Posted on 06/09/2009 6:01:54 PM PDT by SandRat
Dr. Abdul Abbas examines the throat of a young Iraqi girl during a medical expo at Hor al-Bosh, near Taji, June 7. Photo by Capt. Maggie White, 56th Stryker Brigade Combat Team.
TAJI — Thanks to the combined efforts of Pennsylvania National Guardsmen, the Iraqi Army (IA), and concerned citizens, villagers here were recently given access to medical care in an area where local clinics are not accessible.
U.S. Soldiers helped support this joint medical expo at the al-Sadir secondary school in the rural area of Hor al-Bosh, June 7, where local citizens were able to see doctors and nurses, and obtain necessary medications.
Shaykh Mohammed Ibrahim donated hundreds of doses of antibiotics, vaccinations, and other medications. He worked with the U.S. Soldiers and their IA counterparts to set up the event where families could seek medical treatment in a safe environment.
"Lots of these people have no money," Ibrahim said, "With this mission they are feeling that someone cares about the people; that the Coalition forces, along with the Iraqi Army, are for their best interests."
Two Iraqi doctors, a nurse, an Army physician's assistant and medic treated 147 people from the area. Many parents brought their children to receive antibiotics, ointments, and immunizations. Soldiers handed out makeshift wheelchairs along with donated toys, art supplies, and clothing sent from relatives back in the United States wishing to help out.
"This mission is to show our thanks and support our people," said Dr. Kamin Salah, a general practitioner who donated his time to the expo.
Many families said they did not have the means to see a doctor on a regular basis. They waited in line to receive medication that they might not otherwise be able to receive.
"I'm glad to see children benefit from the medication," said Staff Sgt. Eric Klemm, a senior medic with 1st Battalion, 112th Infantry Regiment. "For lots of these kids this is their only chance to see a doctor, and I'm glad we can help facilitate that."
The Iraqi doctors and nurse took the lead in the expo, with the U.S. medics in a mentoring role; only stepping in to ask questions and listen to the advice the doctors gave.
"This medical expo is a good example of the IA and the U.S. military working together toward a common goal," said 1st Lt. Joshua Fox. "We all want to improve the quality of life for the Iraqi people."
(By Capt. Maggie White, 56th Stryker Brigade Combat Team)
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