Delivering Joy in a Blackhawk

While serving in Kirkuk, Iraq, my living quarters were on the edge of our base. I lived so close to the perimeter that I could see through the wire and watch the Iraqi children on the outside. The children frequently occupied their time by playing games.

These kids did not have anything. I never saw them play with any kind of toy. Yet they were able to find joy by playing tag or games of soccer in their bare feet using an old can instead of a ball. My flying partner had children back home, so he was very sensitive to the needs of these kids. Together we watched the children make the best of their situation.

One day as the children played, my partner and I walked over to the fence and threw a few toys over the tall barrier. The kids were very excited for the gifts and amazed that anyone would give them toys.

We shared with our friends on base what we had done, along with the touching reaction of the children. The word of our experience began to spread. It was not long before we were approached by authorities in the air force. They explained that the military had been working to improve U.S. relations with a strategic small town. The military had gone to great lengths to foster and maintain a high level of public support among those living in
the village. We were asked to assist with this objective by gathering and
delivering toys in our Blackhawk to the children living there. I loved the idea because I knew it would bless and bring joy to the lives of children living in desperate circumstances. We gathered toys by spreading word of our project on base and also back home. Our families back in the States collected toys in creative ways and then sent them to us.

After only a few weeks we were ready to go on our first "toy bombing" mission. A team of special forces was first sent to secure a location in the town. A translator was among the first on the scene to inform locals what was about to transpire. We circled up above until everyone on the ground was in position and we were cleared to land. I then landed my helicopter into the secured zone. It was wonderful to watch the children's expressions as I unloaded the cargo with my crew.

We had every kind of toy you could imagine - frisbees, stuffed animals, soccer balls, and footballs - along with some clothes and shoes. We were allowed to play with the kids for about thirty minutes. They knew what to do with soccer balls, but we had to show them how to catch and throw the footballs. The best part of our mission was taking a few minutes to play with them. The kids had a great time. The parents told us through translators how much they appreciated us thinking of their children.

This first "toy drop" was a huge success, and we continued to get shipments of toys from back home. I guess word spread, and loving people back in the States continued to send us toys. Shipments came in "from sea to shining sea." The toys filled our building and hallways. It seemed that we could not deliver them fast enough to keep up with the toys coming in.

Depending on our mission, we would sometimes fly low and drop the toys without landing. We were able to do this in several villages throughout Iraq. It was not long before we noticed a difference. Before, when we had flown over towns, people would run indoors and hide. Now, however, the villagers would come out and greet us with waves, even when we did not have anything to give. I know we made a difference in building trusting relationships.

It was a great feeling to give something to children who actually appreciated the gift. Kids back home have so much that many of them do not appreciate what they have. As a father of a one-year-old girl, I am grateful beyond belief that I can provide for her when so many children go without.

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Toys in Iraq

Lee in L.A. but now living in New York

I work for a toy company and sadly, when I delivered toys at the Civil Military Operations Center (CMOC), the parents collected up the toys we gave out and we never saw one child play with one toy. I'm still not sure why but fear that the parents were taking the toys and selling them to make ends meet. Next time around, it looks like I will have an opportunity to spend much more time "outside the wire". Therefore, I hope I will be able to ensure that the kids actually get to play with the toys we give out. Awesome story. Thanks. By the way . . . we did place to Books of Mormon in the hands of two Iraqi Generals while I was there. So, the work is moving forward and good things are happening; contrary to what is often shared in the media. We are making a difference.

Toy Delivery

Terryl in Gilbert

Absolutely fantastic. What an experience that has to have been. Just hope it does not turn sour with some idiot trying to down the Helicopter as you hoover low enough to drop the toys. It is remarkable what small peace offerings can do that bombs will never do.

Making simple JOY

Joy in Roseville, CA

Thank you for doing what you & all those that donated to this cause. I welded up with tears of Joy as I read this story! God Bless.

Thanks Jared,

MARYANNE E in GILBERT, AZ

Dear Jared, At a time when we hear so many negative comments about Iraq, your story is a wonderful confirmation of what I believe happens every day - kindnesses by good people to those whose lives are so lacking basic comforts we take for granted. Thank you so much for your service.

News Worthy!

Larry in Kentucky

Why doesn't the News Media write stories like this one and let us hear or read articles like this one. I loved the article which is so true.

God Bless

glenda in kansas

This story touched me and i cannot wait to read more! my son is a marine and in iraq now and has a 5 month old daughter in idaho with her momma!! he has had many children experiences also!! There are so many with nothing and we take so much for granted!!! may we continue to keep the troops in our prayers!! semper fi!!!

Re: Delivering Joy in a Blackhawk

Margo in Glen Allen, Virginia

Thank you for sharing such a positive story from areas where our troops are serving. My son who is a father of 4 is currently in Afghanistan (3rd deployment) and always told me of the good things that the military men and women did in his previous deployments in Iraq. We have always wanted those stories to make the news so the public can see positive results from our military involvement.

Blackhawk Toydrop

Lynn in Delaware

Coming from a family of military members, including a Blackhawk pilot, I am so glad that Chad Hawkins shared this story. The media plays up all the horrors and seldom talks about all the great things that have been accomplished to provide even minute things to begin renewing a quality of life to people who have been so deprived for so long. In small things great things come to pass...

Delivering Joy in a Blackhawk

Diane in Huntsville, AL

Thank you Bro. Hawkins. Ionly ask to hear more from our brothers and sisters in uniform or those who used to wear service uniforms. I would like to hear how they gained and or maintained a testimony while serving in the military.

Toy Drop in Iraq

Janice in Coupeville, WA

It made my day! God bless you Blackhawk crews and everyone who donated toys. Reminds me of a pilot named Halvorsen in a C54 who dropped candy to the kids in Europe (WWII)