Coalition And Iraqi Army Staff Coordinate Efforts
Forward Operating Base Kalsu, Iraq
More than five hundred villagers and Iraqi natives were treated near Khidr, Iraq on Tuesday. There was a joint U.S. Coalition effort along with Iraqi Army medics and medical personnel that came together for the mission.
“We come here to help and assist the Iraqi Army, and the villagers realize that its not just talk, that we really do wish to help them out,” said Lieutenant Colonel Timothy Newsome. Colonel Newsom is Commander of 3rd Battalion, 7th Infantry Regiment, and 3rd Infantry Division. Many of the villagers being treated were able to receive treatment that they would not otherwise have been able to get.
“We are seeing mostly flu and cold symptoms, but we are treating whatever issue or medical problems that are being presented to us,” Said Sergeant First Class Monty Raisate. Sgt. Raisate is the Platoon Medical Sergeant of Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 3-7th Infantry Regiment. “We did also see several examples of chronic diseases,” said Sgt. Raisate.
The village and region had an earlier medical facility but it was totally destroyed by Al-Qaeda. Since then many of the villagers and citizens have been unable to find healthcare anywhere. A real lack of drinkable water has made many diseases flourish. An Iraqi medic named Mohammed talked to villagers, explaining how to boil water first before drinking it. “It makes it safe and healthy for you to drink,” Mohammed told his fellow Iraqi’s.
Mohammed also talked to the children about how they should not play with plastic guns, because they look too much like real weapons. “I told them not to use these plastic toys, because it is too easy to be mistaken for real guns,” said Mohammed.
Villagers were also given humanitarian supply bags with food and waters, and what supplies were available. The mission was a success, and marks another incidence of positive Iraqi and Coalition medical cooperation in treating the Iraqi people.