Iraqi Soldiers Donate to Katrina Victims:
TAJI, Iraq, Sept. 9, 2005 — Iraqi soldiers serving at Taji military base collected 1,000,000 Iraqi dinars for victims of Hurricane Katrina.May God bless you and your men, Colonel Fadhil. You truly are our brothers in arms and in freedom. Posted by Kyer at September 10, 2005 09:57 PM | TrackBackIraqi Col. Abbas Fadhil, Iraqi base commander, presented the money to U.S. Col. Paul D. Linkenhoker, Taji Coalition base commander, at a Sept. 5 staff meeting. “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.”
Abbas read a letter he wrote after giving the envelope to Linkenhoker.
“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.”
I felt really proud of what Col. Abbas and his
staff and fellow soldiers did. It might be a small amount which they have donated, but it is a big amount in comparison to their income. It might be some small amount but the gesture is so great and it is wonderful to have such friend and brothers.
May God bless this warm feeling of sharing. My best wishes for a democratic free Iraq. Something which was beyond our dreams and imagination just a few years ago.