A group of airmen deployed in Iraq hope to share some aloha with Iraqi children in the form of soccer balls.

The "Rising Four," an organization of junior airmen assigned to an area north of Baghdad , is asking for donations of new or gently used soccer balls to distribute in the areas they visit.

Hawai'i Air National Guard Master Sgt. William Chang, who is helping to spearhead the project, said many children in Iraq live amid extreme poverty and violence.

"Looking at the lifestyle that most of us Americans have had growing up and comparing that to the lifestyle of the children here is beyond belief," said Chang via e-mail from Iraq. "What a lot of Americans take for granted would make a world of difference to those who go without day in and day out."

Soccer is an extremely popular sport in Iraq. It's a pastime that often overcomes barriers of language and nationality in the war-torn country.

"Playing soccer can give these children lasting memories of joy and laughter," said Chang, who has played since he was 7 years old. "You never know how far the sport of soccer might take some of these keiki; they could have their version of Natasha Kai or Brian Ching out there."

Chang, a Makakilo resident and graduate of Pearl City High School, also hopes that the soccer balls will help the children associate the U.S. presence in Iraq with something positive as troops begin to withdraw.

"We just want to make an impression on these children that the U.S. soldiers are here to help them," he said.

The project, dubbed "Operation Soccer Ball," aims to collect and distribute as many balls as possible over the next few months. Balls can be deflated for easier shipping.

"Hopefully, we can send some of the great aloha spirit of Hawai'i to the children of Iraq," he said. "A big mahalo to the people of Hawai'i for all their support and prayers for all the soldiers that are away from home."