July 4, 2008

U.S. Army Private Comforts Motherless Iraqi Girl


19 year-old US Army PFC Rachel Winner, 4th Squadron, 6th Air Cavalry Regiment, with a sleeping 4 year-old motherless Iraqi girl.The girl was one of the children attending a pediatric clinic on the base, which for that event was turned into a fairground for the children to enjoy. Photo credit: SPC Jocelyn Egleton

In her own words: There were so many things running through my mind at the time of this photo. She was sleeping so I wanted to make sure she was comfortable. I was worried about what the future held for her. I just wanted to make her happy even if it was only for one day. She is four years old and to my understanding, she lost her mom. By the end of the day, she was following me around and calling me, “Mamma.” I still think about her to this day. I never thought someone so young could have such a huge impact on my life. I am a 19 year-old PFC with no children. I will one day be a mother. I am also looking at adoption from a third world country.

5 comments:

Unknown said...

Outstanding Picture! Outstanding Soldier! Thank You for sharing your experience, and being such a wonderful role model to us all.

-Latisha Torres
From Brooklyn NY

vega bond said...

Its an incredible thing. Its a true quality of a good soldier.To protect people from every kind of problem. To help the helpless in any condition.

Stephen said...

I have one to say about this. Rachel is my friend the soldier in this picture. I have grown up with her and she was always there for me. She is my best friend is the whole world and ill always have her back and one more thing thank you to all the soldiers who risk your lives so we can live our lives god bless you all

kifayat said...

im from first time say she is beautiful girl with beautiful heart god bless her kifayat bhatti

Anonymous said...

i love this story. Army Soldiers are some of the most kind hearted people on earth. i wish you could have been her mama! :) good on you for wanting to adopt from a country that is losing a high percentage of their adults, leaving parentless children!