Iowa soldiers collect supplies for Iraqi children

A group of Iowa soldiers serving in Iraq is collecting school supplies for children in Iraq. Chuck Larson of Cedar Rapids is a lawyer — a Judge Advocate General — for the 372nd Engineering group. The soldiers call their project “Operation Iraqi Hope.” Larson says “the Iraqi children are beautiful, bright-eyed, and energetic, willing and ready to learn, but sadly they lack even the basic essentials, such as pencils and paper.” Larson says Iowans and folks around the country have sent over 300 packages of school supplies for “Operation Iraqi Hope.” If you’re interested in donating, send the supplies to Major Chuck Larson, 372nd Engineering Group, LSA Anaconda, APO AE 09391.