Marines at Iraqi School

[AL UBAYDI, Iraq;7/16/05;Cpl, Lucian Friel]
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Pictured: Staff Sgt. Lee D. Chartier(left) & Tustin, both Marines w/ 3rd Battalion, 2nd Marine R; Regimental Combat Team-2;

Article, photos: 2nd Marine Div; Lance Cpl. Lucian Friel; AL UBAYDI Iraq
Taken & released: AL UBAYDI, Iraq; 7/16/05
Full story: Marines visit Iraqi school, discover way of life
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(Exerpt in part)
Lance Cpl. Christopher F.Tustin and Pfc. Christopher L. Parra (not shown here) explain that they are forever changed by this experience:

Parra, 25, on the quality of schools in this area of Iraq: “Even some of the worst poverty areas in the U.S. don’t compare to the poverty these kids face and most of these kids will never see anything better, but that’s what we’re here for; to help them build a better life,” said the Long Beach, Calif., native and father of two. “I feel like giving them everything I have, and I want to let them know that we can give them a better life if they allow us to and help us rid this country of terrorists.”

“You realize that you have to sometimes put the “Warrior” aside, so to speak, and help the good people of Iraq that have suffered for so many years,” Tustin said. “Today I am changed because seeing these kids has shown me the softer, innocent side of this place. It’s not all of the violence that you see on television. I’ll never forget this.” more...
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[Protecting Iraqi Schools; Cpl. Lucian Friel]
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Pictured outside an Iraqi school- Lance Cpl. Montgomery, a combat engineer with Company A, 4th Combat Engineers Battalion supporting 3rd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team-2, provides security during a school assessment. Continue reading...