By Army Sgt. 1st Class Michael Pintagro
Task Force Spartan Public Affairs
FORWARD OPERATING BASE GARDEZ, Afghanistan – Hope and charity assumed the form of a new orphanage dedicated to caring for needy children in Gardez and adjacent areas of Paktya Province during a ribbon-cutting ceremony held Dec. 3 at the new facility.
“This part of our society needs our attention and sympathy,” Gov. Rahmatullah Rahmat, province governor, told the audience. “It is our Islamic and humanitarian duty to take care of these children. We are Muslim, and orphans have rights in our religion.”
The Islamic prophet Mohammad, the governor noted, “said peace be upon anyone who helps orphans. He held his fingers together, which meant anyone who helped the orphans would be this close to me in heaven.” Rahmat praised the efforts of the military personnel, aid agencies and nongovernmental organizations funding and supporting the construction effort.
Key leaders from the Gardez Provincial Reconstruction Team, the 3rd Brigade Special Troops Battalion, Task Force Spartan, and representatives of aid organizations joined the governor of Paktya Province, local officials, Afghan National Policemen and city elders for the event.
“This new orphanage is a great facility for the people of Paktya Province,” said Air Force Lt. Col. Tracey Meck, the commander of the Gardez Provincial Reconstruction Team. “It demonstrates your dedication to the less fortunate members of your communities. Charity is one of the pillars of Islam, and through this idea Muslims around the world set a tremendous example for the rest of the world to follow.”
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(Photo: Gardez children await their turn to receive winter clothing, school supplies, toys and stuffed animals Dec. 3 at the new Gardez orphanage. Civil Affairs specialists from the Gardez Provincial Reconstruction Team distributed the humanitarian aid items in conjunction with the opening of the facility. (Photo by Air Force Tech Sgt. Jason Pierce, Gardez PRT))
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