[SGRock]

Soldiers distributed donated soccer equipment to the children of a rural farming community outside of Bagdad, Iraq. This mission was conducted by Soldiers of the 130th Field Artillery Brigade and 2-137th Infantry, Kansas Army National Guard and 122nd ROC, Georgia Army National Guard. "The children were ecstatic," said Sgt. First Class John Hoban, "It was like being Santa without the presents being wrapped."
Think of the gifts you receive in a year: A reindeer Christmas sweater worn only in the presence of your Great Aunt who knitted it for you, a collection of titanium gadgets won by the "lucky" raffle ticket at the company party, or a variety of other items that ultimately end up in the Good Will box. Giving is synonymous with American culture, a feature that isn't removed from the American military.
Hamdani is a small village that lives a simple lifestyle. Most children from villages such as Hamdani do not receive many gifts in their lifetime, let alone several at once. Sgt. First Class John Hoban, of Olathe, Kansas, helped distribute soccer balls, jerseys, socks, shorts, and shin guards to the communities' children, ranging in ages 2-14. "They wanted the shiny pens on your shirt sleeve," and other items that typically children wouldn't be interested in. "Not one kid had good shoes but they were still good spirited, regular kids just out to enjoy a game of soccer," said Hoban.
Operation Soccer Drop is just one of many projects the 130th Field Artillery has in the works. Shortly after the initial phase was completed, goals were built and an area cleared to be used for recreation. This serves to not only provide a safe, unobstructed playground, but also to strengthen the economy. The military coordinates with contractors to facilitate these projects. The contractors then are required to hire people from that village to do the unskilled labor. A limited amount of skilled labor is resourced, but all unskilled workers are residents of that particular community.
Community Emergency Relief Programs, such as electricity expansion, agricultural irrigation, and sewage removal, are other examples of pending events. These projects exemplify one of the most important goals of the US military in Iraq: Winning the trust and confidence of the local areas. The result is increased civil cooperation fueled by efforts in the non-lethal effects portion of the battle space.