Family of fallen soldier sends donations to Iraq

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Sam Penrod reportingThe family of a Utah solider killed in Iraq last summer is trying keep his memory alive. Instead of forgetting the people he was trying to protect, they collected humanitarian goods and sent them to Iraq.

Sgt. Barnes died on July 17, 2007 from small arms fire in Iraq. His family immediately wanted to help the children of Iraq in his memory. With help from the community of American Fork and the state of Utah, including Operation Give, they collected items such as food, toys, clothing, school supplies, hygiene items and even wheelchairs.

The donated items were loaded into a 40-foot-long shipping container. After several weeks, that container has finally arrived in Iraq. Now soldiers are distributing the goods to the Iraqis, and it is bringing his family comfort months after his death.

"We're very grateful that all of this has been done, and been done to honor Nathan. He truly was a wonderful individual. I don't say that just because I'm his dad, but it's gratifying to see some good has come out of what, for us, is a very personal tragedy, and we're still very close to that tragedy. But it is good to see that other people's lives are being blessed because of him and his service and sacrifice," Sgt. Barnes' father, Kevin Barnes, said.

Also included in the delivery were some footballs, soccer balls and Frisbees. Apparently the Frisbees were something the Iraqi children had never seen before.

Family members say they want to thank everyone who helped contribute to the project in Nathan's honor.

E-mail: spenrod@ksl.com