1138th Military Police Co. brings candy, toys to Iraqi children

By: Ashley Ward
Unit Public Affairs Representative







CAMP CROPPER, Iraq - Several Soldiers from the 1138th Military Police Company recently took some time away from their daily tasks at Camp Cropper, Iraq to spend a Friday afternoon visiting with local children.

The Soldiers-Capt. Chris Powers, 1st Lt. Monte Davault, Staff Sgt. Trisha Wyatt, Spc. Denise Dryer, Spc. Craig Ingram, Pfc. Richard Hurst and Pvt. Zach Hubbard-brought toys and candy to the children, who were visiting family members at the Detainee Visitation Center.

"I was wondering how they would react to us," said Wyatt. "When I walked in, they were already playing soccer and coloring with other Soldiers... they were smiling and laughing. I don't know if it was what I was expecting but it's what I hoped for."

Davault said the reaction the Soldiers received was more than he expected, as well.

"My favorite part of our visit was the looks on their faces when we gave them the toys and candy-they were so excited," said Davault. "Their parents, even the detainees, were appreciative of what we were doing-that was surprising!"

Hurst, who visited with Iraqi children on a previous deployment, said that whether it's an American child or an Iraqi child, it's always a privilege and a pleasure getting to spend time with kids.

"Children are children everywhere," added Dryer. "A smile is universal."

The children weren't the only ones whose spirits were raised by the visit, however. The afternoon had just as much of an impact on the Soldiers.

"I have been in charge of the maximum security portion of the internment facility since August," said Davault. "We have seen the most dangerous detainees that remain under the control of the United States, so going to visitation and seeing the innocent faces of the children was extremely uplifting."

Wyatt agrees.

"Children have a way of putting a smile on your face no matter how bad of a situation or mood you're in... it was a good distraction away from our everyday schedules," she said.

The Soldiers agreed, however, that the most important aspect of the visit was the opportunity to help change the locals' perceptions of Soldiers and Americans in general.

"I think it is important for Soldiers to interact with the local population so they can see that we are real people with real feelings," said Dryer. "The more interaction we can have with them, the more they will come to see that we are here to help them and we want to make a positive difference in their lives."

The 1138th Military Police Company is deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and is expected to finish its mobilization in June 2010.






Posted: 5/19/2010 2:48:33 PM