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TF 1-27 INF dedicates Iraqi elementary school

Army News Service

Release Date: 3/22/2004

By Spc. Sean Kimmons

SALIHIA, Iraq (Army News Service, March 22, 2004) -- Villagers began to smile and wave as Company A, Task Force 1-27 Infantry Soldiers rolled up in their tactical vehicles for the Salihia elementary school dedication March 3.

Since it was funds from the TF 1-27 Infantry Commander's Emergency Relief Program that paid for the school construction project, the Soldiers became the guests of honor to the newly-built school. CERP is a program that provides funds to U.S. Army units that use it to help rebuild Iraq's infrastructure.

"One of the main focuses of the battalion is earning the trust and respect of the Iraqis," said 1st Lt. Robert Heatherly, fire support officer with Co. A, TF 1-27 Inf. "This is one way we can do that by going into the community and building schools."

When Capt. Scott Carpenter, commander of Co. A, TF 1-27 Inf., arrived to the school he gave one of the students the honor of cutting the ribbon. Carpenter and his Soldiers then entered the school where they were greeted to the relaxed ceremony by Iraqi girls with flowers and big smiles.

Carpenter checked each of the six classrooms to verify the work done by a local contractor and to ensure the school was suitable for the 85, six to 12-year-old students who will attend the school.

Satisfied with the work, Carpenter, local city council members and the school's head master mingled over refreshments while surrounded by Iraqi children who eagerly listened to their translated conversations.

Farhan Nasser Hussein, the school's head master was delighted with the construction project and said how important a new school is for the village.

"New schools are one of the ways that are helping the village to be better," Hussein said.

Fauaz Aziz, a civil engineer for Co. A, TF 1-27 Inf. who helped with the project agreed with Hussein.

"Schools in my opinion are the main source of the educated pupil," Aziz said. "Now that this [improved] school has been built, the village's society will be more educated."

Resembling a sod house from the pioneer days, the village's old school stands right next to the new one. Built in 1955, the school that once taught Nationalism during Saddam Hussein's regime is now occupied by a cow and chickens.

(Editor's note: Spc. Sean Kimmons is a member of the 25th ID (L) Public Affairs staff)