Posted on 09/28/2008 12:31:29 PM PDT by SandRat
CAMP KOREAN VILLAGE — Reserve U.S. Marines delivered food supplies for economically disadvantaged families in Rutbah, a town of about 17,000 residents in western al-Anbar province, Sept. 24.
According to Navy chaplain Lt. Ray Rivers, these Marines created “Operation Widow” in June to provide non-perishable food items, fresh fruit, milk and juice to widows and their families in Rutbah.
“This has definitely improved relations between the Coalition forces and the Iraqis,” said Rivers, a native of Sumter, S.C., who was a Marine Corps infantry officer for seven years before going back to school for a master’s degree in divinity in 1993.
“It has helped those who are the most helpless,” continued Rivers. “It shows not only the generosity of the United States, but it gives the [Rutbah] City Council credibility in the people’s eyes.”
Operation Widow, with the help of the Iraqi Police, who deliver the food directly to the families’ homes, has provided parcels for more than 110 families since June. Each parcel contains enough nourishment for a family of four to eat well for several weeks.
Rivers explained that the program, in addition to providing needed aid, breaks down religious barriers between people of different faiths. After the food is taken to the Rutbah City Council, Rivers meets with the city’s imam, a key Muslim spiritual leader who has great influence on the city’s 17,000 residents.
The two men look for common ground between the different faiths and troubleshoot any issues that arise between Coalition forces and local residents.
“The imam was key in forming this relationship,” said Rivers. “By opening up to us and trusting us, he was key in making this program work.”
Mahmoud Ahmed Nudin Obid, the gray-bearded imam of Rutbah, expressed his deep appreciation for Coalition forces’ efforts in his city and the importance of working together to improve the lives of impoverished families.
“According to the Quran,” said Obid, “if you help the crying of the widows, God will bless you. We must take care of them … this is our religion. We love everybody. Our God orders us to open our hearts toward others. There is no difference between Christians, Jews and Muslims. Our goal is to live and work in peace.”
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