Iraqi & U.S. Troops Connect Through Tennis

[wackychick]

BAGHDAD, May 19, 2008 – U.S. military volunteers brought a bit of joy into the lives of Iraqi children as they introduced them to a little-known sport at an Iraqi army base in western Baghdad, May 17.

The volunteers brought tennis equipment for the children, bringing joy not only the young players, but also to the Iraqi and coalition servicemembers involved.

Ernie Rains, community coordinator for the Central Alabama Tennis ***ociation, said he thought donating tennis equipment to Iraqi children might soften a harsh lifestyle. His gift was realized through the coordinating efforts of Air Force Chaplain (Maj.) William O'Sullivan, a Multinational Corps Iraq Joint Operations Center chaplain, who’s also his friend and a fellow CATAC member.

"The idea Ernie thought up would enable us to connect with the local populace -- the folks who are distracted by the war," said O'Sullivan, 46, from Tampa, Fla., who serves in Baghdad.

Before teaching the sport to the children, the U.S. servicemembers volunteered their time to teach Iraqi soldiers, who welcomed the chance to learn the game and interact with their coalition counterparts.

"It was a good way for coalition forces to interact with Iraqis in a more casual environment," said Marine 1st Lt. Jessamy J. Buban, 25, from Black Diamond, Wash.

Iraqi soldiers usually don’t have time for recreational activities, and when they do engage in sports, they usually play soccer or volleyball.

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