CSM PSD Troops Clean Up With Local Kids

Multi-National Corps-Iraq Army Command Sgt. Maj. Neil Ciotola’s Personal Security Detail Soldiers went to entry control point 13 to clean up

IRAQ (MNC-I PAO, Dec. 31, 2007) - When Multi-National Corps-Iraq Army Command Sgt. Maj. Neil Ciotola’s Personal Security Detail Soldiers went to entry control point 13 to clean up Dec. 15, they did not know they would be having fun and making new friends. As soon as the troops reached the point, a few Iraqi children gathered around the, taking the initiative to help clean and spend time with the Soldiers.

“We went out to clean up ECP 13 and as soon as we got out, a few children grabbed our bags and rakes and started helping,” said Army Sgt. Jules Carter, PSD squad leader and Greenwood, Ark., native. “They were trying to give us orders. We gave them gloves and that made them feel pretty important and they enjoyed it. They were having just as good time as we did.”
Army Sgt. Gerald Martin, a driver and West Covina, Calif., native, said he noticed one of the boys had a bandage on his finger.

When Martin asked him what happened, he said he noticed that the wound was infected and took the boy to the medic for proper medical care.

“At first he tried to go away, but Spc. Gary Parker, our medic, talked with him and he agreed to receive care,” Carter said. “He was pretty thankful after that.” Martin said he noticed that this is the first time children came to stay with the troops. “When we pulled in they were eager to stay with us and help us from the beginning to the end,” he said. “It was a lot of fun and they were very helpful. Command Sgt. Maj. Ciotola tells us that someone has to set the standard and that is what we do. The children were happy to receive soccer balls, Gatorade and lots of candy. Some of them told us about how poor their families are.”

There were a lot of bottles, concertina wire, tires, cups, rags, packs of cigarettes, beer and soda cans on the incoming lane, Martin said. The outgoing lane was cleaner this time around, but people are still throwing trash out at ECP 13 instead of throwing it away after they return to post.

“The kids gave a good example and maybe the adults could follow, come to the Soldiers, ask questions, see how they can help and not be afraid to work with us,” Martin added.

Army Staff Sgt. Samuel Adams, PSD NCOIC and Delta Junction, Ala., native, asked the children where they were from. “The boys are from West Rashid,” Adams said. “We were not nervous to have them around, because it is already a safe area for us. The kids are always out there, it seems to be an area where they wait for their parents. It is a positive sign and we can all see that the situation is improving.”

PSD members said that the duty day concluded with a feeling of achievement. “Not only was our mission accomplished, but also cohesion and camaraderie were built out there today,” Carter said. “It’s as if another barrier was taken down.”