Iraqi children get gifts from Coalition troops, girl scouts

CAMP BUCCA, Iraq (February 15, 2008) - Thanks to coalition forces and a Girl Scout troop, Iraqi children recently received a gift of supplies and athletic equipment.

Airmen from 887th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron, from Moody Air Force Base, Ga., delivered the supplies to students at Safwan school, near Umm Qasr. The supplies included paper, coloring books, pencils, crayons and hand-sewn book bags, as well as a dozen soccer balls. Many of the materials were donated by Girl Scout Troop 76 from Cornwall, N.Y.

The 887th ESFS is charged with external security of Camp Bucca under the command of 300th Military Police Brigade.

"Taking a diversion from routine patrols lets us meet and interact with the local populous," said Air Force Staff Sgt. Matt Hamblen, a patrol squad leader with 887th ESFS.

Speaking with the headmaster of the school, Hamblen explained the items were all provided by Americans who support the Iraqi people and want to see them succeed.

In January, Basra became the ninth province to be returned to the Iraqi government. Since that time, the Army, Navy and Air Force servicemembers at Camp Bucca in the southern province have assisted the Iraqi population with health care, supplies and other humanitarian aid.