Local SoldiersMissouri National Guardsman Helps Children in Mosul

this is back from March of this year, but I think it's important to remember those who serve that are from close at home:

Missouri National Guard Soldier Maj. Dan Crouch serves with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Mosul, Iraq.

When Crouch arrived in Mosul, his University of Missouri Health Care co-workers from Columbia, Mo., asked, “What do you need? What can we send to you?” Crouch responded that he personally needed nothing; however, he saw the Iraqi children had a need. School supplies were scarce and he knew the positive affect school supplies would have on Iraqi students.

Lists were made, collection stations were set up for donations and the word was sent throughout UMHC. Boxes began to arrive loaded with pencils, paper, notebooks and other school supplies as well as candy. From Missouri to Mosul -- boxes were addressed and mailed.

Crouch, along with other U.S. Army Corps of Engineer employees, traveled to two schools located in the northern Iraq province of Dohuk to deliver the goods. With anxious looks that soon turned to wonder, children who were playing outside of the school surrounded the vehicles as Crouch and the others began unloading the supplies

Well, you know, go read the rest. Our men and women are doing good things in Iraq and Afghanistan.