Posted on 07/11/2009 11:45:31 AM PDT by SandRat
NAJAF — With the recent help of many organizations back in the United States, the Iraqi Provincial Government received three pallets of humanitarian relief supplies June 21 for distribution to the local populace here.
“Helping people who are less fortunate is always a good thing whether in your home town or across the world,” said U.S. Army Lt. Col. Fred Harmon, deputy team leader for provincial reconstruction and project coordinator at Najaf. “Overall, these shipments send a message that bridges the cultural divide. In the more immediate impact, they simply help those who need it.”
“It is important because it is a capacity-building effort,” added U.S. Army Lt. Col. Roberto L. Garcia, a civil affairs officer with the 308th Civil Affairs Brigade, project coordinator in the United States. “It not only helps one person, but helps the whole mission war effort. Hopefully this can change the Iraqi citizens’ perception on Coalition forces.”
The humanitarian relief supplies, which consisted of wheelchairs, crutches, walkers, blankets and clothing, will also enable the Iraqi Air Force and Iraqi Army to work together.
“This was significant because it was an opportunity to have the Iraqi Air Force and the Iraqi Army working together for a mission that benefits the Iraqi people,” said Harmon, who is deployed from the 413th Civil Affairs Battalion.
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