Estimated read time: 3-4 minutes
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
Sam Penrod ReportingA large contigent of military personnel from Utah is facing daily danger in Iraq. We found a solider there who has built a bridge of hope that reaches all the way to Iraq and back.
The 222nd or triple deuce, headquarted in Southern Utah, continues its mission in Iraq. For the family of one solider, there was another mission here at home, which has become a special delivery.
In a small Iraqi village known as Ramadi, the US soldiers from Utah's triple deuce patrol the area. The threat of a roadside bombing or ambush attack are almost a daily reality. But in the midst of the danger, as a goodwill gesture, these Utah soliders hand out candy and other surprises to Iraqi children, and medics treat minor ailments.
CPL Stewart Parry, Utah National Guard: "They have scrapes, cuts, bruises, colds."
This time it is a three-year old girl who has a serious cut on her foot from stepping on broken glass. It's a common injury because few children in the village have shoes.
CPL Stewart Parry, Utah National Guard: "Our policy is, if we didn't cause it, we don't treat it. But out here in cases like this, it's not human to let somebody with a hurt foot like that little girl go and suffer."
Ramona Parry, Soldier's Mother: "The ones they meet and the ones they help really appreciate what they are doing."
Thousands of miles away in Parry's hometown of Mt. Pleasant, Utah, his photo is found all over in his parent's home. Recently he asked them for a little help.
Ramona Parry, Soldier's Mother: "Is there any way you could send us a few school supplies, maybe a few sweaters, some shoes and socks? These kids have nothing."
That's because items we can find at any store are almost impossible to get in Iraq. Within days, the Parry's home was filled with donations.
Ramona Parry, Soldier's Mother: "People have been so generous, and you know people have donated anywhere from ten to one hundred dollars."
And the donations from family, friends, neighbors, even strangers kept pouring in. Last week, the Parry's brought several loads of boxes filled with shoes, pencils, notebooks and clothing for delivery to Iraq. All made possible by Utah based Operation Give.
Diana Parry, Soldier's Sister: "I've talked to my brother many times the last couple of weeks and he is just so excited to actually get the things. He knows there is such a need for it."
And for family members of soliders, who worry about their safety constantly, it has been a way to get them involved in a mission of peace.
Ramona Parry, Soldier's Mother: "It's a privilege to be a part of it, because you know we always say we'd love to help. But most of the time we don't find a way to help, and when the opportunity presents itself, we need to do it."
It will take several weeks before the donations arrive in Iraq. As for the triple deuce, they are scheduled to return home sometime in the early summer.
