Iraqi Army Donates to Hurricane Katrina Victims

On September 5, 2005, Iraqi base commander Col. Abbas Fadhil surprised Taji Coalition base commander, U.S. Col. Paul D. Linkenhoker, by presenting him with a donation of 1.000.000 dinars (roughly $680 US dollars). This happened during a staff meeting.

While the amount of money may seem small, it represents a much larger picture.

“We are all brothers,” said Abbas. “When one suffers tragedy, we all suffer their pain.”

The amount of money is small in American dollars - roughly $680 - but it represents a huge act of compassion from Iraqi soldiers to their American counterparts, said U.S. Army Maj. Michael Goyne.

“I was overwhelmed by the amount of their generosity,” Goyne said. “I was proud and happy to know Col. Abbas, his officers, NCOs and fellow soldiers. That amount represents a month’s salary for most of those soldiers.”

After Col. Abbas had given the money to Col. Linkenhoker, he went on to read a letter he had written.

"I am Colonel Abbas Fadhil; Tadji Military Base Commander,” Abbas wrote. “On behalf of myself and all the People of Tadji Military Base; I would like to console the American People and Government for getting this horrible disaster. So we would like to donate 1.000.000 Iraqi Dinars to help the government and the People also I would like to console all the ASTs who helped us rebuilding our country and our Army. We appreciate the American's help and support. Thank you."

One must only read, as many as you can to get a broad understanding, a few blogs by Iraqi people who actually live there. To believe that relations are going poorly in Iraq is to disavow truth. This is indeed an encouraging letter.

While it is true that it is still not safe for some reporters to just go wandering off by themselves, there are some that are doing a fantastic job reporting facts on the ground. One name comes to mind: Michael Yon. He is a "citizen" reporter, as am I. He is doing very well, and his site is highly recommended.

Please remember to continue your support in the effort of Soldiers Angels to care for our men and women in need. Many have lost everything in this hurricane. Let us not be the reason the suffer even more.

Technorati tags: Hurricane Katrina and flood aid. Also, Instapundit has a running list of blogs and contributions. NZ Bear is doing wonderful work to keep bloggers apprised of donations, charities (scroll down a little), blogs that are participating, and many other items. He also has a blog which is very nice.

Source: Blackfive.