.S. Army courtesy photo) |
|