12 year old Iraqi girl receives new prosthetics, on her way to realizing her dream
By Multi-National Security Transition Command - Iraq, Public Affairs Office, Phoenix Base
May 12, 2008 - 12:10:27 AM
Blackanthem Military News
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| Iraqi Army Capt. Osama, prosthetics technician, supervises fellow Iraqi colleagues as a plastic leg mold is made. The plastic is heated in a oven then stretched over the computer aided designed mold. (Photo by U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Andrew Davis) (RELEASED) |
BAGHDAD, Iraq - A 12-year old Iraqi girl received two new prosthetic legs May 9, as part of a Iraqi Minister of Defence program at the MOD Prosthetics Clinic located in the International Zone.
Shiad Abas Aziz from Baquba Province, along with her mother Wahida Jabar Mohamed traveled to the IZ with U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Luis Falcon, 4th Platoon, B Company, 1-38 Infantry, 4-2 Infantry Division squad leader, to get fitted to her new prosthetics.
Approximately six months ago, Shiad was walking home from school with her brother Ali, when an improvised explosive device detonated and severely injured both of them. Ali perished as a result of his injuries of the blast, but Shiad made a full recovery with little pain in her legs according to Iraqi doctors who treated her after the explosion.
About a month after the attack U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Luis Falcon stumbled upon Shiad while doing a dismounted patrol in her neighborhood. Falcon immediately established a bond with Shiad and continued to visit her daily bringing her toys and food for her family.
When Falcon asked what she wanted him to bring her she replied "all I want is legs to walk to school."
From that moment on Falcon did everything in his power to find a way to get her new legs. He stumbled upon the MOD prosthetics clinic and set up the visit to the clinic.
During the visit to the clinic Shiad was first measured for a mold and following hours of strenuous labor by the Iraqi Army officers who work in the clinic they were finally ready to be fitted.
Fitted with two new shoes Shiad took her first steps towards walking on her own. Assisted by Iraqi Army Capt. Osama, prosthetics technician, and Falcon she carefully made her way down a set of parallel bars one step at a time.
Shiad has many more appointments with the physical therapist to properly utilize her new legs and is well on her way to being able to walk by herself to school again.
ADDITIONAL PHOTOS:
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| Shiad Abas Aziz and U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Luis Falcon, 4th Platoon, B Company, 1-38 Infantry, 4th Brigade 2nd Infantry Division squad leader, look on as Shiad is giving instructions on how to properly care for her new legs. Shiad will have to come back to the clinic a few more times for physical therapy and also to make sure she can properly utilize the new prosthetics. (Photo By U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Andrew Davis) (RELEASED) |
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| Shiad Abas Aziz, walks confidently into the arms of U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Luis Falcon, 4th Platoon, B Company, 1-38 Infantry, 4th Brigade 2nd Infantry Davison squad leader, as she gives her new prosthetics an initial test. (Photo By U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Andrew Davis) (RELEASED) |
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| Under the watchful eye of her mother Wahida Jabar Mohamed, U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Luis Falcon, 4th Platoon, B Company, 1-38 Infantry, 4th Brigade 2nd Infantry Davison squad leader and Iraqi Army Capt. Osama, prosthetics technician, Shiad Abas Aziz gingerly tries on her new prosthetics prior to her initial walk. (Photo By U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Andrew Davis) (RELEASED) |
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