Weiser staying connected to Iraq's kids

by Signal American Staff

A Weiser soldier whose time in Iraq is done will nonetheless continue to play a positive role in that country with the help of his wife, her sorority, and the larger local community.

Brad Attebery, a staff sergeant in the Idaho National Guard and member of the 116th Brigade Combat Team that served in Iraq and was demobilized late last year, holds fond memories of his many interactions with Iraqi children. It seems they always appreciated the gift of a small toy received from Attebery or from some other member of his unit.

“The kids just light up like you’ve given them a hundred-dollar bill,” Attebery recalls.

During Attebery’s deployment, his wife, Bev, together with her Xi Nu sorority sisters in Weiser, collected scores of small stuffed animals (mainly Beanie Babies) and sent them to Brad in Kirkuk.

Although Brad is now home, the Weiserites’ efforts to spread a little cheer among Kirkuk’s youngest citizens apparently has not ended. Brad and Bev recently received an e-mail from a man named Ram, a Kurdish Muslim who had served as an interpreter for Brad’s unit and had been involved in U.S. soldiers’ goodwill campaign with the kids. It wasn’t just about giving toys; He was also interested in some of the challenges besetting a children’s hospital near Kirkuk.

Ram wrote, in part: “I was wondering are u still wanting to send toys to the poor kids? Are u able to get soy formula hospital can use?” A second e-mail concludes optimistically: “[I] hope one day i will invite u & ur family to my house.”

The Atteberys and members of Xi Nu sorority are already at work on the project. Their goal is to send Ram a nice supply of small stuffed animals and plenty of soy infant formula, an item for the hospital’s lactose-intolerant babies. Soy formula is currently in short supply in Iraq. (Brad says it’s available in the market squares, but at outrageous prices).

Bev says Xi Nu will be accepting donations of small stuffed animals (used animals are acceptable if in good condition), soy infant formula, and money to purchase formula until the end of February. Donations can be dropped off at Two Rivers Medical Clinic, 683 E. Third St. Checks should be made out to Xi Nu Sorority and provided in an envelope (write “for Iraq” on the envelope’s front). To make other arrangements, phone Bev at home (549-3244) or at work (549-0211).
 

--WEISER SIGNAL AMERICAN
2/8/06