Submitted by: I Marine Expeditionary Force
Story by - Chief Suzanne Speight
FALLUJAH, Iraq (Feb. 16, 2005) -- In spite of lingering resistance and with battles left to fight, many cities across Iraq are, nevertheless, beginning to rebound and revitalize.

With the euphoria of election day still fresh in the air, cities like Najaf, Taqaddum, and even former insurgent stronghold Fallujah, are showing signs of a positive direction, with commerce in the markets and new construction projects starting up.

No where is this resilient spirit more apparent than in the eyes of Iraqi children. Navy Seabees attached to the I MEF Engineer Group are in a unique position to interact with children daily at project sites in a number of cities, including Haidiriyah, where Seabees are paving roads and connecting a school to a water treatment plant, and Najaf, where they are conducting a construction apprentice program, teaching construction skills while building a new school.

The relationship between the Seabees and the children is often poignant, and a special reminder of the value of the sacrifices the service members of the U.S. military have made for the people of Iraq.



HAIDIRIYAH, Iraq – Equipment Operator 2nd Class Brian DiSimone recites “abc’s” with Iraqi boys. DiSimone says he is learning the Arabic alphabet from the boys. Photo by: Petty Officer 2nd Class Michael D. Heckman



HAIDIRIYAH, Iraq – Steelworker 2nd Class Chad Larsen introduces a new handshake to Iraqi children. Larsen says the local children remind him of his own kids, and says he is here “so my kids won’t have to come here.” Photo by: PH2 Michael D. Heckman



FALLUJAH, Iraq – Iraqi children stand outside a project site, having received MRE’s from a Seabee convoy driver. Seabees are in Fallujah daily, working alongside Iraqi municipal leaders, supporting I MEF engineering and construction efforts. Photo by: Chief Suzanne Speight



Iraqi girls smile for the camera Photo by: Chief Suzanne Speight



SHAMAR VILLAGE, Iraq – A group of Iraqi children pose for a photo on a hill near where U.S. Navy Seabees, deployed in support of the I Marine Expeditionary Force, are working alongside local Iraqi’s to build a school. Photo by: PH2 Michael D. Heckman



SHAMAR VILLAGE, Iraq – Steelworker 3rd Class David Blish conducts daily calisthenics sessions with children. Blish is a Tactical Movement Team convoy driver. Convoy troops have established first name basis friendships with the local children who come out to the project every day. Photo by: Chief Suzanne Speight



SHAMAR VILLAGE, Iraq – Project Officer In Charge Ensign Majed Awad, with a young Iraqi friend. Awad is of Palestinian heritage and speaks Arabic. He says the project has been a great opportunity to “serve my country and give back to my heritage at the same time.” Photo by: Mate 3rd Class Todd Frantom



SHAMAR VILLAGE, Iraq – A playful spin at the hands of a Navy Seabee brings a smile to a child’s face. Photo by: Mate 3rd Class Todd Frantom



SHAMAR VILLAGE, Iraq – Upset over a candy dispute with another child, a boy displays an angry pout. Photo by: Mate 3rd Class Todd Frantom

from http://www.usmc.mil