Beyond the call of duty.

Soldiers from the 185th Aviation Unit, based in Jackson, are doing more in Iraq than maneuvering helicopters and fulfilling protocols. In addition to their army duties, they are also conducting a humanitarian mission to help elementary school children by providing them with school supplies, food, and toiletries.

The families of these soldiers have formed a "Family Readiness Group" (FRG) and have made the 185th Unit's mission their own. In an effort to support their soldiers and the children of Iraq, the group is collecting books, toys, coloring books, crayons, used backpacks, stickers, food items, and much more as part of an "Open Hearts Mission."

Members of the family group say they see this project as a way to help both the people in Iraq and their loved ones. Being away from home for extended periods of time is difficult for the soldiers, and the group hopes that their efforts will help the soldiers as much as it does the children.

"While touching these children in a direct way, my dream is that each of our soldiers will be uplifted by simply doing something out of love," says Kim Dubuisson, Open Hearts Mission chair. "This, to me, creates an emotional balance for our soldiers and is important to their safety and emotional strength."

There are 100 soldiers in the 185th unit, and members of FRG have mothers, fathers, sons, sisters, brothers, sons, daughters, and even a grandparent in Iraq. Many of the soldiers have been deployed in Iraq for more than 18 months.

The group encourages all Mississippians to participate in the Open Hearts Mission. The organization is now accepting donations for a second mailing later this summer. The public is invited to participate by giving items or through a monetary donation. For additional information, call 601/208-6568.