The books were donated in September

months of transport on the road and at sea. The textbooks, which were

replaced by newer versions in Fulton, were sent to help the country rebuild

its educational system. While many school buildings are in good physical

shape, there are few materials available for teaching. And although the

textbooks are written in English, many Iraqi children are learning the

language and learn through the books' pictures and graphics.

Lt. Col. Ralph Sliwicki from

the 101st Airborne Division, which is on assignment inNorthern Iraq, delivered

a truckload of books to Mosul University. The university will oversee

distribution to the local schools.

"It is amazing how happy

the university staff was to receive these books," Lt. Col. Sliwicki

said in an email to Interim Superintendent Mike Vanairsdale. "I hope

your holidays are full of happy moments [such as these]."

The donation has a personal

connection for the Superintendent. Prior to his career inFultonCounty,

Vanairsdale served 26 years in the U.S. Army, retiring at the rank of

Lieutenant Colonel. He performed two tours with the 101st Airborne Division

and mentored several young officers, includingLt. Col. Sliwicki. When

Vanairsdale received an emailed plea for educational materials from his

former colleague, he enlisted the Board of Education's help and speedily

orchestrated the donation.

"It was important for

the school system to do the right thing � to help these children get access

to books and other instructional materials," Vanairsdale said. "This

was an opportunity to helpIraq rebuild its educational infrastructure

and to give these children exposure to information, ideas, and a culture

that they never before knew."