TAJI, Iraq, March 1, 2006 — Iraqi soldiers from 1st Mechanized Brigade, 9th Iraqi Army Division, along with U.S. soldiers from elements of 1st Battalion, 66th Armor Regiment and 4th Support Battalion, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, conducted a combined operation to provide much needed medical care to a local Iraqi Sunni community north of Baghdad, Feb. 23.
"We consider this a wonderful day. We did this with the help of our American friends. The people are saying how respectable we are. The people are inviting us to their homes for lunch. The soldiers are pleased to provide humanitarian help to the people."
Iraqi Sgt. Maj. Abdul-Kadhum Turkey
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“The Iraqi army soldiers said they made more money today than they have in weeks and months with the people,” said U.S. Army Lt. Col. Charles Payne, senior advisor, 1st Mechanized Brigade, 9th Iraqi Army Division, using a figure of speech to describe how the mission provided the Iraqi soldiers the opportunity to interact with local Iraqis. “They were able to get a lot of feedback from the Iraqi people.” Approximately 85 local civilians showed up for free medical treatment. They formed a single line and were ushered forward to the waiting medical personnel. Two medical professionals saw the customers with the support of several medics. “I treated a number of osteroarthritis, upper-respiratory and ear infections,” said U.S. Army Dr. (Capt.) Edward Barnes, the 1st Battalion, 66th Armor Regiment surgeon. “We treated sun-sensitivity irritation, joint issues and various other things,” said U.S. Army 1st Lt. Salbata Mansaray, a physician’s assistant from Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 4th Support Battalion. “I’m very grateful to come out today,” said Rammy, an interpreter with 1st Mechanized Brigade, 9th Iraqi Army Division. “I delayed my vacation to come out to help support this operation. It’s enjoyable for me (to help the Iraqi people).”
After the medical personnel set up the litters in an open field, a convoy of humvees rolled up and down the roadways of the village announcing the event over a loud speaker using Rammy’s taped invitation. Excited villagers walked to the site of the community health outreach program, where medical personnel remained busy seeing patients for several hours.
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