budanski
12-24-2003, 02:42 PM
'True' picture of Iraq: People there love us
By Theresa Katalinas
nj.com (http://www.nj.com/news/gloucester/index.ssf?/base/news-1/1072163786317130.xml)
GREENWICH TWP. -- U.S. Army reservist Demetrius Payne gave third and fourth-graders a true picture of Iraqi life during a visit to Greenwich Township School on Monday morning.
Wearing camouflage and dusty boots, Captain Payne said the mission to rebuild the country's schools, power plants and governing bodies is moving forward as planned.
"There's so much good stuff goin' on, but (the media's) not capturing it," said the raspy-voiced soldier. "It's an experience of a lifetime to give these people the chance to live and have the freedoms we have."
The West Deptford Township resident left his job with the Gloucester County Sheriff's Department 10 months ago to aid military efforts in Iraq.
But Payne said Iraqis are grateful for soldiers' help and often express their thanks with flowers.
"They're happy for us to be there," Payne said. "When we first came into the country we were treated like rock stars."
Home on leave through the end of the week, the 1986 Kingsway High School graduate and 1991 Glassboro State College alum hopes to be home for good sometime this spring.
Payne's 9-year-old nephew, Seth Eckrich, a township fourth-grader, was the driving force behind his uncle's visit to the school auditorium.
"I'm excited," Seth said shyly upon being reunited with Payne.
The clean-shaven soldier described for the children the most amazing thing he saw in Iraq, one of Baghdad's 112 palaces.
"It was as big as two of these schools," Payne said outstretching his arms to answer one of many questions from the eager students. "It looks like a whole county."
Fourth-grader Amanda Sykes, 10, said she was surprised to hear the Iraqis were happy to have American soldiers in their country. Still, she said, the duty must be difficult.
"It must be hard for him to be in Iraq with no family around, just friends," Amanda said sympathetically.
In his spare time, Payne said he keeps busy with football, Playstation and e-mailing his family.
Though he had little to complain about, he did say the food could be better.
"When you're 8,000 miles from home, you really don't realize how much you take for granted," Payne said. "If you're hungry, you'll try anything. As long as there's salt and pepper and garlic, guys, anything tastes good."
By Theresa Katalinas
nj.com (http://www.nj.com/news/gloucester/index.ssf?/base/news-1/1072163786317130.xml)
GREENWICH TWP. -- U.S. Army reservist Demetrius Payne gave third and fourth-graders a true picture of Iraqi life during a visit to Greenwich Township School on Monday morning.
Wearing camouflage and dusty boots, Captain Payne said the mission to rebuild the country's schools, power plants and governing bodies is moving forward as planned.
"There's so much good stuff goin' on, but (the media's) not capturing it," said the raspy-voiced soldier. "It's an experience of a lifetime to give these people the chance to live and have the freedoms we have."
The West Deptford Township resident left his job with the Gloucester County Sheriff's Department 10 months ago to aid military efforts in Iraq.
But Payne said Iraqis are grateful for soldiers' help and often express their thanks with flowers.
"They're happy for us to be there," Payne said. "When we first came into the country we were treated like rock stars."
Home on leave through the end of the week, the 1986 Kingsway High School graduate and 1991 Glassboro State College alum hopes to be home for good sometime this spring.
Payne's 9-year-old nephew, Seth Eckrich, a township fourth-grader, was the driving force behind his uncle's visit to the school auditorium.
"I'm excited," Seth said shyly upon being reunited with Payne.
The clean-shaven soldier described for the children the most amazing thing he saw in Iraq, one of Baghdad's 112 palaces.
"It was as big as two of these schools," Payne said outstretching his arms to answer one of many questions from the eager students. "It looks like a whole county."
Fourth-grader Amanda Sykes, 10, said she was surprised to hear the Iraqis were happy to have American soldiers in their country. Still, she said, the duty must be difficult.
"It must be hard for him to be in Iraq with no family around, just friends," Amanda said sympathetically.
In his spare time, Payne said he keeps busy with football, Playstation and e-mailing his family.
Though he had little to complain about, he did say the food could be better.
"When you're 8,000 miles from home, you really don't realize how much you take for granted," Payne said. "If you're hungry, you'll try anything. As long as there's salt and pepper and garlic, guys, anything tastes good."