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February 22, 2007
Operation Kuratelqadam
Yesterday, we wrote about how soccer can bring the disparate communities of the Bay Area together. Today, we have news of an even larger cultural divide that is being bridged by soccer.
Earlier this year, the South Bay Blue Star Moms (mothers of local men and women serving in Iraq) contacted SSV about making a donation of soccer balls that would be distributed to children in Iraq. We didn't have time to solicit donations from all our members, so we passed the hat among SSV's board and came up with $1,000 for the cause.
Not long ago, we received a note in reply from Lt. Col. Scott A Harris, commander of the 1st Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division, stationed in Bayji, Iraq, saying
"...your efforts will prove immeasurable here in Iraq. We have handed out some of the soccer balls to needy children while we are on patrol. It is the most sought after possession here in Iraq. It brightens their day and positively influences their individual perception of U.S. forces as well as how their families view us. It is such a small item, but has such a great effect.Thanks so much for your donation. It is making a difference."
They are calling the effort "Operation Kuratelqadam," the latter word meaning "soccer" in Arabic. All we can add is, "You're very welcome."
Posted by Jay at February 22, 2007 02:27 PM
Comments
Thank you for helping Joe out. Besides the random bumper sticker, no one really does anything to help the Soldier down range. Things like this make me feel better about being a Soldier.
Posted by: Eric at February 25, 2007 01:45 PM
Eric, thanks for the comment. Clearly, they need to start stocking soccer balls as part of their standard supplies over there. Really, though, we're just glad we could make some sort of contribution.
Posted by: Jay Hipps, SSV at March 1, 2007 06:12 AM