On another warm Iraq day members of the 16th Corps Support Group Community Action and Assessment Team travel to the Al Oweesat area, a small village near the group's are of operation.  Following up on several projects to assist the local community, soldiers of the 16th CSG Headquarters and 485th Corps Support Battalion visit residents and tribal leaders in their continuing efforts to improve the quality of life and community relations. 

    1st Lt. Tina Fonde, 16th CSG, serves as the team's project officer.  In this capacity she is responsible for meeting with the local sheiks to determine village needs and develop projects to meet those needs.  Once the projects are defined, Fonde coordinates the contracts and supervises payments.  Although being entrusted with such a large responsibility has its own professional rewards. Fonde said she enjoys interacting with the children the most.  "Interacting with the children and witnessing their excitement is providing me with many lasting memories.  Knowing that we are making a difference in their future is what this is all about.  The other day a little girl pointed to the American flag on my sleeve and said, 'America...good'.  It made me feel very thankful, patriotic and proud," said Fonde.