DOD Publication: Paratroopers Celebrate Holiday with Community's Orphans

Nice story, but it makes you wonder. How did these kids get to be orphans in the first place?

BAGHDAD, Iraq, Dec. 5, 2003 — The Iraqi children were shy, staring at the festive decorations adorning the walls of the dining room where the paratroopers awaited their arrival. Hesitant at first, the children’s timid faces began to smile.

The children, orphans from the southern village of Al Jebachy, came to Camp Falcon to celebrate the Islamic holiday Ramadan’s Feast of Eid Al-Fitr Nov. 26.

The special dinner was arranged by the 407th Forward Support Battalion Commander Lt. Col. Jeff Douville and Battalion Chaplain Timothy D. Smith.

“The chaplain and I thought it would be a great idea to celebrate their Ramadan Feast and our Thanksgiving together,” Douville said, “particularly with the orphaned children of the village because it is a very lonely time of year for them.”

more…
http://www.defendamerica.mil/articles/dec2003/a120503j.html