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August 17, 2004

Update on Steve-O

Two months ago, the story of Steve-O was published in the Wall Street Journal. Since then, a number of people have written letters on his behalf and his future is looking brighter. Fox News is running this as a lead story today:

FORT CARSON, Colo. ? Ever since the soldiers of the 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment returned home to Fort Carson (search) from their first tour in Iraq in May they've been working hard to bring back one of their comrades left behind ? an Iraqi boy nicknamed "Steve-O."

When Steve-O met the soldiers in December 2003 he offered them intelligence that helped them get enemy fighters ? including his own father ? off the street. But the teen?s decision to turn in his father and cooperate with Americans cost him dearly ? his mother was killed later as payback.

The U.S. soldiers were now all Steve-O had, and they vowed to bring him to safety in America, but their deployment was coming to an end.

Once back in Colorado the soldiers contacted the boy?s uncle asking him to sign paperwork allowing Steve-O to travel to America, but that is just one step in an arduous process that isn't over yet.

Pentagon officials say they are ?working with all the appropriate agencies to bring [Steve-O] here as soon as possible for medical assessment and treatment.?

In a few weeks Steve-O will be brought to America to treat an eye injury. The soldiers at Fort Carson have great hopes for his future, that he?ll be out of harms way and receive an education.

The soldiers have already set up a fund to help Steve-O begin a new life in America:

JH Iraqi Youth Trust 6660 Delmonico Drive Suite D #410 Colorado Springs, CO 80919

Getting him to the U.S. is a big first step. I'm keeping my fingers crossed for him.

Posted by Deb at August 17, 2004 12:38 PM

Comments

Good news. Keeping my fingers crossed, too.

Posted by: Sharon at August 17, 2004 05:16 PM

How do I get in touch with the guys who are helping Steve-O?

Posted by: Rose Nelson at August 26, 2004 07:31 AM

We sent a contribution to help Steve-O. Does the Iraqi Youth Trust help other Iraqi youth...or could you email another organization that helps them?

Thanks.

Posted by: Peggie Fox at September 13, 2004 01:25 PM

Any news since Steve-O is here in the states, did he get the permanent resident in the states?

Posted by: Patti at September 26, 2004 07:45 AM

I think this is an excellent idea. I will put a check in the mail in the morning. I will look for more news on this young man.

Posted by: Ms. Betty Thomas at September 26, 2004 11:06 AM

How about an update on this young boy?

Posted by: Betty Thomas at December 7, 2004 12:46 PM