SFC Michael Maples Requests 14,000 Backpacks for Iraqi Kids

With the flow of additional troops into Iraq, Anbar Province, long the lawless heartland of the tenacious Sunni Arab resistance, is undergoing a surprising transformation. Violence is ebbing in many areas, shops and schools are reopening, police forces are growing and the insurgency appears to be in retreat. As Iraqi children return to school, there is a real need for school supplies. SFC Michael Maples stationed at Camp Fallujah, Iraq would like SoA's help in supplying 14,000 school backpacks for children in Anbar.

School bags for Iraqi children in Anbar

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Original Request from SFC Michael Maples
"Howdy from good 'ole Camp Fallujah. I have received lots of requests for backpacks and school kits. I realize this is a lot, but they total 14,000 of each. They are extremely popular and have gone a long way towards building trust between the citizens and the Iraqi Police and Iraqi Army. Our teams hand them out along side of the IP and IA. Is there any way y'all can send as much of what has been requested as possible. I truly wish the people back there knew what a difference is being made here, at least in my neck of the woods. These simple gifts give great hope to the children, who truly are the future of this country. Thanks so much for your support. Please know that we here appreciate greatly your dedication and support. May God bless you and all the others who have helped us out." Many thanks, SFC Michael Maples TPDD 93 NCOIC C/9th POB(A)

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