Spc. Joseph Urlacher, who serves with the 836th Engineer Company, examines a boy's bleeding foot cut by a piece of glass on Thunder Road in Al Firdaw. Photo by Spc. Charles Wenske.
BAGHDAD — While on patrol to Camp Victory, a crew member observed a small group of children in the Al Firdaw district gathered along the roadside around a small boy who appeared wounded and in pain Sept. 26, 2008.
The patrol stopped and a close examination revealed the boy had jagged cuts from a piece of glass.
“I noticed a knot of children gathered around a small boy who was writhing on the ground holding his foot up in the air,” said Sgt. Kevin Creasy, squad leader, who was in the lead patrol truck, 926th Engineer Brigade, Multi-National Division – Baghdad.
The Soldiers stopped for a closer look and quickly noticed a young boy’s foot covered in blood.
“I called the platoon leader about the situation we observed and recommended that we help out and have our medic examine the boy’s foot,” said Creasy.
“I heard the little boy had a bloody foot and grabbed the medic bag not knowing what to expect,” recalled Spc. Joseph Urlacher, the platoon’s medic. “On examination the boy did not look like he was in a great deal of pain, but his excessive bleeding was a concern. I got a bottle of water and some antiseptic and began to clean and examine the wound. After cleansing the wounds made by broken glass, I bandaged the foot, secured the bandage and put his sandal back on.”
The boy, a familiar sight on the route, said he was running alongside a convoy on Thunder Road in Al Firdaw when he stepped on broken glass.
With a smile and a wave, the boy shouted, “Shukran” (Thanks) as the patrol resumed its route.
“I am glad I could help that boy,” said Urlacher. “I hope when he grows up he will remember the day some American soldiers helped him out. American helping Iraqis – that’s what this is all about. “
BAGHDAD — While on patrol to Camp Victory, a crew member observed a small group of children in the Al Firdaw district gathered along the roadside around a small boy who appeared wounded and in pain Sept. 26, 2008.
The patrol stopped and a close examination revealed the boy had jagged cuts from a piece of glass.
“I noticed a knot of children gathered around a small boy who was writhing on the ground holding his foot up in the air,” said Sgt. Kevin Creasy, squad leader, who was in the lead patrol truck, 926th Engineer Brigade, Multi-National Division – Baghdad.
The Soldiers stopped for a closer look and quickly noticed a young boy’s foot covered in blood.
“I called the platoon leader about the situation we observed and recommended that we help out and have our medic examine the boy’s foot,” said Creasy.
“I heard the little boy had a bloody foot and grabbed the medic bag not knowing what to expect,” recalled Spc. Joseph Urlacher, the platoon’s medic. “On examination the boy did not look like he was in a great deal of pain, but his excessive bleeding was a concern. I got a bottle of water and some antiseptic and began to clean and examine the wound. After cleansing the wounds made by broken glass, I bandaged the foot, secured the bandage and put his sandal back on.”
The boy, a familiar sight on the route, said he was running alongside a convoy on Thunder Road in Al Firdaw when he stepped on broken glass.
With a smile and a wave, the boy shouted, “Shukran” (Thanks) as the patrol resumed its route.
“I am glad I could help that boy,” said Urlacher. “I hope when he grows up he will remember the day some American soldiers helped him out. American helping Iraqis – that’s what this is all about. “