Iraqi Boy Scouts visit meteorology office

  • Published
  • By Capt. Brian Spliethof
  • Iraq Training and Advising Mission-Air Force
BAGHDAD --  "On my honor I will do my best to do my duty to God and my country and to obey the Scout Law; to help other people at all times; to keep myself physically strong, mentally awake, and morally straight."

This creed is followed by Boy Scouts around the world and is no different here in Iraq.

A troop of 10 Iraqi Boy Scouts had the opportunity to interact with American Forces meteorologists while observing weather equipment and forecasters during a visit to the Victory Base Complex Jan. 23.

"This is a great opportunity to build the U.S. military and Iraqi relationships," said 1st Lt. Jeff Aiello, who organized the event, deployed from Wright Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio. "The kids enjoyed the tour at the Iraq Meteorology Organization and would like to come back again."

U.S. Forces like to use these kinds of opportunities to build long-lasting bonds with the people of Iraq.

"This was really fun," said Ali, one of the Scouts. "I am going to tell my friends at school so they come next time."

The Boy Scouts program in Iraq has been active for nearly a century; it's run by the Ministry of Education and has nearly 100,000 members, according to the Victory Base council website.

"This is a great program for the Iraqi children and a great opportunity for the American forces to continue a special relationship with the Iraqis," said Master Sgt. Mario Viray, Iraqi Training and Advisory Mission-Air Force weather instructor, deployed from Nellis AFB, Nev. "We were also able to learn a little bit more about the culture and traditions of the great Iraqi people."