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BAGHDAD, Iraq (May 19, 2008) - U.S. military volunteers brought
a bit of joy into the lives of Iraqi children as they introduced
them to a little-known sport at an Iraqi army base in western
Baghdad, May 17.
The volunteers brought tennis equipment for the children,
bringing joy not only the young players, but also to the Iraqi and
coalition servicemembers involved.
Ernie Rains, community coordinator for the Central Alabama
Tennis Association, said he thought donating tennis equipment to
Iraqi children might soften a harsh lifestyle. His gift was
realized through the coordinating efforts of Air Force Chaplain
(Maj.) William O'Sullivan, a Multinational Corps Iraq Joint
Operations Center chaplain, who's also his friend and a fellow
CATAC member.
"The idea Ernie thought up would enable us to connect with the
local populace -- the folks who are distracted by the war," said
O'Sullivan, 46, from Tampa, Fla., who serves in Baghdad.
Before teaching the sport to the children, the U.S.
servicemembers volunteered their time to teach Iraqi soldiers, who
welcomed the chance to learn the game and interact with their
coalition counterparts.
"It was a good way for coalition forces to interact with Iraqis
in a more casual environment," said Marine 1st Lt. Jessamy J.
Buban, 25, from Black Diamond, Wash.
Iraqi soldiers usually don't have time for recreational
activities, and when they do engage in sports, they usually play
soccer or volleyball.
"For most of these guys, it's their first time playing tennis,"
an Army Special Forces master sergeant who was volunteering his
off-duty time said.
Following the round of tennis, the volunteers were treated to a
"hospitable lunch" by an Iraqi army civil affairs officer who
coordinated the event for the Iraqi soldiers.
After lunch, the Iraqi children made their appearance on the
court.
The excited children were noticeably more chaotic to teach than
the soldiers, especially after the balls and rackets were passed
out. The children were "just children," a point that struck home
for many of the volunteers who were there.
"Kids playing games isn't something that changes drastically
among societies," said Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Aaron A. Carr,
35, from Denver. Carr, a father himself, couldn't help but notice
how much the children reminded him of his own son at home, despite
the cultural differences.
"We thought an introduction to tennis would bridge the gap
culturally," O'Sullivan said. "We were right. When people get
together, they can share a mutual joy over a sport. It's something
all cultures have in common."
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