South Park, Iraq

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Soldiers Deliver Supplies to East Baghdad School

In a poor region of Baghdad, soldiers provide   basic school supplies as part of an effort to renovate and equip the rundown schools.

By U.S. Army Spc. Jan Critchfield 122nd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

FORWARD OPERATING BASE RUSTAMIYAH, BAGHDAD, Iraq, Dec. 29, 2004 — U.S. soldiers of Battery A, 1st Battalion, 82nd Field Artillery, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, visited eastern Baghdad’s South Park elementary school Dec. 21 and gave the children packets of school supplies. "We wanted to make sure everyone was satisfied. The school is filled to capacity … so we try to make it as good an experience as we can in terms of their equipment," U.S. Army 2nd Lt. Gilbert Juarez   More than 100 packets were purchased through an Iraqi contractor and included pencils, pens, paper, a ruler, erasers, a plastic document holder and other assorted supplies. “We wanted to make sure everyone was satisfied,” said 2nd Lt. Gilbert Juarez, 23, Battery A, information operations officer. “The school is filled to capacity … so we try to make it as good an experience as we can in terms of their equipment.” South Park is an exceedingly poor area and most families cannot afford basic supplies for their children. Renovating and equipping the area’s dilapidated schools is a priority for the 1st Brigade Combat Team. “We’re always there,” Juarez, a San Antonio, Texas native said. “We patrol the area regularly… the families know our presence is there and they know when we’re there we provide safety.” Computers, new paint jobs, air conditioners, heaters, bathroom renovations and other donations have been included in school reconstruction projects funded by the team. The soldiers also brought, computers, copiers, printers, lockers, desks and chairs to South Park elementary. All of the supplies were purchased from the local economy. “The cost of the equipment totaled about $42,000,” Juarez said. “Every time we visit [South Park elementary], they always extend their gratitude and appreciation and we can see that they respect our efforts.”