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Soccer Game

The Civil Affairs Section (S-5) of the 194th Engineer Brigade, Tennessee Army National Guard, of Jackson recently assisted the An-Nasiriyah Women Organization in hosting an exhibition soccer game for soldiers in Iraq. The 194th is deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom 04-06.

The game was organized as a way to distribute about 60 soccer uniforms donated by Mr. John Donahoo of the YMCA in Chattanooga. The shipping cost was paid for by Mrs. Teresa King, wife of Leiutenant Colonel John King of the Construction Management Section, 194th. She raised the money by selling jewelry which she makes as a hobby.

Brigadier General Jimmy Welch, Commander of the 194th assisted in starting the game by kicking out the first ball. Following the game, soldiers assisted Leiutenant Colonel Bart Butler and the S-5 soldiers in passing out school backpacks, refreshments and toys. The Italian Civil Military Cooperation (CIMIC) Center Group South assisted in transporting the soccer teams from the base entry point to the playing field.

Attending the event was Xina Latifaziz, Chairperson of the An-Nasiriyah Women Organization, Brigadier General Welch, and many American and Italian soldiers.

Brigadier General Jimmy Welch, Commander of the 194th Engineer Brigade, Xina Latifaziz, Chairperson of An Nasiriyah's Future Women Organization and Lieutenant Colonel Bart Butler, Civil Affairs Officer for the 194th.

Soccer teams from the Al-Mukhlasoon Intermediate School and Isdaywanya Primary School compete in an exhibition soccer game as soldiers watch.

Young soccer players, wearing new uniforms, pose for a picture with soldiers. The YMCA of Chattanooga, Tennessee donated the uniforms.

Story and photos by SFC Pete Quinton, S-5/PAO,
194th Engineer Brigade (TA)
APO AE 09331