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Capt. Jonathan Powers with children and caretakers at the Adhamiya Orphanage in Baghdad, Jan. 2004.
Since returning from combat in Iraq, my life has taken many strange and unexpected turns as a result of my experiences in Baghdad. Earlier this year, I was able to meet the Vietnam Veterans of America Foundation and we have worked together to develop War Kids Relief to assist the children who I saw as the most innocent victims of this war.
I was blessed to have NBC follow with interest as this organization became a reality. It was obviously a unique experience to work closely with correspondent Kevin Tibbles and producer Roxanne Garcia as cameras captured my story. During an interview in Buffalo, unbeknownst to me, my parents sat in the background and listened to my conversation with Kevin. This was the first time since I began these efforts that my mom truly understood why I was returning to Iraq, a country that had caused both her and my family unbelievable anguish as they awaited word from me every time a bomb exploded in Baghdad.
While the piece was developing, I made my return to Baghdad and, ironically enough, met another NBC producer, Paul Nassar, waiting in line at the Baghdad International Airport. He and I discussed what we had been doing in Iraq and when I mentioned my work with orphans he responded about a NBC Nightly News piece he had contributed to in Baghdad over the last five weeks. Some of the pictures of Iraqi children you'll see tonight he shot there with a crew. That conversation led to a small adventure of sorts as he and I worked our way out of Baghdad and into Amman, Jordan. We keep in contact and hope to meet up again in Baghdad in the near future.
In tonight's broadcast, NBC Nightly News gives me a wonderful platform to officially launch War Kids Relief in partnership with the Vietnam Veterans of America Foundation. Our goal is to help the most innocent victims of war -- children. Please support our efforts.
Editor's note: Jonathan Powers, a former Army captain who served in Baghdad for more than a year, is the subject of tonight's "Making a Difference" series on the broadcast. He filed this post at our request.
Jonathan Powers makes a difference
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Mr Powers- I was so moved by your dedication to children. I too have dedicated my life to children as a pediatrician. I am a person who is known for getting impossible things done with the help of God and a very persistent personality. I do not know how much I can do right now, but please ask. My mission right now is to raise 2 healthy children but when they no longer need me, I plan to do as much as I can to help children any way I can. Maybe if we teach the worlds' children that we all love and need love we can prevent further suffering. Call or write anytime.
Natalie Drummond Chicago,IL (Sent Nov 16, 2005 9:36:12 PM)
Jonathan, when we see pain and suffering, we are compelled to fing something more important than ourselves. You were able to see that in the orphans in Iraq. Blessings to you and yours for making this world a better place. I pray that you will be able to get the funding necessary to carry out this gargantuan task. This endeavor is the finest way to express your gratitude for all that we have. It is also says, "We are AMERICANS!"
Dr. Jack Franke, Monterey, Ca (Sent Nov 16, 2005 9:09:19 PM)
Dear Jonathan I am a member of Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 962 in Columbus County N.C. I too can relate to the innocence of children caught in the ravages of war. I served as a marine in Vietnam in 1969-1970. I will discuss your plan at our next meeting and see what we can do to help from our chapter. God will smile down upon you and say " Job well done". God bless you.
Eddie Hammonds, Chadbourn, N.C. (Sent Nov 16, 2005 9:00:17 PM)
As a Viet Nam Veteran I give Mr. Powers a ton of credit. After returning home I had and still have no desire to return for any reason. It's great there are people like Mr. Powers, and there have been many over the years, that want to return and help those who are most affected, that being the kids, the future of thier country. I'm proud the Viet Nam Veterans of America have stepped up to help.
Dave Waldron, Apache Junction, AZ (Sent Nov 16, 2005 8:23:43 PM)
Quote: "If I can go back there and I can make a positive influence on the country that I helped partially destroy, then maybe I can sort of regain the whole reason I went," he says.
To help the people of a country you helped liberate as well, and create this opportunity that you now are a driving part of. It must be a very proud feeling to know these children will have hope again, access to an education, and ultimately a fledgeling democratic society that they can be a part of shaping in the years to come. I myself could not serve, but I have great respect and reverance for our heroic military, and the individuals who would build schools, hospitals, and infrastructure in a place that hope had almost abandoned.
Alex B, Colorado (Sent Nov 16, 2005 8:17:10 PM)
We were gratified to learn of the good that is being done by Jonathon Powers for the children in Iraq. It was refreshing to hear some positive news for a change instead of the usual gloom and doom. Our grandson just returned from Iraq and we know that a lot of the good being done there is never reported. God bless Jonathon in all that he is doing to bring hope to the children. As Americans we are sure proud of Jonathon Powers.
Ray & Rosemarie Versaci, Barrington, NJ (Sent Nov 16, 2005 8:13:02 PM)
This was a wonderful story and it warmed my heart to see how Jonathan is helping the homeless children in that war torn area. One gentleman in the piece mentioned,(and I'm paraphrasing) If we don't do something to help these children, we will be letting a whole generation of children grow up hating us more for leaving them without family and have a whole new group of terrorist to deal with! But taking care of these children is also the right thing to do and I'm proud to say this young man is from the United States!
Luci B Hersey (Sent Nov 16, 2005 7:54:02 PM)
Jon Powers is a true inspiration. Not only does he serve his country honorably as a solider, but now he works tirelessly to aid those most affected by, and least able to deal with, the horrors of war. What’s more, his efforts will no doubt further protect this country and our soldiers from attack by creating goodwill among the next generation of Iraq’s citizens and leaders. Here’s hoping you succeed in you current mission. I have a feeling this won't be the last we hear of Jon Powers.
