Americans Donate School Supplies
Combined Joint Task Force –76 coordinates delivery of backpacks and supplies to the children of Afghanistan.
By U.S. Army Sgt. Mayra Kennedy
345th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment
KANDAHAR AIRFIELD, Afghanistan, July 7, 2006 —The commander of Combined Joint Task Force - 76 gathered with Afghan officials here June 19 and in support of the ongoing humanitarian mission donated 2,050 school supplies to Afghan children.
Army Maj. Gen. Benjamin C. Freakley, CJTF – 76 commander, presented the
Afghan National Army and Afghan National Police with the donation,
primarily from families at Fort Polk, La., and Fort Drum, N.Y.
“A lot of organizations in the U.S. are contributing school supplies
for Afghan children,” said Freakley, who explained how the donation
will be divided among the two organizations. “This is the first time
that we’ve donated supplies to the ANA and ANP. We are trying to make
a better life for the people of Afghanistan.”
He explained that the donation was given to the army and police because
they know best who is in need of the supplies.
Afghan Gen. Esmatullah Darrlatzai, ANP commander of the Regional
Command South, received half of the school supplies, which will be
given to those in need.
“This is the best way to see and keep the people supporting the government,” said Esmatullah.
Earlier this month, the army distributed school supplies to at least
one school and an orphanage in the Kandahar Province where 1,200 Afghan
boys and girls benefited from the donations.
During a visit at a school in Lashkar Gah, Esmatullah said children received him and his soldiers with open arms and he wanted to repay their sentiments by providing school supplies.
“Both generals need to know this is an initial down payment,” said Freakley. “If they need more, they need to tell their mentors so that we can help out.”
