This story began when I was cleaning out my office and decided to get rid of the goodies that had accumulated during the holiday period. I gathered up the various bags and boxes of cookies, candy, peanuts and the like and put them in the trash. I noticed that the box attracted the attention of our Iraqi janitor, Samir. Samir then came to me with a letter that he had asked one of our translators to write in English. It was a letter for me to sign that gave him permission to take the box of goodies to his family. Through the translator, he explained that is difficult for him to feed his family due to the conditions in Baghdad and these items would be a special treat.
It struck me that there was an easy way for me to continue the mission of the Noblemen (helping kids) here in Baghdad. Many people have offered to send me care packages. I however, have everything that I need and ask that anyone who wants to send me a package, consider instead sending something for Samir's family. This man is working hard to take care of his family and he does so at great personal risk. The insurgents and al-Qaeda in Iraq target people such as Samir who work with and for the Coalition. He puts his life on the line each and every day that he comes to work. I know it is impossible to help everyone, but I believe that this man came to my attention for a reason and I have decided this is the family I will help. Several of the men and women who work with me are intrigued by this concept and it is my intent to formalize a Baghdad Chapter of the Noblemen. If the volume of items delivered exceeds the needs of Samir, then we will seek out others and assign them a Noblemen sponsor. I will keep you all updated if this plan coalesces. If you do chose to send something, I ask that you keep the package small and non-descript. I will also ensure that return addresses are removed before they are delivered. Please address the packages as follows:
The Noblemen
ICO CAPT John Andrews
MNSTC-I/JHQ AT
APO AE 09348
If you do send items, please indicate what you are sending in the guestbook below so that others can see what has been sent to date.
