On 14 Nov 2010, MAJ Kevin Conley of TF Wolverine from the 86th IBCT and
SSG Traci Uitdeflesch of TF Red Bull from the 2/34th IBCT, partnered
with Coach Steve Lee of Glasgow High School and the DE Track and Field Community
to purchase 200 pairs of running shoes for Afghan children ranging from ages 1 to 13 years old .
The shoes were distributed to Afghan children at the Egyptian Field Hospital
on Bagram Airfield. Along with the shoes, they distributed school books
and pens to the children.
Many of the Children who came through the line did not have any shoes at
all. These shoes will allow the children to run and play soccer,
volleyball, tag and other games that they would have otherwise played
barefoot on rock fields. The shoes had an extra significance, since the
Holiday of Eid is two days away. As a part of Eid, the Islamic people
present themselves clean and anew. Many of the children said they were
going to save the new shoes for Eid to wear with their new clothes.
MAJ Conley was able to get the shoes for $4.50 each from a distributer
in Kabul through the connections of a Local Afghan Vendor, Naeem, who
owns a Jewelry Shop on the Airfield. Naeem procured the shoes and had
then delivered to the hospital gate. Naeem also provided the school
books and pens for the children.
MAJ Conley and SSG Uitdeflesch partnered with the local Afghan Guards to
personally fit each of the shoes to the children's feet. The children
were so anxious to get the shoes they didn't care if they fit. The
experience for the Afghan girls to interact with another woman who is
educated, employed, and a member of the military was invaluable.
With the donation from the DTXC Invite, 100 pairs of shoes were able to be purchased but apparently 200 mothers showed up at the hospital. Maj. Conley immediately ran out and purchased 100 more shoes! Each child in the hospital line received a pair of shoes!
