Through donations to Spirit of America's Unrestricted Fund, children in two villages in Iraq now have school supplies to support their learning experience. Army First Sergeant (1SG) Dean Parks spent the end of 2008 (even Christmas Eve!) visiting local school children and handing out much-needed school kits. Please read on for more information on the distribution and the progress being made to encourage a better future through education for Iraqi kids. 

Iraqi schoolgirls enjoy SoA school kits

 "I finally was able to go out and contribute to the community! I have a lot of fun it was great to put a smile on the kids faces! We visited a school called Villa Al Ahohania. It was a village of about 300 kids and I had a blast! I have attached some pictures I hope you can enjoy them, I have a lot more but restricted on the size of file that we can send out!  On Christmas Eve I had the pleasure of visiting another school located at Andalucia Village. There was not as many kids there the Seik said that some of the kids were on holiday. This school was also a lot of fun! They were spelling and counting in english. The teachers are doing a really great job there! One of the items that they keep asking for are soccer balls, footballs, basketballs (toys) and school supplies! The soldiers had a great time! There is not just one school that we visit we try to visit as many as possible!

I am from Harker Heights Texas and I am stationed at Fort Hood Texas. I am interested in doing this because it doesn't matter where you are in this world it is all about the kids because they are the next generation. If you can change one opinion for the better it might save a life on either side and make it better! It also helps out with the mission because if the locals realize that we are friendly and that we are here to help then they might help us against our enemies."

1SG Parks visits an Iraqi school on Christmas Eve