News
2-15 FA Soldiers treat Iraqi citizens
Capt. Damon Dudihy, C Company, 210th BSB, examines a young Iraqi boy at a medical operation in the Al-Jazir neighborhood of Mahmudiyah, Iraq, Dec. 25. The operation, orchestrated by A Company, 2nd Battalion, 15th FA Rgt., provided medical care to residents of Al-Jazir and neighboring village Al-Rakub. Photo by Spec. Chris McCann
FORWARD OPERATING BASE MAHMUDIYAH, Iraq - Soldiers of 2nd Battalion, 15th Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (LI), and Iraqi soldiers of 4th Brigade, 6th Iraqi Army Division, conducted two medical operations in Mahmudiyah and Al-Rakub, Iraq, Dec. 25.
Al-Rakub is a primarily Sunni village just outside Mahmudiyah, and the Al-Jazir neighborhood of Mahmudiyah is largely populated by Shia Muslims.
Sgt. Maj. Hassan, a medic with 4/6 IA, explained to people gathered at each clinic that Col. Muhsin, new commander of 2nd Battalion, 4/6 IA, is planning to create some changes in the local area.
"We are planning to do these kinds of operations regularly," Hassan said. "If you want good government, we need to work together. We need your help. The Americans want to help everybody and you must trust the Iraqi Army to help make a new Iraq."
Muhsin specifically wanted to hold clinics in both Sunni and Shia areas to emphasize that the Iraqi Army does not choose sides.
About 150 people came to the clinic in Al-Rakub, bringing their children and the elderly. In all, 2-15 FA Soldiers and Hassan treated 70 local residents.
"The majority of what we're seeing are common illnesses," said Capt. Russ Ritter, commander of C Company, 210th Brigade Support Battalion, 2nd BCT. "Mostly it's upper respiratory infections and coughs."
Iraqi medics were very active in the operation, Ritter said.
"One of the great things is that the Iraqi medics are taking the lead," said Ritter. "It's a very good thing to see."
Two doctors, Capt. Damon Cudihy of C Company, 210th BSB, and 1st Lt. Seth Holland of Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, 2-15 FA, provided care to the people. They were assisted by Pfc. Lisa Dueker, also with C Company, 210th BSB, and Staff Sgt. Dustin Parchey, a medic with HHB, 2-15 FA.
"People were very enthusiastic and receptive toward the MEDOP," Ritter said.
Al-Jazir resident Heleh Nayif was treated at the neighborhood clinic.
"I am glad that the Americans came to help us," she said. "I was very happy to find you guys here. The doctors treated my rheumatism, thank God."
Hassanan, another Al-Jazir resident, had a persistent infection in his leg and received treatment.
"I appreciate it. Thank you very much," said Hassanan, who brought his sister to the clinic as well. "I tried to take her to the hospital the other day, but it was closed, so I brought her here."
In Al-Jazir, 300 people came to the clinic and 151 were treated.
Capt. Matthew Wyatt, who serves as 2nd BCT medical officer, was enthusiastic about the operation.
"We were very well received here," he said. "We're getting an idea of what people need. We can figure out what things to bring to future operations, and make sure that the battalions get the right things."
Getting the Iraqi army involved is critical, Wyatt added.
"As we continue to get more Iraqi doctors involved, it will help build trust in the local population."
Dueker, looking tired after a full day of treating everything from coughs to serious burns, still remained upbeat.
"The best part was the children," she said. "We were treating a lot of upper respiratory infections, but that goes along with the season. Usually I'm at Camp Striker, working in the troop medical center, so it was really cool to do something different. I love it."
The day chosen for the operation was not without significance, said Capt. Blake Keil, A Company, 2-15 FA commander.
"It was a good way to celebrate Christmas," he said. "We were giving, helping the less fortunate."