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U.S. Air Forces Central

Tech. Sgt. William Wilson, 332nd Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron hazardous cargo technician, shows an Iraqi child a photo on his camera during Iraqi Kids Day Nov. 6, 2010, Joint Base Balad, Iraq. “We are trying to provide a safe structured environment for the kids to interact with U.S. personnel,” said Capt. Daniel Coleman, 332nd Expeditionary Medical Group executive officer, Iraqi Kids Day program coordinator. (U.S. Air Force Photo/ Senior Airman Marianne E. Lane)

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Spc. Natasha Irving 289th Quartermaster Company container repair yard administration clerk, blows bubbles with an Iraqi child during Iraqi Kids Day Nov. 6, 2010, Joint Base Balad, Iraq. Kids participated in games such as ping-pong, soccer, bean bag toss, blowing bubbles, arts and crafts, health and dental education and more during the five-hour event. (U.S. Air Force Photo/ Senior Airman Marianne E. Lane)

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Iraqi Kids and their mentors take part in the bean bag toss during Iraqi kids Day Nov. 6, 2010, Joint base Balad, Iraq. More than 130 kids attended with 10 adult chaperones, and more than 150 volunteers assisted mentoring and leading the activities. “The excitement of the kids was written all over their faces, and just letting kids be kids is very rewarding,” said Capt. Daniel Coleman, 332nd Expeditionary Medical Group executive officer and Iraqi Kids day program coordinator. (U.S. Air Force Photo/ Senior Airman Marianne E. Lane)

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Future of Iraq is in youthful smiles of today

Published Nov. 8, 2010
By Senior Airman Marianne E. Lane
33nd Air Expeditionary Wing

11/8/2010-JOINT BASE BALAD, Iraq -- Military members of all ages opened their arms to children during Iraqi Kids Day Nov. 6, 2010, Joint Base Balad, Iraq.

The day of activities focused on fun, health and mentorship - a blending of cultures for the children from the local area.

"The Iraqi kids really made me feel good. It gave me a the chance to connect with them, which is what I have been missing since I have been here," said Staff Sgt. Daniel Lilly, 332 Air Expeditionary Wing Ground Safety non-commissioned officer in charge of programs. Sergeant Lilly has three children and has been away from them for two and a half months.

This program is an avenue for local outreach to improve community relations to win the hearts and minds of the future of Iraq. Kids participated in games such as pingpong, soccer, bean-bag toss, blowing bubbles, arts and crafts, and health and dental education and more during the five-hour event.

There were more than 150 base volunteers, and more than 130 children in attendance. Everyone involved created energetic memories to last a lifetime, said Capt. Daniel Coleman, 332nd Expeditionary Medical Group executive officer and Iraqi Kids day program coordinator.

"The excitement of the kids was written all over their faces, and just letting kids be kids is very rewarding," said Captain Coleman. "We are trying to provide a safe, structured environment for the kids to interact with U.S. personal."