Coalition Forces provide supplies to displaced families

FOB KALSU, Iraq (May 3, 2008) - Coalition forces recently participated in a 200-bag humanitarian aid drop to more than 20 displaced families in Iskandariyah, approximately 30 miles south of Baghdad.

Soldiers from Company B, 415th Civil Affairs (CA), currently attached to 4th Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, distributed the aid in the Hateen Apartment Complex.

The aid recipients resettled in the apartments from various cities around the area, said Capt. Daniel Scheeringa, CA team chief for Company B.

Most of the 22 displaced families came from Baghdad, Hillah and Najaf. They resettled in an abandoned school building within the complex due to violence and lack of jobs in the area.

The main struggle for them now is finding jobs, Scheeringa said.

While handing out bags, Soldiers spoke with the families about their plans and current situation. Soldiers and families helped set up the bags in the school for distribution. Each bag included about a week's worth of supplies, including rice, beans, sugar, chai (tea) and soap. Families with small children also received toys and candy.

"The families were happy to get anything at this point," Carr, from Lancaster, Mass., said. "I hope this will help them out."