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U.S. Special Operations Forces provide medical assistance and treatment to Sagrah locals
By Air Force Tech. Sgt. M. Erick Reynolds
Dec 8, 2007 - 11:38:02 AM
A member of the Iraqi Police Department in Sagrah and several others help a man get to a clinic Nov. 26 where a combined medical engagement took place. More than 100 Iraqi men, women and children were helped during the visit.
SAGRAH, Iraq - On a cool Nov. 26 morning in western Iraq, a U.S. Special Operation Forces team and an Iraqi doctor rolled across rough desert roads through Anbar Providence to provide medical care for more than 100 Iraqis.
With security improving throughout Iraq, the doctor agreed to join the SOF team and visit the village of Sagrah in order to provide free medical care.
"A year ago this would not have been possible," the doctor explained. "Due to the level of violence, it was too dangerous for civilians; especially local and civic leaders such as doctors, to work with the Coalition Forces."
According to local leaders the danger was evident throughout Iraq, including the village of Sagrah, until Iraqi and Coalition Forces moved in.
"It was dangerous, very dangerous here not that long ago," explained a local Sagrah leader. "Before the Iraqi Police and Coalition Forces came here, we never had a doctor to help us. We are very grateful that the good doctor was able to come and help our village."
The leader went on to say that without the security provided by both Iraqi and Coalition Forces he felt the village would never have been able to receive the help.
One Iraqi woman explained how excited she was in the effort Coalition Forces took to help everyone, including the women of the town. "We are so happy that the military brought women [servicemembers] to help because now everyone can get the help they need, including the women," she said.
Female servicemembers who accompanied the SOF team helped with everything from talking and relaxing women patients to searching and providing security for them.
"The women seemed very grateful that I was at the security check point," said a female sailor. "I believe several of the women would have not come if they were to be searched by one of the men."
According to the SOF team commander, both those who received help and those who gave help expressed satisfaction with the medical assist visit.
"The Sagrah combined medical engagement was a great success," said the SOF team commander. "The immediate medical needs of the Iraqi people were met and they were addressed by both Iraqi and U.S. personnel."
ADDITIONAL PHOTOS:
A member of a U.S. Special Forces team pumps a soccer ball for two Iraqi children during a combined medical engagement in Sagrah Nov. 26. The visit helped more than 100 local citizens.
An Iraqi doctor and a U.S. Special Forces member talk with an Iraqi woman who was too sick to attend the combined medical engagement in Sagrah. After hearing about the woman the decision to make a house call was made and arrangements for a needed surgery were made.
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