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From left: Jim Fagin, representing Sen. Ben Nelson’s office, Michael Bradle, co-chairman of the Iraqi International Foundation, local Boy Scout Cameron Billingsley, Sandra Gunselman, Ph.D., and Congressman Lee Terry attend the Oct. 15 press conference. |
“Their support has helped to make the Iraqi Scouting Initiative a success,” said Sandra Gunselman, Ph.D., a research assistant professor in the School of Allied Health at UNMC and National Community Coordinator for the Iraqi International Foundation (IIF).
“We raised over $6,000 and collected 100 items of donated camping equipment as part of “doing a good turn” during the Fall Encounter on Oct. 16 and 17,” Dr. Gunselman said. “Omaha is extremely generous, as are the people at UNMC who contributed more than $270 to Operation Pocket Change.”
All donations will be sent directly to Iraq to help rebuild the Iraqi Scouting program that was once mismanaged and outlawed by Saddam Hussein.
The initiative to revive scouting in Iraq began in August 2003 by members of the military stationed in Iraq and Texas businessman and Eagle Scout, Michael Bradle, co-chairman of the IIF.
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“Scouting is alive in Iraq today because of your generous time, donations and commitment,” said Michael Bradle, at an Oct. 15 press conference at Ironwood Country Club in Omaha.
Along with thanking the community for its support, Bradle said that the Mid-America Council of the Boy Scouts of America has done more than any other council to help move scouting forward in Iraq. “The selfless acts of kindness by your local scouts demonstrates that scouting principles are well at work in your community and council,” he said.
Congressman Lee Terry, R-Neb., Jim Fagin, a representative from Sen. Ben Nelson’s office and Omaha Mayor Mike Fahey also attended the press conference to show their support for the IIF.
“I congratulate and thank the Iraqi International Foundation for this effort in Iraq,” said Mayor Fahey. “It is a very important and worthwhile effort for the children of Iraq.”
The fact that so many people were willing to give their time and energy to support the Iraqi Scouting Initiative is indicative of the American spirit, Dr. Gunselman said.
“There are a lot of people to thank,” she said. “Especially my department head, Mary Haven and colleague, Sam Sanderson, who supported me wholeheartedly in my efforts to coordinate this event.”
Dr. Sanderson said supporting Dr. Gunselman in her role with the IIF and the Iraqi Scouting Initiative is reflective of Chancellor Maurer’s strategic plan for community outreach.
“By coordinating efforts locally for the IIF, Dr. Gunselman brought together hundreds of scouters and scout leaders in a unified effort to reach a common goal,” he said. “This is a wonderful testament of community service, which is a critical part of the mission of the medical center.”