Kay Bailey Hutchison: “One of the biggest successes in Iraq in the past month has been the first day of school for millions of Iraqi children.…”

“One of the biggest successes in Iraq in the past month has been the first day of school for millions of Iraqi children. America's service men and women worked with local partners to refurbish the schools that were destroyed under Saddam Hussein's regime so these children could experience the freedom that comes with learning. One example of this progress involves soldiers from the 1st Armored Division's 1st Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment, who did an immense amount to improve the quality of life for Iraqi children. Led by Squadron Commander LTC Charles Williams, the soldiers focused their efforts on 25 schools around the rim of Baghdad. The schools had been neglected by the former regime. They were in a sad state when 1AD forces arrived in Baghdad several months ago. The desks were in pieces. The blackboards were broken. There were no doors on the rooms and there were no ceiling fans. There was very poor lighting or no lighting at all. The squadron took charge. Their engineers came forward. American contractors and local Iraqi contractors worked together to repair the schools. Over the past few months the schools underwent a dramatic change: Walls were painted. Electrical wiring and plumbing were fixed. Glass was replaced. Security bars were installed in windows and school supplies were issued.”