Funding a brighter future through micro-grants

Because of the micro-grant program, this school, along with local businesses, now has proper facilities to help improve security and resurrect the Iraqi economy.

At the al-Irshad primary school, the children's future is brighter and the parents notice.

"It's a big improvement when you talk to the adults that have aspirations for their children to become better and bring home more money with their education," said Klingel. "I see the kids getting smarter and learning because the parents know it's a safe place to send their kids."

Independence troops conduct frequent patrols through Falahat to continually asses the progress of businesses that received the $2,000 grants to see if they are using the money properly. From the 30-day assessment to the 90-day assessment, Staff Sgt. Brian O'Donnell, a senior cavalry scout from Fannettsburg, Pa. said that about 60 percent of the 20 businesses that were given micro-grants in their area have been using them successfully.

"I think they want to show improvement and they don't want to let us down," added 1st Lt. Reed Preece, a troop platoon leader. "For those who took the project seriously and spent the money for their businesses, it was successful."