CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE ADDER, Iraq, - They call themselves the "Toy Soldiers."
The Unit Ministry Team with the Louisiana National Guard's Headquarters and Headquarters Troop, 2nd Squadron, 108th Cavalry Regiment, 224th Sustainment Brigade, 103rd Sustainment Command (Expeditionary), is reaching out to the local Iraqi population by delivering toys to hospitalized Iraqi children at Contingency Operating Base Adder, Iraq.
Capt. James Collins, a chaplain with the unit, said the idea came to him last May.
"I was home on R&R [rest and recuperation leave]," said Collins. "I went to visit a friend in the hospital. On the way into his room, I noticed a child through an open door. Some people were bringing the little boy an armload of toys. You should have seen his face. He went from being a sick little boy in the hospital to being a happy little boy playing with a Tonka truck."
When Collins returned to Iraq, he immediately began to have friends and family send boxes of toys.
Now, whenever an Iraqi boy or girl is admitted into COB Adder's 28th Combat Support Hospital, the Toy Soldiers jump into action.
Sgt. Joseph White, a chaplain assistant with the unit, remembered one Iraqi boy in particular.
"It was about a month ago when we took toys to Akram at the hospital," said White. "He was being treated for an infection. He had needles and tubes stuck in his arm. Akram was in an unfamiliar place, he was scared, and he was in pain. When we showed up with the toys, he didn't know what to think. He was cautious at first.
"But eventually he began to smile when he realized that the box of toys were for him. I was reminded of my own children. It warmed my heart."
Lt. Col. William Rachal, the squadron commander, praised the work of his unit ministry team.
"Something as simple as a soccer ball, some toy cars, or a Barbie doll can really brighten the life of a child," said Rachal. "As we are transitioning to [Operation] New Dawn, our unit ministry team has developed a unique way to spread goodwill."
Collins said the motto of the Toy Soldiers goes back to his faith and something that he learned as a small child.
"You can't go wrong if you follow the golden rule," said Collins. "Do unto others as you would have done unto you. You have to treat people the way you want to be treated."