It has taken me awhile to write this post mainly because its emotional. My brother who is currently stationed in Kirkuk Iraq has been doing a lot of the photography work on their missions. He photographs the important stuff when a mission is done and then after turning his camera in and the sensitive military stuff is taken off..he can post his pictures to us.
Most of the pics are very interesting to see how the guys live over there, the culture and the lifestyles. He photographs people,animals, the sky, food you name it. But his last shipment of photos tugged at me, and several people, more than he thought they would.
This is my brother surrounded by Iraqi kids. He cannot state where in Iraq it is. This is doing HA (humanitarian aid) work which usually consists of passing out food, dry goods, clothes, pens/pencils, treats you name it. The kids are always VERY excited to get anything and at times some of the soldiers get in a mood about the kids..but..as my brother pointed out these are kids that have very little and are not use to receiving anything so excitement is normal. One of their fave things to get is pens/pencils and suckers. He says they are more likely to steal your pen than your wallet!
But some of the pictures of these small little kids, some no bigger than our daughter tugs at your heart.
Little children clutching the most important things to them..food,clothes..and being genuinely appreciative and happy. I see the little faces, like in the picture above, that have such old sad eyes it brings me to tears. Here we are…often complaining about basic silly stuff and these kids are excited to have a soldiers attention, some oil or flour and ..are on cloud nine to receive a cheap sucker or pencil.
And yet they keep smiling and maybe that’s the lesson we should learn. I told my brother..it humbled me. Maybe life isn't always perfect here but our daughter has a safe environment, food, way too many toys and pieces of clothes and..she’s safe and loved. I feel for these mothers..trying to live in grinding poverty and raising children..many of them widows. Sometimes the unseen faces of war is the women and children.
But yet too…in a very deadly place..where death is constantly at the door…they have new life, a precious baby and was honored that one of our US soldiers would hold the baby. I think this may be one of the best pictures yet.
I have noticed on HA day the guys are much happier. Even though they have to point guard and take big risks from snipers etc. they really enjoy being with the children, handing out food etc. and I think too it raises their morale to see so many people in the land they are fighting in …smile when they come in. Too often media portrays our guys as monsters, slayers…when…many times it’s the American soldier that saves a little life from starvation, who gives that extra pat on the head, and who encourages the children with hope. And as my brother said “you cannot hold children accountable for their countrymen”
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