Iraqis, 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment build new school
By Sgt. 1st Class Donald Sparks
WESTERN NINEWA PROVINCE, Iraq (Army News Service, Nov. 23, 2005.) -- Seconds after Col. H.R. McMaster stepped out of his helicopter, the thumping hum of rotating blades became a whisper as the sounds of festive drum beating and blaring horns filled the air in the background outside the village of Tall Qussab, Iraq.
Walking toward musicians, McMaster, who commands the 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment, instantly found himself mobbed by dozens of school-aged children waving Iraqi flags and cheering.
After patting several heads and shaking hands with the children, he was finally near the objective of his visit – an Iraqi school that was built through the partnership of troopers under his charge and the residents of the small town.
McMaster smiled uncontrollably as he watched nearly 200 Iraqis celebrate, through dance and music, the grand opening of the new school.
Collective cooperation
“This is amazing, and I’m truly touched,” McMaster said. “These are just some of the most beautiful children here. This school represents what happens when we work collectively to bring security here in Iraq.”