Embedded Reconstruction Team Gives Supplies To Iraqis
Camp Taji, Iraq
Iraqi Veterinarians care for the animals in Iraq, the same as veterinarians anywhere do. But their problems with finding materials and proper items to care for animals can be daunting.
Supply kits with necessary and much needed supplies were given to four Iraqi Vets recently during a training class held at the Taji Modular Governance Center.
Soldiers attached to the Embedded Provincial Reconstruction Team Baghdad Five provided supplies and training to Iraqi Veterinarians. The EPRT team, part of the 1st Brigade Combat Team works in Iraq along side members of the 492 Civil Affairs Battalion.
“We give them basic supplies and kits, and review how they are to be used,” said Army Major Kevin Wellington. Welllington is an Army Veterinarian with the 492nd Cab, part of Multinational Forces Division Baghdad.
“We as ERPT have identified that we have a lot of animal vets out of work,” said Wellington. “This program helps re-outfit them and get them back to work,” stated Wellington.
Each of the supply kits has test tubes, basic supplies for microscopes, instrument trays, hoof testers, nose leads, stomach tubes, blood sample testing supplies, and other basic veterinarian supplies.
A goal of the program is to help trained animals vets, get what they need and get back to work.
Colonel Harvey Fitzgerald addressed the class of Iraqi Vets: “ We are trying to help you make a good living for the animal rescue and animal health service which you will provide” Said Lt. Colonel Harvey Fitzgerald.
Fitzgerald is an Ag. Business advisor for EPRT.