Good News From Iraq

An idea I recently had was to locate good news from Iraq, whatever it may be. With so much negativity in the press, many fail to see that there are signs of progress in this nation. America has committed so many of her sons and daughters to helping these people, but many of these positive stories never get heard. They good stories are white noise against the latest death toll, or the new ways in which the insurgents are trying to use terror tactics to try and sway our government from continuing to rebuild this nation. So, I want to add my little contribution: Say something good about our sacrifices made over there.

Just a warning though, I am NOT a Bush supporter, so please do not contact me assuming that I am a staunch supporter of this President and his administration. Since I am a former Marine though, I support the recognition and countless thanks that we can give to our troops. They have the courage to stand up and believe in an ideal when no one else would. For this, someone needs to tell their story.


Troops Convert Trash Lot to Soccer Field for Local Kids

Neighborhood residents pointed out the cluttered site; a contractorwas contacted and local Iraqi children benefit from the effort.

By 4th Brigade Combat Team

BAGHDAD, Iraq, Nov. 8, 2005 — U.S. Army soldiers assigned to Task Force Baghdad recently teamed up with a contractor in western Baghdad to transform a trash-filled lot into a soccer field for local youngsters. A patrol from 6th Squadron, 8th Cavalry Regiment triggered the start of the project to clear away the rubble and garbage.
Neighborhood residents showed U.S. Army Capt. Paul Murach, the 6th Squadron, 8th Cavalry Regiment civil-military operations officer, a cluttered lot in a residential area a few weeks ago. The residents needed some assistance cleaning up the field which had become an eyesore
Murach contacted a local Iraqi construction contractor, and after receiving approval on financing, awarded the beautification project to him.
"The project took six days to complete at a cost of $9,000," Murach said.
The unit sponsored a media event Nov. 3 to show off the new field for the residents and watch local children put the field to the test by practicing their soccer skills.

Reference:
http://www.defendamerica.mil/articles/nov2005/a110805wm1.html