IA, MND-B Soldiers conduct medical operation

Blackanthem Military News, CAMP TAJI, Iraq, April 03, 2006 15:24

As security operations to protect the citizens of Tarmiya continue, members of the Tarmiya Qada (city council), the 1st Mechanized Brigade, 9th Iraqi Army Division and the Iraqi Police Service conducted a medical operation March 27, supported by elements of the 1st Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, and hosted by the Tarmiya medical clinic north of Baghdad.

The eight civilian Iraqi medical professionals from the Tarmiya medical clinic, along with two American military care providers from the 1st BCT, rendered medical care to 375 patients in a 3.5-hour period, while the Iraqi army and Iraqi police provided security for the event.

"Great things are happening here! This plan was put out in the Qada meeting," said Sheik Saeed Jassim Hameed Al-Mashadani, the Qada leader. "I have a good feeling (about the medical operation) today because the people get free medical attention."

"We have a good relationship with Coalition Forces," added Jassim.

Jassim said he has a good relationship with Lt. Col. Rocky Kmiciek, commander, 1st Battalion, 66th Armor Regiment, 1st BCT, and Col. James Pasquarette, commander, 1st BCT, and also works with Brig. Gen. Kassim (commander of 1st Mech. Bde., 9th IA Div.), he said.

"We saw many different ailments today," said Capt. Aixa Espinosa, a neurologist from Puerto Rico assigned to Company C, 4th Support Bn., 1st BCT.

The 1st BCT civil affairs team brought $4,000 worth of medical supplies and pharmaceuticals for the medical operation in addition to blankets for the families and toys for the children.

"The medical supplies were donated by different groups in the United States," said Maj. Herb Joliat, civil military operations officer, 1st BCT, who hails from Portland, Maine. "What supplies and medicine were not used during the medical operation, we donated to the Tarmiya medical clinic."

The local residents left the medical clinic happier than when they arrived. The combined medical team provided those under their care with the medicine they needed for their ailments, blankets for warmth and toys for children. For some, the visit provided them the strength to carry on, knowing that the security situation and living conditions in the community are continuously improving.

The Iraqi police also promoted a recruiting campaign during the event because there is a need for more police officers to conduct law enforcement duties in the city to maintain a safe and secure environment.

"The people are now happier with the security situation. What’s next is making the medical center bigger," Sheik Jassim continued. "We’ll add an operating room and a birthing room. We are also building roads in addition to other projects for the city."

By Maj. David Olson
1st BCT PAO, 4th Inf. Div.