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14 Oct 2008
Hello
Everyone! Know it’s been awhile since I last contacted you.
Thought I would
share this with everyone. Some of you may have remembered these
children I met and helped down by the swords area in the Green
Zone. Last night Matt Roloff from Little People Big World (TLC
channel) went down to Iraq to try to help these 3 children with
a severe type of dwarfism. I was shocked when I saw them on a
commercial for the show and I told my wife "I know those
kids!!!"
It was great to
see that they were still smiling when I saw them on the show
despite the conditions they endure. The green zone is pretty
safe (minus mortars) but the people (about 30 large families)
that lived in the swords area were pretty much living in garbage
when I was there and sacrificed normal living conditions for
safety. If you recall, this was also the area were it was harder
for me to distribute items due to distance and "desperate
attitudes" of the people there when I would try to pass out
items.
Just thought you
would like to see an update on some of the children you enabled
me to help when I was down there.
Thanks again for
all the support you gave that enabled us to help thousands of
children with clothes, school supplies, medical supplies,
humanitarian supplies and of course candy and toys. It was an
extra job that grew from 20 supporters to over 200, but it did
humble me and was worth it (I would not have spent the little
free time I had any other way). Thanks also for the support
items you sent to us soldiers.
I again thank you
for the support you gave me and my soldiers when we were
downrange.
Here are some of
the pics I sent when I was there.
Below is the info
from the TLC website
http://tlc.discovery.com/fansites/lpbw/matt-goes-to-iraq.html
Matt Goes to Iraq
In the season premiere of
Little
People, Big World, Matt Roloff makes the difficult and
dangerous journey to Baghdad to help get medical attention for
an Iraqi family with three dwarf children.
Escorted by U.S. troops, Matt meets the
entire family. The parents and three of their six children are
average height. However, Bara'a, Ali, and Saja are little and
suffer from physical disabilities.
Despite the language barrier, Matt
immediately connects with the children, who generously offer
kisses, hugs and smiles.
Meet Bara'a, Ali and Saja
BARA'A (Age: 8)
Unlike her older brother, 8-year-old
Bara'a tends to be shy and bashful until she gets to know you. Much of Bara'a's time is spent studying in school and helping
take care of her older sister. Only when her homework and chores
are done will she join her brother to play in their yard or
around the neighborhood.
ALI (Age: 9)
Ali is the most outgoing of his family. When guests come to his family's home, Ali quickly greets them
with a big smile and a firm handshake. As the family's
friendship has grown with U.S. troops and other Americans, Ali
has taken the most interest in learning English, and proudly
teaches Arabic in return.
Despite his physical disability, Ali
likes to run and play like any other child, and is trying to
master the art of soccer. Despite a childhood in which he has
experienced war and extreme poverty, Ali's most endearing
qualities are optimism, a beautiful spirit and a big smile for
everyone he meets.
SAJA (Age: 13)
Although she is the oldest child in the
family, Saja is also the smallest. Despite her dwarfism and
disabilities, Saja was an excellent student and always enjoyed
walking to school with her brother and sisters. Unfortunately, a
fall permanently damaged her already-compromised spinal chord
and Saja is now partially paralyzed and unable to walk or sit
upright. If Saja does not undergo a complex neurological spinal
fusion procedure soon, her condition could take her life. Saja's
story is a cautionary tale for both Ali and Bara'a -- if they
don't get spinal fusions done in the near future, they will
likely suffer the same fate.
Matt Returns to Iraq
Later in the season, Matt honors his
commitment to this Iraqi family and returns to check in on the
children.
"The opportunity to help this
family in Iraq was both humbling and exciting, especially seeing
first hand what our troops are going through. It's
awe-inspiring," said Matt.
Thank You,
Victor J. Settles
SFC, USA
DOAOS NCOIC, BAMC
Wrk: 210-916-3126
Pgr: 210-513-4313 Fax: 210-916-4511
Home:
210-595-7459 Cell: 301-613-1869
Rm 213-12
Bed tower Elevators 2nd Flr BAMC
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