KARBALA, Iraq – Soldiers of 1st Platoon, Bravo Battery, 1st Battalion, 77th Field Artillery helped Soldiers of the 33rd Iraqi Army Brigade hand out 20 boxes filled with toys, clothes, shoes, coloring books and crayons to a Bedouin camp just outside of Karbala, Aug. 22.
Bedouin people are nomadic shepherds that choose to live in the desert and are able to sustain themselves by bartering their livestock and things they produce.
There are three Bedouin camps in the area surrounding Karbala that constantly change locations in search of the best conditions for their livestock.
“We only visited one of the camps today, because we knew the exact location,” said Staff Sgt. Joseph W. Rippey, squad leader, 1st plt., Bravo Btry., 1st Bn., 77th FA Regt.. “This is our second time here; last time there were approximately 12 tents, but now there are only three tents and one permanent dwelling.”
The clothing, shoes and toys were a combined donation from the 172nd infantry brigade Public Affairs Office, Tactical Psychological Operations Detachment 303-1, Thompson Toyota car dealership and Sherah Oberman from Doylestown, Pa.
The Bedouin children cheered and shrieked with excitement as Soldiers passed out the donated items.
“We are very grateful,” said Ali Shallal, a young male camp resident. “These are all things that everyone here can use, especially the clothes and shoes for the smaller children.”
“The first time I came out here, it opened my point of view toward people who choose to live like they do,” said Rippey, a native of Baghdad, Ariz. “They survive off of what livestock they have and they don’t ask for much.”
Bedouin camps are spread throughout the Middle East. The Bedouins’ main mode of travel is by camel or on foot and they have few possessions, which makes traveling easier.
“We have everything we need here,” said Shallal. “But we appreciate and are thankful for everything that we’re given.”