Tom Goslin, Lakewood, Ohio (Sent Nov 16, 2005 7:32:45 PM)
I am a soldier who served in Iraq and I was deeply changed at what I had seen. To see kids running around with no clothes coming from out of no where just yanks at the deepest part of your heart. These kids are happy to have us there and to see thier smiles just warms your heart.
I want to return to Iraq and help Mr. Powers as well because these children need people that can love them and show them a differant life other than guns and war.
Spc Douglas Barber Smiths Station Al (Sent Nov 16, 2005 7:31:12 PM)
I want to help with this project. I am a single mom with three boys , but I also am an Arts and Crafts Teacher. My Children want to help with this idea.. Please let us know if there is anything we can help with... My center is so proud to see others that want to do something for the most innocents of this world... MAY GOD BLESS THOSE WHO GIVE WITHOUT THE GRACE OF RETURN!!!!
Miss LIsa A Cicchetto, Weirton, WV (Sent Nov 16, 2005 7:29:32 PM)
Thank you NBC News for show some of the many, many, good people in America. You are making a differance.
Joe Waldrop, Ecru, MS (Sent Nov 16, 2005 7:20:29 PM)
THe piece about Jonathan Powers really touched me; a soldier who would give back to a country that he once fought in. It is good that the poverty levels in Irag has opened the eyes of Jonathan and its good to know that he is helping out childrem who were victims in a war. IF only we had more people like Jonathan, this world would have been a better place to live in for everyone.
Cythi Hassan (Sent Nov 16, 2005 7:19:37 PM)
Jon,
As your brother, I have never felt more pride for the turns your life have taken. I always knew you'd return from Iraq to do wonderful things for this world.
Patrick Powers, Buffalo, NY (Sent Nov 16, 2005 7:17:50 PM)
I was excited to see your Wednesday night news coverage of Jon Powers. My college reading classes had recently read about the fact that bad news draws big audiences and "Good news is unexciting." When I saw this piece of news and the fact that Brian Williams stated there is "not enough good news", I logged on to the article about Jon Powers and plan to share the article with my classes. Many thanks, Maunie Sgobbo -Cherry Hill, NJ
Maunie Sgobbo Cherry Hill, NJ 08034 (Sent Nov 16, 2005 7:16:45 PM)
As I was watching the news tonight it really touched me about Captain John Powers,it really touched a place in my heart,as a mother and a friend to alot of our military,I would lkike to get intouch with Captain Powers to see what I could do to help,I do alot of volunteer work and would like to donate whatever I could to help him out with the children.God has truely Blessed this country with wonderful men and women to protect us,it's the least that I can do to help.God Bless You and your work,God Bless this Country and the Men and Women in our Military.
Debbie Callicott , Pensacola,Florida (Sent Nov 16, 2005 7:12:07 PM)
Many prayers and thoughts go out to you John Powers.
Leah Esslinger, New Hampshire (Sent Nov 16, 2005 7:11:10 PM)
After watching this piece of Nightly News on Captain Powers I am inspired and grateful that he is making a difference in our world. He is a person of great character who is helping out the children of Iraq, the children who need it most. Thank you Captain Powers for the difference you are making in the lives of these children. Thank you for representing our country, you make me very proud to be an American. :)
Amy Wheaton, Brooklyn, MI (Sent Nov 16, 2005 7:08:38 PM)
Powers said, "If I can go back there and I can make a positive influence on the country that I helped partially destroy, then maybe I can sort of regain the whole reason I went".
I can't even imagine the amount of guilt these boys will carry with them for the rest of their lives, especially after learning that the reasons they were sent to destroy the homes and create orphans of these children were not even factual. What a burden to carry - God bless soldiers like Powers who are determined to make a difference under such tragic circumstances.
Becky Stalwart, Elkhart, IN (Sent Nov 16, 2005 7:08:33 PM)
Please provide information concerning supporting this work to support the kids. I think that if more Americans support the people our reputation will improve. Penny
Penny Pierson Gate City VA (Sent Nov 16, 2005 7:06:57 PM)
After reading the piece by Jonathan Powers I felt relief. Relief knowing that there are those in our armed services that care deeply about the world and the innocents in it, and realize that their mission is about more than just the war itself. I felt Relief in knowing that there are whole networks of people in our country dedicated to helping those who cannot help themselves. Finally, I felt great pride to be an American in such honorable company as Mr. Powers. May your efforts be met with great success.
Leah Harb, Vancouver Washington (Sent Nov 16, 2005 4:10:54 PM)
IT'S SO VERY PLEASING TO ME TO FIND OUT THAT THERE ARE PEOPLE OUT THERE WHO HAVEN'T FORGOT THEIR HUMANITY. BY THIS I MEAN THERE ARE PEOPLE WHO DON'T BLAME THE CHILDREN. THESE ARE INNOCENT BABIES WHO HAVE NOTHING TO DO WITH THE POLICIES OF THEIR COUNTRIES. TO ME THIS IS WHAT BEING AN AMERICAN IS ALL ABOUT. ITS PEOPLE LIKE THESE WHO MAKE ME PROUD TO SAY THAT I AM AN AMERICAN. KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK AND MAY GOD BLESS YOU IN ALL THAT YOU DO
BEVERLY ROBINSON (Sent Nov 16, 2005 1:51:28 PM)
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