thedrifter
12-18-07, 06:34 AM
Iraqi army gives to local fire victims
By: MARK WALKER - Staff Writer
Privates in the Iraqi army make around $300 a month. But that didn't stop them from donating money recently for San Diego County wildfire victims.
On Friday, the local chapter of the American Red Cross was presented with a $1,000 check, money raised from Iraqi army troops by a colonel appreciative of U.S. efforts in Iraq.
Col. Abbas Fadhil Abdul-Sahib organized the fundraiser among his 500 troops at the Besmaya Range Complex 20 miles east of Baghdad.
"He follows the news very closely and when heard a lot of people had lost their homes, he passed the hat among his soldiers," said Camp Pendleton's Lt. Col. Jeff Tontini.
Tontini and Lt. Col. David Inmon each spent months working with Abdul-Sahib helping train new recruits.
Inmon preceded Tontini in the job, and each man said Monday that the colonel, in line for promotion to general, has a sincere appreciation for U.S. efforts in Iraq.
"He sees all the material items and the lives the U.S. has given to Iraq and he understands how America has assisted his country," said Tontini, who worked with the colonel from April to October of this year. "He just wants to give back wherever he can."
In a letter accompanying the donation, Abdul-Sahib said he feels a deep kindred with Americans.
Ellie
By: MARK WALKER - Staff Writer
Privates in the Iraqi army make around $300 a month. But that didn't stop them from donating money recently for San Diego County wildfire victims.
On Friday, the local chapter of the American Red Cross was presented with a $1,000 check, money raised from Iraqi army troops by a colonel appreciative of U.S. efforts in Iraq.
Col. Abbas Fadhil Abdul-Sahib organized the fundraiser among his 500 troops at the Besmaya Range Complex 20 miles east of Baghdad.
"He follows the news very closely and when heard a lot of people had lost their homes, he passed the hat among his soldiers," said Camp Pendleton's Lt. Col. Jeff Tontini.
Tontini and Lt. Col. David Inmon each spent months working with Abdul-Sahib helping train new recruits.
Inmon preceded Tontini in the job, and each man said Monday that the colonel, in line for promotion to general, has a sincere appreciation for U.S. efforts in Iraq.
"He sees all the material items and the lives the U.S. has given to Iraq and he understands how America has assisted his country," said Tontini, who worked with the colonel from April to October of this year. "He just wants to give back wherever he can."
In a letter accompanying the donation, Abdul-Sahib said he feels a deep kindred with Americans.
Ellie