Army Presents Iraqi School with Soccer Uniforms

Soccer isn’t that big a deal in America, but in Iraq it is. Especially when you consider the Iraq soccer teams recent championship in the Asian Cup. Our soldiers over in Iraq noticed this love of soccer, and took some action:

Soldiers from 3rd Platoon, Company A, 3rd Battalion, 7th Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, gave the local secondary school a boost in pursuit of their favorite sport.

First Lt. Kevin Brown, a native of Indianapolis, along with members of his platoon, presented the headmaster of the Jurf Secondary School a complete set of soccer uniforms; enough to outfit a 16-man team, including a goalie and referee uniform.

This is very important to the image of America in Iraq, and to counter anti-American sentiment. Plus, it is a very generous and giving thing to do:

The platoon left the uniforms with the headmaster and returned the following day to take a team photo.

Enthusiasm beamed on the faces of the young players as they hurriedly started kicking the ball around in the school courtyard, wearing their new uniforms.

The headmaster thanked the Soldiers for the gift and the care they have shown the school.

“These young adults are very important because they are the next generation of Iraq and the future, and because of that we are very willing to help the school out as much as possible,” Brown said.

Good job, soldiers. Keep up the great work.