Not in the MSM, eh? (from DefenseLink News)
Bettering the lives of Iraqi youngsters is what Peter Debski says is the best part of his job.
He’s been involved in overseeing millions of dollars of reconstruction work in and around Baghdad over the past 10 months, including new water and sewer networks, electrical distribution projects, police and fire stations, and primary health care centers. But, he said, "renovating two youth centers and four schools was, most definitely, the most personally rewarding."
"Seeing the joy on the children’s faces, knowing we’re bringing a little normalcy to their lives, made it all worthwhile," he added.
Debski is a project engineer with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Gulf Region Central District. He said he’ll always remember the March 25 celebration to mark the re-opening of Al Huriya Youth Center.
"The United States stands with Iraqis as they attempt to improve their community. The various sporting activities that Iraqi children will engage in here offer several useful and timely lessons," he said. "This center will provide activities for youth of all sects and ethnic groups and teach them the benefit of teamwork. The sports that will be played here encourage children to compete but within an established system of rules. Finally, sports will allow us to succeed or fail, not based on who we are or where we come from, but rather on our merits as individuals."
Thank you, Mr. Debski.
