Oklahoma Soldier Makes A Difference With Barbie

An Oklahoma soldier gets help from her family in bringing joy to some Iraqi children.  News On 6 anchor Scott Thompson reports Sgt. Leigh Airey's official mission is to help the U.S. military negotiate leases with the Iraqi government.  But, the Stillwater native is getting credit for the unofficial mission she recently organized.     

Sgt. Leigh Airey doesn't speak Arabic, and the Iraqi girls don't speak English.  But, Sgt. Airey says all of them speak the international language of kid.  She says Barbies have helped her break the ice before.

"There was a family down by the river.  And, we would just visit them and sit outside with them, and they had four girls, too.  And, they were really shy and very standoffish, and when I asked what they liked to do after school, they said, that's when they mentioned that they like to come home from school and play with their Barbies," said Sgt. Leigh Airey.

That's what inspired Sergeant Airey to organize a party.  Her family sent special party bags filled with Barbie dolls and accessories.

"You know, we come over all the time and we bring them stuff, but I think this is something different or I hope they think it is, too," said Sgt. Leigh Airey.

The sergeant enlisted the help of some of her fellow soldiers.  She also received special permission from the general in charge, to actually dress like Barbie.  She's not sure which group had the most fun, the Iraqis or the Americans.

"You know, I don't know the impact it's going to have, but if anything, I mean, it was just one good day in a sea of many," said Sgt. Leigh Airey.

Sgt. Airey has a daughter and a younger sister, so she already knew how to relate to young children.  She and her fellow volunteers spent more than two hours with the family, enjoying pizza and playing with Barbies.