Laurel Soldier Helps Iraqi Girl Scouts

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By Gillette Vaira

Story Published: Jul 24, 2011 at 5:59 PM MDT

Story Updated: Jul 25, 2011 at 1:05 PM MDT

LAUREL - Montana Army National Guard soldier, Jade Wisecup, left her husband and three children at home in Laurel during her nine-month deployment to Iraq, where she served as a computer information specialist and as a Girl Scout troop leader.

Wisecup said preparing activities for Iraqi Girl Scouts took her mind off of being homesick for her family.

"It made me feel like I was with my girls, but my girls weren't there."

She and other service members met with youngsters once a week on her military base in Baghdad.

"They loved every minute of it. You would walk in and you would have five girls run up to you, give you the biggest hugs," she said, "They would drag themselves behind you. You would be carrying kids after kids around."

They made crafts and played games, but the reality of their surroundings still loomed.

"The war still goes on. You still get bombed. You still get attacked. And you try to keep these kids confident enough to know that we're there for a good reason. We're there to help, and then try to keep them safe, and try to give them something to look forward to," Wisecup said, "Through it all, the Scout program did that. It gave them hope that it's going to be better."

Wisecup said she believes in helping kids build skills and confidence through Girl Scouts, but she hopes more came of their volunteer work with the Iraqis.

"Some people you're never going to change their minds. But for every child that we made a difference on, that hate will be less. And with their word of mouth with telling people, 'The Americans helped me; the Americans were fun,' hopefully that changes another person's mind."

Wisecup is now spending time with family back at home, where she serves as her daughter's troop leader. She has served with the Montana Army National Guard since 1999.

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Paco said on Tuesday, Jul 26 at 9:31 AM

ahh my JadeBug you did great job there!! Those kiddos loved you!!!

ishtar said on Sunday, Jul 24 at 11:40 PM

Yes, invaders are nice, occupiers are good. You need them kids. They might have killed your father or mother but they are fun to play with.

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