MOSUL, IRAQ (December 5, 2005) – While on patrol in one of Iraq’s most dangerous areas, Lt. John Rose, who attends Community Covenant Church in Eagle River, Alaska, and Covenant U.S. Army Chaplain Cpt. John Grauer recently had the opportunity to spread smiles among impoverished children.
Rose is the leader of Alpha Company third platoon, which patrols the area looking for insurgents. But the platoon, which Grauer often accompanies, had the joy of distributing food, water, kites, soccer balls and beanie babies, the chaplain says.
Rose is the leader of Alpha Company third platoon, which patrols the area looking for insurgents. But the platoon, which Grauer often accompanies, had the joy of distributing food, water, kites, soccer balls and beanie babies, the chaplain says.“The kids seem to come from everywhere,” says Grauer. “The kids’ faces lit up. It was like a surprise birthday party.” The joy is bittersweet, says Grauer. “There are so many needs, and we simply do not have the means to help everyone.” The kids will nearly overwhelm the soldiers, he adds.
The few homes that remain standing in the area just outside of Mosul were left unoccupied when a military intelligence officer in the Hussein government fled in advance of coalition forces, Grauer says. Several Iraqi families that would not otherwise have shelter have moved into the area, but still there is no running water, and the unemployment rate exceeds 50 percent.
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