Airmen help shape tomorrow's Iraq

  • Published
  • By Army Spc. Brandon Hubbard
  • 300th Military Police Brigade
CAMP BUCCA, Iraq --  Students at Safwan school, located near Umm Qasr, recently received a gift of supplies and athletic equipment from Coalition forces.

Airmen from the 887th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron, Moody Air Force Base, Ga., delivered dozens of supplies to the students. The supplies included paper, coloring books, pencils, crayons and hand-sewn book bags, as well as a dozen soccer balls. Many of the materials were donated by Girl Scout Troop 76 from Cornwall, N.Y.

The 887th ESFS is charged with the external security of Camp Bucca, under the command of the 300th Military Police Brigade.

"Taking a diversion from routine patrols lets us meet and interact with the local populous," said Staff Sgt. Matt Hamblen, a patrol squad leader with the 887th ESFS.

Speaking with the headmaster of the school, Sergeant Hamblen explained the items were all provided by Americans who support the Iraqi people and want to see them succeed.

In January, Al-Basra became the ninth province to be returned to the Iraqi Government. Since that time, the Army, Navy and Air Force service members at Camp Bucca in the southern province have assisted the Iraqi population with health care, supplies and other humanitarian aid.