Visitation effort helps bring smiles to families wracked by years of war

Spc. Amie J. McMillan, 42nd Military Police Brigade

CAMP BUCCA, Iraq — As they conduct detainee operations here, Soldiers from the 42nd Military Police Brigade found time to help improve the lives of the Iraqi children who visit Camp Bucca by distributing toys and Beanie Babies at the camp’s visitation center.

In a country wracked by years of war, many families lack basic needs, but don’t want to ask for help; they make do with what they have.

Realizing this, the Soldiers at Camp Bucca have decided to assist however they can.

Units at Camp Bucca can donate items to children. They make it personal by scheduling a date and time to distribute items to families at the center after they visit with family members detained in the theater internment facility.

Items often include shoes, clothes, toys and candy for the children and family members. The Camp Bucca Visitation unit greeter program takes place twice a day, seven days a week.

The 42nd MP Bde. is not new to the unit greeter program. Brigade Soldiers have taken part in the past. It is especially poignant because of the MP mission.

“Knowing they are visiting family members who are detained in our care, as they left, I hope it gave them a reassurance that not only are we caring for their loved ones, but we care about their families as well,” said Staff Sgt. Hector L. Velazquez, Theater Internment Facility Reconciliation Center, 42nd MP Bde.

The children were excited and grinning from ear to ear, as were many of the family members, about receiving the smallest of gifts, such as a bracelet or a small pack of crayons. Families were not the only ones smiling. As they handed out the donated items, the Soldiers were caught up in the moment as well.

“We were able to give them something to make their lives a little happier and it was a great feeling,” said Sgt. 1st Class Anthony R. Giovanelli.

“Seeing the smiles on the kids’ faces made it worth being outside in the 120 degree temperature; and I look forward to participating in future outreach programs,” said Pfc. Christopher J. Higgins.

The Camp Bucca Visitation Center has seen almost 60,000 visitors this year, nearly three times the rate of visits in 2007. Currently, the center averages between 400 and 450 visitors per day.

Camp Bucca is located approximately 30 miles southeast of Basrah, Iraq.