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Soldiers Make School's Opening Grand

Jan- 6-2006 » Filed Under: 172nd SBCT

Link to Full Article with Photo
Capt. Marcus Grimes
172nd SBCT

MOSUL, IRAQ — There was an anticipatory buzz in the atmosphere at the Al Amel Institute for the Deaf and Mute as the Soldiers of the 172d Stryker Brigade arrived to help celebrate the grand re-opening of this unique school Dec. 12.

As the Soldiers came in, the teachers could not contain their pupils’ excitement. All the children in this small school, which is situated high above the Tigris River in downtown Mosul, craned their necks and pasted their faces against the windows in their classrooms to see what the Soldiers brought.

The atmosphere became absolutely electric as the Soldiers unloaded their vehicles. The children saw new backpacks each stuffed with rulers, pencils, crayons, books, paper and other school supplies.

Their eyes popped when a Soldier, doing his best to emulate Santa carrying his pack, came in carrying a bag of soccer balls.

Soldiers milled about in a central foyer, trying to look comfortable while wearing body armor, helmets, eye protection, gloves and carrying rifles. All the while, they tried to communicate with waves and smiles to the children and teachers.

Each time a Soldier took a picture, the children would gather around to see the image on the camera screen.

The mayor of Mosul, Ahmer Jihad, and vice headmaster Alkrem Abdul Kareem, the principal of the school, had the honor of cutting the ceremonial ribbon to officially dedicate the institute. After the ribbon cutting, each child lined up to receive a new backpack and cake.

Like any other kid, the children tore into the cake and frosting with vigor and immediately went into exploring their new backpacks and showcasing each feature to whatever Soldier was near.


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