Sheppard supports Operation Iraqi Kids Published Feb. 22, 2007 By John Ingle 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- A teddy bear here or new school supplies there for most children in the U.S. is commonplace. It's not hard to come across new clothes or books either. But for children in the war-torn country of Iraq, these miniscule items here are treasures for years to come. That's why a collective group of people from the 80th Flying Training Wing and 82nd Civil Engineer Squadron came together to provide the simplest of things to Iraqi children with Operation Iraqi Kids. Master Sgt. John Myers, the first sergeant at the 80th FTW, and Senior Airman Robert Lopez Jr. of the 82nd CES teamed up to ship off boxes of goods Feb. 22 for awaiting children in Iraq. Airman Lopez said he deployed to Iraq from Sheppard. He said he volunteered to participate in the initiative to give back to the Iraqi communities he served. He contacted 82nd CES leadership and requested that items be sent over to send off with U.S. Army Soldiers as they went into neighborhoods. "They said the kids were ecstatic," Airman Lopez said. "These kids wear the same clothes (all the time)." Sergeant Myers was the first sergeant of the 82nd CES and helped with the initial movement. When he took on the same role at the 80th FTW, he took the initiative with him. Shortly after the collections began, Sergeant Myers contacted the Wichita Falls Wildcats, the local junior hockey team, and inquired about collecting teddy bears during a Teddy Bear Toss in December. Team management agreed to let members of the 80th FTW slide out onto the ice during an intermission and collect stuffed animals thrown out by fans. Some donations were removed out of respect for various religions and cultures, Sergeant Myers said. Those who missed the opportunity to participate in Operation Iraqi Kids won't have to wait too long to make a donation. Airman 1st Class Andrew Carr of the 82nd CES is working to set up a collection point inside the mini mall.