For Local Soldier, Iraq Service Repays a Debt to the U.S.

WOAI - San Antonio ^ | 1/2/04 | Jim Forsyth

[Alissa]

When Kayla Gamarano leaves San Antonio today for one year's duty with an Army Surgical Hospital in Iraq, she will be fulfilling a vow she made to her family nearly forty years ago.

Gamarano, 45, is now a major and commands the Army nurse company with the 31st Combat Support Hospital. She left Brooke Army Medical Center today for a year's duty at a forward Army surgical facility near Baghdad. 48 other Army medical professionals are leaving today for a one year hitch.

But in April of 1965, she was a seven year old girl, living with her family in the capital of the Dominican Republic, when a Constitutionalist rebellion led to civil war. She recalls her family, who were associated with the opposition Loyalists and were in danger of being killed when President Johnson ordered U.S. troops into the country to restore order.

"I remember being stranded in some embassy for several days, and one day I saw this huge green plane with green soldiers coming out of it, and I remember asking my parents, 'mom, dad, who are those people? Are they good people or bad people? What country to they come from?' My parents told me, 'they're from the United States of America and they are good soldiers, they are going to help us out'."

She says the American soldiers ended the civil war and saved the lives of her and her family.

"I told my parents, that when I grew up, I was going to serve that country that helped us. And, basically, I achieved my dreams, and here I am serving the U.S. Army, the way I wanted it."

Gamarano says she hopes some young Iraqi boy or girl sees the U.S. Army helping them today, and makes the same commitment.

The unit will spend one year in support of Third Corps operations in Iraq, providing combat medical care, surgery, and rehabilitation, according to Col. David Malovay.

"With heavy hearts we leave, but we know that it is for the greater good," he said as members of the unit hugged spouses and children and boarded buses to begin their journey to Iraq.

"The conditions in Iraq are good for us to help out our boys and practice good medicine."

[Coop]

Nice story. Thanks for posting.

[beaversmom]

This story can't be true. America is evil I tell you. Evil! On a non sarcastic note, I wish we had more Americans, native and non-native, like this lady.

[McGavin999]

It's amazing the effect that the US has on the children. Just look at the faces of the Iraqi children if you want to know if what we are doing is good or not. Their faces just shine as they look at the soldiers who have removed the fear and death from their young lives.

As these children grow up, they will remember.

[Ragtime Cowgirl]

Thank you for this post.
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When Kayla Gamarano leaves San Antonio today for one year's duty with an Army Surgical Hospital in Iraq, she will be fulfilling a vow she made to her family nearly forty years ago.

....in April of 1965, she was a seven year old girl, living with her family in the capital of the Dominican Republic, when a Constitutionalist rebellion led to civil war...."

"...I remember asking my parents, 'mom, dad, who are those people? Are they good people or bad people? What country to they come from?' My parents told me, 'they're from the United States of America and they are good soldiers, they are going to help us out'."

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To America's Soldiers  

[Alamo-Girl]

Bump!

[winner3000]

(But in April of 1965, she was a seven year old...)

I remember being around that age and seeing Syrian tanks rumbling into Lebanon. I asked a similar question to my parents who told me the soldiers were here to help. I remember even then hoping that those tanks never get turned against us Lebanese.

The Syrian soldiers are still there after having turned those tanks against us. God bless the USA.

[JulieRNR21]

Wonderful story.....BUMP

[blackie]

For Local Soldier, Iraq Service Repays a Debt to the U.S ~ Bump!

[Ernest_at_the_Beach]

A terrific story!

[TEXOKIE]

Bump!

[beachn4fun]

Kudos to Gamarano. I love when others show their appreciation for the sacrifices of the American people!

[StarCMC]

GREAT STORY ping

[Calpernia]

Bump!

[maica]

An important story - and should have a few minutes of the interminable cable repetitious news. But it won't!

[Travis McGee]

I actually knew some of the Navy frogmen who were sent to the DomRep in 65!

[VOA]

She left Brooke Army Medical Center today for a year's duty at a forward Army surgical
facility near Baghdad. 48 other Army medical professionals are leaving
today for a one year hitch.

These folks can only make things better...the Iraqi healthcare for
the average Iraqi is in a wretched state after 3 decades of Saddam and Co.

[FreedomPoster]

>>The Syrian soldiers are still there after having turned those tanks against us. God bless the USA.

Hopefully, U.S. tanks won't be leaving the region before reducing the number of Syrian tanks and soldiers substantially. As well as reducing Syria's influence over Lebanon.

[radu]

BUMP!

[Kathy in Alaska]

More good news!