[KSoldier]

Yes, as a matter of fact, there are playgrounds in Iraq (Please see the last photo in this series.)

I am the Civil Affairs Officer for an MP unit. I work directly with the people of Iraq. Once a week, we visit a local clinic to provide medical care, health education, clothing, shoes, food, and toys to these people.

A reporter, here, once asked me what my mission was and I told him. His next question was if I knew where the Infantry guys were. I never saw him again. The media is only interested in "guts-on-the-ground" stories. apparently "Good news is no news."

I thank you all for your support. We are all in this together. Thanks for doing your part, it makes a difference.


These two little girls adopted me.


Handing out beanie babies.


She kept trying to swing higher to reach the candy, yes, I gave it to her on the third try.


This little girl wasn't heavy enough to work the teeter-totter, so I gave her a hand. (note the sign in the background)


This is a close-up of the sign in the background and THIS IS WHY there are now playgrounds in Iraq.

If anyone is interested in sharing these pictures, feel free to copy them here, or E-mail me for the original high-resolution versions. Please do not link to the original URL. Yes, this is really me, and yes I am really here.

[fishergirl]

God bless you, sir! Thanks for all the great pictures and good news!

[MonicaG]

Thank you for the wonderful pic's & report, KSoldier. Thank you for the work you do, and for being a light in these kids lives. Very sweet pictures; good job.

[Tribune7]

ping

[Gondring]

Thank you for your service, KSoldier! It seems appropriate to post some of my brother's pics, with captions he sent in bold...the second pic seems especially relevant to the wonderful work you have done in providing a place for the kids to play. BTW, my brother has lost several friends, college classmates, and acquaintances--in Iraq, Afghanistan, and on 9/11 (Pentagon). He has a young daughter at home and deeply misses seeing her grow up, but he wants America's support to win, not to leave.

Here they come! As soon as we arrive in a village, the kids come running to see us.

These are the streets that kids play in…and yes, that “water” is what you could imagine it is…

The smile says it all… (I LOVE this pic!)

These are the streets that kids play in…and yes, that “water” is what you could imagine it is…

Not a "Photo-Op" sign--villagers made this on their own during early war and have kept it up despite the threat of terrorist retaliations against them.

(My brother gave me permission to share these photos, but I'm not sure he'd like me to post his identity in association with me!)

[...] the left's constant harping that we must leave Iraq is affecting the Iraqi people and that they will turn against us if they think they may be killed after we leave.

I fear this is correct, beckysueb. :-(

[SevenofNine]

OH CANTEEN MEMBERS Check out ping 128

[Don Carlos]

You made me misty-eyed. And Dammit, old Master Sergeants ain't supposed to get misty-eyed.

God bless you and your comrades in arms, Major, and I pray you all stay safe.

[Brad’s Gramma]

God Bless you, KSoldier!!! Thank you SO much for the pictures!

You're doing a great job and America is VERY proud of you...!!!

[Just Lori]

Please let us know if you need anything. FR is FULL of troop supporters!

[nutmeg]

God Bless You, Sir! I'm tearing up looking at the amazing photos you've posted in #128. Thank you so much for your service to our country. And... welcome to FR! :o)

[blondee123]

GOD BLESS YOU & KEEP YOU SAFE & ALL OUR MEN IN HARMS WAY!

What beautifully moving pictures, I thank you for the truth in pictures!!!

[Watery Tart]

[StarCMC]

God bless you KSoldier. Prayers for continued safety and success of your mission ~ freedom for ALL.

[mad_as_he$$]

Thanks soldier, for everything.

De Oppresso Libre

[Triple]

Thank you .

[wjcsux]

Thank you so very much for these pictures. These are enough to bring tears to your eyes. Thank you so much for your service to our country. God bless you, and the rest of the U.S. military.

[fatima]

Great pictures KSoldier,thank you,fatima

[JFC]

You my friend are a true american hero!

God Bless those who serve and have served........

[Toby06]

Thank you!

[bethtopaz]

I read your personal profile! Thanks for your service! You all are our awesome heros!

[AnnaZ]

God bless you, and thank you!!

smooch!