BAGHDAD, Iraq—Soldiers from 1st Armored Division’s 1st Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment are working to help improve the quality of life from Iraqi children.
Led by Squadron commander Lt. Col. Charles E. Williams, the soldiers have focused their efforts on 25 schools around the rim of Baghdad. The schools, neglected by the former Iraqi regime, were in a sad state when 1AD forces arrived in Baghdad four months ago.
“The desks were in pieces, the blackboards were broken, there were no doors on the rooms, there were no ceiling fans, and there was no or poor lighting,” said Williams.
The Squadron took charge, working with 1AD engineers, American contractors, and local Iraqi contractors to get the schools repaired. Over the past few months, the schools have undergone a dramatic change: walls have been painted, electrical wiring and plumbing has been fixed, glass has been replaced, security bars have been installed in windows, and school supplies have been issued.
The Squadron also plans to bring in new desks by start of the school year later this month.
“Kids are the common bond for us all,” said Williams. “We realized we could make a difference for them.”