You won't find this in the New York Times!
*******************************************
OPERATION HO, HO, HO

by Sgt. Christopher Stanis, 1AD PAO

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Here comes Santa Claus, here comes Santa Claus right
down … Baghdad Lane?

After a suggestion from Sgt. 1st Class Joseph Ferrand, a medic with
1st Battalion, 325th Airborne Infantry Regiment, to the 1-325
chaplain, Capt. Darren Chester, the two, with a handful of other 1-325
paratroopers conducted “Operation Ho, Ho, Ho” Dec. 20. The unit is
part of task Force 1st Armored Division.

“It’s not a big Walt Disney story to tell,” said Ferrand. But it is a
story from the heart.

The group brought stockings stuffed with toys and candy to two
orphanages in Baghdad – the Al Awiya orphanage and the St. Hanna
orphanage.

“I remembered working with the orphanages, and the kids,” Ferrand
said. “I asked the chaplain what he had planned, and he didn’t have
anything, so I offered up the idea.”

With toys sent to Ferrand by family and friends and donations from
1-325 soldiers, “Santa’s little helpers” stuffed more than 80
stockings full of goodies for the children.

A tight squeeze and a couple of turns down alleyway streets led to a
gated, well kept yard with a small two-story house. Inside, a
Christmas tree stood in the corner of the living room. At the base of
the tree sat a nativity scene. Around a coffee table in the room sat
three aged, warm-hearted women.

These are the sisters of the St. Hanna orphanage, a Catholic orphanage
that currently houses about a dozen girls.

The well-mannered girls filed down the stairs to receive their gifts.

After a short visit, the soldiers moved on to the next orphanage.

This time, more than 60 rambunctious children filled the room of the
barracks-like building where Ferrand’s group passed out the presents.

Some of the orphan children lost their parents during major ground
operations of this war; some lost their parents in past wars. Others
were simply not wanted, or the parents couldn’t afford to take care of
them, Ferrand said.

Ferrand had an earlier relationship with the orphanages. He helped
conduct physicals and provided needed medical care to the children
early after the liberation of Iraq.

He said he can see the improvement in their health and in their
spirits.

“No matter where you go in the world, kids are kids are kids,” Ferrand
said. “They want to learn … they want an education. These kids have a
good outlook on life.”
************************************************

Have a great Saturday!

John H

On the 'Poco Loco' out of Deale, MD
on the beautiful Chesapeake Bay!